Neco Williams has opened up about the lingering heartbreak of missing the World Cup, revealing he still replays the penalty miss that ended Wales' dream of reaching the United States this summer. The Nottingham Forest defender, who has won 55 caps for his country, admitted the disappointment remains raw months after that agonizing play-off semi-final defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Wales were just four minutes away from victory in Cardiff when Edin Dzeko cancelled out Dan James' stunning opener, forcing extra time and eventually penalties. Williams stepped up but saw his effort saved, compounding the agony after teammate Brennan Johnson had also missed. The shootout loss denied Wales a second consecutive World Cup appearance and left the squad devastated.
"The most disappointing thing is I feel if we had got there, we would have given it a real go," Williams reflected, echoing a sentiment that this Welsh generation missed a golden opportunity to make a deep tournament run. He acknowledged the shared pain with supporters: "We know what the fans are feeling because we are exactly the same."
Now, attention turns to the immediate future with friendlies against Ghana on Tuesday at Cardiff City Stadium and Romania later this week. These matches mark the first steps in moving on, though manager Craig Bellamy's plans have been disrupted by injuries: Harry Wilson and Ben Cabango are ruled out, while Connor Roberts and Ben Davies return to bolster the squad.
Williams praised Bellamy's transformative effect since taking charge, stressing that the team is still adapting to his high-octane style. "Since he’s come in, he’s changed so much," he said, adding that the upcoming Nations League campaign against Portugal, Denmark and Norway will provide a stern examination of their progress.
The ultimate prize, however, is a home European Championship in 2028. Wales co-hosts the tournament alongside England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, and Williams admitted picturing walking out at the Principality Stadium is a huge motivator. "Two years will fly by," he said. "Those are the moments you want in football."
At club level, Williams has been a rare bright spot for Nottingham Forest in a turbulent season that saw four managers and ultimately a narrow escape from relegation. His consistent performances earned him the club's Player of the Year award, but he conceded it was frustrating to miss out on the Europa League final after a semi-final defeat to Aston Villa.
Such form has not gone unnoticed. Aston Villa, Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle are reportedly monitoring Williams, who has three years left on his current deal but has opened talks over a new contract. For now, he remains focused on the present: "I’ve got representatives to sort that stuff out. I’m just enjoying my football."
Meanwhile, Ghana's squad for the World Cup includes a familiar Premier League face in Thomas Partey, as the Black Stars prepare for their own tournament in the Americas. The friendly against Wales offers both sides a valuable test, with Ghana using it as part of their World Cup warm-up and Wales looking to rebuild.
For Williams and Wales, the road to redemption starts now. The sting of missing the World Cup may never fully fade, but with Bellamy at the helm and the tantalizing prospect of a home Euros on the horizon, the defender believes better days are ahead. "This is the reality – the fans have got to stick with us and the good times will come," he insisted. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
