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Wales in the World Cup

Road to the World Cup: The Boys of '58

Duration: 28 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Radio Wales FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio Wales Extra

Available for years

Former Wales international Robert Earnshaw, who played 59 times for his country, uncovers the story of Wales’ 1958 World Cup campaign in Sweden - the last time Wales played in the finals of the tournament.

We hear regularly throughout the programme from Cliff Jones and his wife Joan, as well as Terry Medwin and his wife Joyce. Cliff and Terry are the only two Welsh players who played in the tournament who are still alive today. Robert also chats to football broadcaster Rob Phillips and sports writer Ewan Flynn, in order to gain a greater perspective and context to the story.

Terry Medwin and Cliff Jones share a host of remarkable anecdotes and fascinating insights from the 1958 tournament. We hear about Wales’ disorganised preparations, their fears over the legendary John Charles’ availability, and their experience of playing against a 17-year-old Pele.

As the years have passed, the legacy of the 1958 team and their run to the quarter-finals has grown in importance. Robert Earnshaw, Rob Phillips and Wales supporter Rebecca Timms share their memories of seeing their team agonisingly miss out on reaching the World Cup on numerous occasions, and their excitement ahead of the 2022 tournament.

Producer: George Hodkinson

A 7digital production for BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds Show less

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