Highs and lows, that’s life. Sometimes those highs and lows happen so quickly that you have to ask if the universe is playing tricks on you.Wales defender Neco Williams realized the dream of many generations of Welsh footballers and supporters when he ran out on the pitch against the USA on Tuesday night. It was the first Wales appearance in a World Cup after six decades. Neco, Gareth Bale and all the Welshmen were rightly proud, but Neco was devastated simultaneously. His grandfather, who had always been there to watch him play – died just 24 hours before the match. It’s ironic that the man, who would have loved nothing more than to watch his grandson represent their country in the tournament of tournaments, sadly passed away just hours before the milestone match.##NAJAVA_MECA_6834163##The heroic Williams played 79 minutes in the country’s first match at the tournament for 64 years, helping his side earn a 1-1 draw against the USA in their Group B opener on Monday evening. After the game, the 21-year-old posted on social media, revealing his mum told him the ‘toughest’ thing he’s ever faced with the news of his grandfather’s passing on Sunday night.”Yesterday was the toughest news I’ve ever 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 starting in a World Cup game was extremely tough, but I got through it with the support of my teammates and family. So I dedicate that game and an important point to him.””That was for you, granddad!” (©Getty Images)After the final whistle, the former Liverpool youngster, now playing for Nottingham Forest, dropped to his knees, pointed to the sky and paid tribute to the loving grandfather who has always supported him on his football journey.”He’s been everywhere around the world to watch me play football from when I first started playing at Liverpool at six years old. He’d never tell me if I had a good game because he always said I have to get better and better each day and that’s why I am where I am now! I know he’s up there watching down on me very proudly. For everyone, please cherish what you have with loved ones because you never know when it can get taken away from you.”We’re sure your grandfather is very proud of you and your teammates, Neco.##SPECIAL_STANDINGS_Group B##
