So it was all about Bale and what he could do again to make the difference for Wales in their showdown against Belgium. The Beast Mode did his thing and was that single-minded threat that I love him for. But he wasn't the best player on the night for Wales, that went to Nwankwo Kanu's namesake who not only scored one of the goals of the tournament but had a very good game.
When he scored that scoffed winner, people congratulated him for it, but just thought it was a lucky strike. In subsequent games, he hasn't lit up the pitch, and looked like a player not yet deserving of a club. But if ever there was a time to show up, then a quarter-final in the European Championship was the perfect stage.
Robson-Kanu had a great game as the lone striker. Against a defence that was questionable, he took his chance and not only held the ball up well, hustled but managed to give Wales some bite in attack, linking with Ramsey and Bale whilst also giving the Belgians problems off his own back.
That goal though, was a thing of pure footballing beauty. The control, the patience to wait till the defenders were around him and the turn that took them totally out of the game, and the calmness of mind to put his left foot through the ball and place it in the corner past Courtois; perfection. That crystallized a man-of-the-match performance and now, this man surely will get several offers in the summer.
I'm not yet sold yet on Robson-Kanu being a great striker, or even a great footballer. That doesn't matter though. It's about picking your moments and delivering. No matter how good you are, all that will be remembered is what you do on the biggest stage when the lights are brightest and the pressure-cooker ir racked up to eleven.
It's just great that this hasn't all been about Bale and the ten strangers on for the ride. The team is becoming more prominent and key players are also getting a chance in the spotlight. Robson-Kanu is now another name alongside Beast Mode, Williams, Ramsey and Allen as far as their key players go. But this game should not be an anomaly and there's still more work to do and he will need to be even better when they go up against Portugal. HH
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