Road to the World Cup: The Boys of 58 

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Wales in the World Cup

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Wales in the World Cup: Road to the World Cup: The Boys of '58

Sport: Football

Road to the World Cup: The Boys of '58

BBC Radio Wales - Wales in the World Cup, Road to the World Cup: The Boys of '58

Ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, Robert Earnshaw tells the story of Wales’ 1958 campaign.

Former Wales international Robert Earnshaw uncovers the story of Wales’ 1958 World Cup campaign in Sweden, the last time Wales played in the finals of the tournament.

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

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