Wales stars hit by family tragedy just days before crucial 1-1 draw with USA in World Cup opener

TWO Wales stars were hit by family bereavements in the build up to their World Cup opener with USA on Monday.

Fulham’s Neco Williams revealed after the match that he had been told the night before the game that his grandfather had passed away.

GettyWilliams’ grandfather passed away the night before Wales’ group stage opener[/caption]

Roberts’ grandad died last week a day before he flew to QatarGetty

And hours later his fellow full-back Connor Roberts posted on social media his own grandad had died last week – a day before he was due to fly to Qatar.

Wales got the result they wanted as a second half penalty from skipper Gareth Bale gave them a 1-1 draw.

Williams wrote late on Monday night: “Yesterday was the toughest news I’ve had to face – and that was listening to my mum tell me my grandad passed away last night.

“To go from crying all day to start in a World Cup game was extremely tough but I got through it from the support of my team-mates and family.”

The former Liverpool defender was filmed looking to the skies after the final whistle and had tears in his eyes.

Hours later, Burnley defender Roberts took to Instagram to reveal his own sad news.

He wrote: “To represent my country at a World Cup was incredible and something that can never be taken away from me. From Crynant to Qatar I have loved every minute.

“On Tuesday morning before we flew I got the news that my Dadcu (grandad) had passed away.

Most read in Football

TRAGIC DEATH

ITV Technical Director behind World Cup coverage Roger Pearce dies in Qatar

KANE PAIN

England fears as Kane spotted limping with ankle strapped after knock vs Iran

JACK OF HEARTS

Heartwarming moment Grealish keeps promise to young fan after goal vs Iran

BEEB GLITCH

Lineker forced to apologise to England fans live on BBC after technical issue

SIX-Y FOOTBALL

Follow all the reaction after England run riot and Grealish slots in SIXTH

FOOTIE TRAGEDY

Swiss football mourns as former star, 27, dies after jumping from building

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP AND WIN A SHARE OF £50k

“The achievement was for him and I hope I made him and all my family proud.”

The former Swansea defender played the full game in Al Rayyan while William was replaced by Brennan Johnson on 79 minutes.

Roberts – who hails from Crynant, near Neath, later posted a photo of himself walking out at the game in Qatar alongside a pic of him with his grandad – with a heart emoji joining the two.

GettyBale scored Wales’ equaliser against USA[/caption]