Ashley Williams staying calm after Wales are held by Israel in Cardiff

06 September 2015 18:46

Defender Ashley Williams remained relaxed, despite Wales' 0-0 draw with Israel seeing them fall just short of ensuring their qualification for Euro 2016 with two games to spare.

Wales needed a victory at Cardiff's City Stadium to book their place at a major tournament for the first time since 1958, but were unable to break down Israel, although the Dragons remained top of Group B.

"I think we pushed and pushed and they obviously came for a draw. They made it very difficult for us but it's another point." Wales captain Williams told Sky Sports 1.

"We didn't lose the game. We wanted to get it done and dusted today. We haven't done that but by no means are we going to go away today disappointed. It's been a positive week, four points. We kick on.

"We still have two games to go and it's still on us. We're still top of the group so there's no panic. We just keep the momentum going into the next two games."

Wales defeated Cyprus 1-0 in Nicosia on Friday before Sunday's goalless draw.

Wales manager Chris Coleman admitted his frustration following the draw, but said would have taken the points his side banked ahead if they had been put on offer.

"A f rustrating day for us. It was a big compliment that Israel paid to us," he said.

"Over the camp, two games - Cyprus away and Israel at home - that's four points for us and it's still very much in our hands so teams like Israel and Belgium have to do better work to try and catch us.

"A five hour flight to Cyprus, a tough game and a five hour flight back then two days later we're playing Israel. That's taken its toll. If you had offered us four points - it's four points closer to where we need to be. We've done a lot of good work.

"It's a point closer and if Israel had beaten us tonight it's a different ball game. The Belgians and Cyprus are going to play so let's see what comes out of that."

Source: PA