You wait decades for Wales to play in a World Cup and then they just play two finals in one day.

It took 64 years for the country’s men’s team to make its second appearance on the global football stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

But now Wales’ experienced players have gone even further, reaching the final of the over-75s tournament, where they narrowly lost to England on penalties. They later faced a team called Freddyfund, representing the USA, in the over-70s final.

As if that wasn’t enough, the teams played on home soil as Cardiff hosted the Veterans World Cup.

The event, which also included teams from Australia, Norway, Germany and Denmark, took place over four days on the pitches of Cardiff University in the Llanrumney district of the Welsh capital.

“None of us ever thought we would represent Wales and here we are, over 70 years old, doing it,” said 75-year-old Welsh captain Mark Entwistle as the tournament began.

The Wales men’s national football team has only qualified for two World Cup finals, in 1958 and 2022.

In 1958 they reached the quarter-finals but lost to Brazil, who went on to win the cup, and in 2022 they failed to advance beyond the group stage.

Fan Gary Bartlett, a walking football referee from Abercynon, said it was “absolutely amazing” to see both teams reach the final.

“Quite a lot of these guys also play walking football. They find it a very entertaining sport. It’s great to see them playing at this level and having fun.”

“You did so well. I hope I can still do this when I’m 75!”

“It’s about being active and staying fit. But even more important, in my opinion, is the camaraderie of the guys who are involved in the team. You can’t take that away from them.”

“It doesn’t matter how good or bad you are, they have fun and that’s the main thing.”

Because the players were of a certain age, there was a risk of injury and some had to miss the final.

Steve Davies, 78, from Cardiff, was struggling with the pain of a torn calf but had to admit defeat after five minutes on the pitch.

He said: “I’m very disappointed about this. But that’s what happens when you turn 78.”

He added that it would “mean everything” if Wales won.

Physiotherapists and paramedics waited anxiously on the sidelines in case any serious injuries occurred.

“We treated a few people, but regardless of their injuries, they were all keen to get out, which is great,” said Medic 1 employee Chloe.

“They’re all relatively fit, they’ve been training, doing their stretches, which is really great, so it wasn’t that bad.”