Exactly what odds would you have got on Wales going away to Sweden at Under 21 level and Bulgaria at senior level with under-strength sides and winning both of them? I wish I had backed it as Wales pulled off a fantastic double.
SWEDEN 3 WALES 4 (Under 21)
Last night, the Under 21's fought back from a down and out 3-1 deficit to grab a shock and thrilling 4-3 victory in Sweden. With many Under 21's upgraded t the senior side, it was Premiership Wigan's David Cotterill - whom Tosh seems to be overlooking for whatever reason - who emerged the leader and hero.
City's bright propect Aaron Ramsey, only recently turned 16, was called up late and got 30 minutes of glory coming on as sub and being part of that fightback.
BULGARIA 0 WALES 1 (seniors)
24 hours later to tonight and a highly unfancied Welsh side with Giggs retired and players like Bellamy, Ginge, Robinson, Fletcher and Koumas all pulling out at the weekend and the boys responded again with a terrific 1-0 victory against an in-from Bulgarian side aiming to impress a new boss in 85 to 90 degree heat.
There were several heroes with young keeper Wayne Hennessey once again outstanding in goal (he was man of the match), skipper Danny Gabbidon was superb as were Nyatanga, Gareth Bale and Simon Davies but the headlines will go to debutant Freddy Eastwood who scored a stunning goal bang on half-time.
Toshack's tactics were there to be shot down - midfielder Joe Ledley playing in defence behind defender Gareth Bale in midfield and a lone striker - but he will have the last laugh tonight.
From a City viewpoint, you had to feel sorry for Earnie - on the bench with some harsh words from Tosh and then a thankless 30 minutes on his own up front with minimal support - and for Chris Gunter too as he was called up to the senior side but despuite plenty of changes, he turned out to be one of only a couple of subs not used. Joe Ledley played 1st half and acquitted himself very well.
BBC reports here:
Sweden U21 3 Wales U21 4 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/6955612.stm
Bulgaria 0 Wales 1
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6954235.stm
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