Wales and Liverpool wonderkid Ben Woodburn thrilled after sublime debut strike for his country: 'I definitely won't sleep, that's one thing'

  • Liverpool wonderkid Ben Woodburn made his mark on the international stage 
  • The youngster came on for Wales to make his debut against Austria and scored 
  • Woodburn's wonder strike was the difference as Wales won the qualifying clash 

Wales' goal-scoring debutant Ben Woodburn was 'over the moon' after handing last year's European Championship semi-finalists a vital 1-0 win at home to Austria.

The hosts had to wait until 16 minutes from time to finally breach the Austrian defence and it was the 17-year-old substitute who fired in a wonderful strike to boost their chances of qualifying for next year's World Cup in Russia from Group D.

The Liverpool forward was introduced as a substitute just five minutes before he picked up a loose header 20 yards from the Austria goal to curl an effort into the bottom corner and send the Wales fans into delirium.

Liverpool starlet Ben Woodburn announced himself on the international stage with a rocket

Liverpool starlet Ben Woodburn announced himself on the international stage with a rocket

He said: 'I just took it down and tried to shoot and luckily it went in so yeah, I'm over the moon. It is a great feeling. I definitely won't sleep tonight, that's one thing.'


Aaron Ramsey spurned two good chances in the first half before his powerful half-volley was blocked from 12 yards out at the start of the second half.

Wales continued to dictate possession without causing major problems for Austria apart from a long-range effort from Gareth Bale that stung the hands of visiting goalkeeper Heinz Lindner before Woodburn's goal changed the dynamics.

Wales were unlucky not to extend their lead with Bale going close with a spectacular scissor-kick while Hal Robson-Kanu hit the outside of the post in the final moments of the match.

The youngster buried the sublime long-distance effort on his first Wales senior appearance

The youngster buried the sublime long-distance effort on his first Wales senior appearance

Woodburn admitted he will struggle to get to sleep after such a dream international debut

Woodburn admitted he will struggle to get to sleep after such a dream international debut

'It was a make-or-break game today and we have had it in the past and we have stood up to the challenge and the most important thing was the three points today,' Bale said.

'We always speak about the performance but tonight was just great determination. In the first half, we were a little bit off the pace and we had a good chat at half time and just calmed it down.'

On the goalscorer, Bale said: 'The manager has always said it is a squad game and he's come and a what a great debut, I'm so happy for him.' 

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