Matty Jones | Administrative error caused “unnecessary disruption and noise” as Wales under 21’s fell to a devastating 2-1 defeat to the Czech Republic
An own goal from Matt Baker and a second half strike from Vaclav Sejk put the visitors on their way to victory before Cymru centre-half, Luca Hoole, scored a bittersweet late consolation goal.
Matty Jones’ young dragons will now have to wait four days to discover their fate with their hopes of European qualification in the hands of Lithuania when they face Czech Republic on Tuesday night.
“It is really tough to reflect I think after a performance full of grit and determination that started so well in terms of quality shown in the first twenty-five to thirty minutes.
“But listen the boys have shown character as they have right through the campaign. I think everyone wrote us off and I don’t think anyone expected anything from this group in terms of us being fourth seed.
“To overachieve is an understatement in terms of the success we’ve had and thats down to the players and the quality that we’ve had to work with.”
The reactions of the players at full-time showed just how devastating this loss was to this Welsh squad with Jones also highlighting his emotions following the game.
“The togetherness we’ve brought as a group is one of many positives. But the players won’t want to hear that right now and my emotions are really fragile as well. It has been a lot of hard work for two years and to see it come to an end like that is disappointing.
“Teams like Czech Republic consistently qualify for major tournaments. We’ve spoken about that, what it looks like and we need to know how it feels and we need to find a way.”
The game was clouded in controversy with news breaking before the game that multiple Welsh players were ineligible from the squad due to an administrative error. The error saw Cardiff starlet Rubin Colwill and Blackburn’s on-loan Liverpool defender Owen Beck missing out.
“Ultimately as much as we can reflect on that and there will be a vigorous review to get to the bottom of it and. that it doesn’t happen again but at the same time it has caused unnecessary disruption and noise.
“Inevitably it was on the back of my mind and it was certainly on the back of my players’ minds. Of course, everyone wants a Rubin Colwill and an Owen Beck at home with you in the team but luckily for them they’ve had opportunities in the first team.”
“We have shown that we’ve managed without them in the past and it was never a major concern of mine. But the way that it came about was disappointing.”
“We stick together now. It’s about responsibility and accountability now. We see it as a we problem as opposed to pointing fingers and creating a blame culture and that’s the best way to manage this situation.”
All eyes will now be on the Czech Republic on Tuesday night as a draw or a loss against Lithuania will still secure Wales a qualification play-off spot.
