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Media rages as Leeds United star Joe Rodon 'failed' on Wales duty, 'disastrous'
Wales faced a “disastrous” result on 18 November as they drew 1-1 with Armenia in a hammer blow to their European Championship qualification, with Leeds United star Joe Rodon at fault for the opening goal.
Rodon couldn’t clear the ball from a corner which resulted directly in Wales’ opponents taking the lead after just five minutes in a terrible start.
The defender did, however, atone for his mistake with the part he played in their equalising goal, but the damage had been done as Wales failed to claw their way back to three points.
In the Daily Mail’s match report, it was shared that the Leeds man failed to clear the ball in a nightmare start: “Wales had the worst possible start when Joe Rodon failed to head a corner clear, allowing Zelarayan to gather and despatch a low drive from the edge of the area beyond Danny Ward.”
Wales Online, meanwhile, rated Rodon’s performance at a steady 6/10, writing: “Was one of a couple of players at fault for Armenia’s opener. Grew into the game as it went on and made some solid interventions. Obviously played his part in the goal too.”
The Telegraph detailed Rodon’s role in the opening goal, sharing: “Danny Ward hesitated before Joe Rodon’s poor header looped towards Zelarayan, who shifted the ball onto his right foot and found the bottom corner with unerring accuracy.”
As the first goal went in, TNT Sports wrote on their live blog: “Wales fail to clear the danger and Lucas Zelarayan swivels to thump a blistering hit into the corner of the net from the edge of the box. Disastrous start for the visitors.”
A shocking result
Wales’ 1-1 draw has made things significantly harder in their attempts to push for Euro 2024 qualification, as even if they can win their final two group games, they will be powerless to their fate if Croatia also win their games, and could find themselves in the playoffs again.
Rodon played his part in the result, with his poor headed clearance direct from a corner leading to his side falling a goal behind earlier than anybody would have expected, and forced to chase the game for 85 minutes in an attempt to overturn the scoreline.
It will be a shame for the Leeds man who has been so reliable in a White shirt so far this season, with his international appearances not bringing such success as those at Elland Road, but the key will be to not let his head drop.
He will continue to play a key part both for Leeds and for Wales and his club push for promotion and Wales cling to their hope of qualification for another major tournament after their disappointing World Cup campaign in 2022 which saw them drop out in the group stage.
In other Leeds United news, a BBC journalist has hit out after what one player did.