Job done, but little else to celebrate

Mar 27 2008 by Simon Kendal-Williams, South Wales Echo

How Wales rated

Lewis Price 6
A more stark contrast compared to 45 minutes in a Derby County shirt is hard to imagine. Almost caught out early on, but otherwise a spectator.

Neal Eardley 7
Enjoyed plenty of space and time on the flank yet failed to deliver a really telling cross. Defensively sound and a useful back-up for Toshack when other players return.

Lewin Nyatanga 7
An old head on young shoulders, the 19-year-old almost opened the scoring in the first half. Talked Williams through his debut and plenty more yet to come.

Craig Morgan 6
As industrious as we’ve come to expect, and, in all honesty, the Oldham defender probably couldn’t see much difference between Luxembourg and most weekends in League Two.

Ashley Williams 7
Tested early on and came through unscathed, and was well-placed near the end to clear a rare attack. Would have benefited hugely from the whole four days.

Sam Ricketts 7
Was given the freedom of the Grand Duchy in the first half and was heavily involved in most Wales attacks. Has crept up to 27 caps to become one of Toshack’s dependables.

Simon Davies (c) 7
Seldom conceded possession. His burst down the wing and cross for Eastwood’s second goal was the highlight of the second half.

Carl Fletcher 7
Put himself about, providing constant cover in front of such a young defence. It’s not unkind to say Fletch is the brawn to Koumas’ and Davies’ brains.

Jason Koumas 7
Did incredibly well to keep his cool under some heavy challenges. Tried almost too hard at times, but a real menace to the home defence.

Freddy Eastwood 8
The perfect way to answer your critics and a club manager who clearly doesn’t rate you. Was heading for another frustrating day at the office until his first goal, and visibly grew from that point.

Jermaine Easter 7
The Plymouth Argyle frontman was a real livewire, chasing down and looking to make runs at every opportunity. Did his chances of featuring in the next two friendlies no harm whatsoever.

Wales: B Myhill (for Price 46), R Duffy (for Eardley 64), OT Jones (for Easter 46), D Nardiello (for Koumas 83), D Cotterill (for Fletcher 78). Subs not used: S Roberts, B Stock.

Luxembourg: J Joubert; B Lang (Lang 65), K Kintziger, E Hoffman, J Wagner; A Leweck, J Strasser, L Gerson (Lukic 89), A Joachim (Kitenge 53); S Remy, M Mutsch. Subs not used: M Oberweis (gk), J Bigard, R Peters, D Collette, C Ferriera, C Stoller.

And what about the referee...
Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Efficient enough, but offered Koumas little protection, though did let the Wigan midfielder off a late lunge borne of frustration.