Rob Page is in ‘must win’ territory, not mathematically but personally this evening as the Red Wall assembles in their thousands in Riga for this European qualifier in Group D.

With four games left in qualification there really can be no more slip ups for Cymru, and that starts tonight in Latvia. By the end of the international break in November we will know exactly where the national side stand on qualification for next summers tournament in Germany.

Two home games follow tonight’s crucial match against Croatia and Turkey with an away tie in Armenia. It’s a pretty ominous task for a Welsh side which really hasn’t impressed since World Cup qualification against Ukraine last year.

Since that Ukrainian win last June thirteen games have come and gone with just one win from those fixtures. It’s been down hill now for sixteen months. When you look at this Wales side it has talent in abundance but reflects a negativity at times that has to come from the coaching set up. Many will now comment the loss of Gareth Bale - who when he wasn’t in form was at least there to manage his peers on and off the pitch by example.

There can be no excuses tonight. Nothing will replace the disappointment of non qualification from this group. Wales are a country who spent decades waiting for another 1958. In France in 2016 the unbelievable nearly happened, in a covid ruined 2020 ( played in 2021 ) a very questionable draw of venues went against Wales for sure, in fact it was completely geared to the ‘major’ nations but the performances were poor. The World Cup we all know about. That was a disaster.

The start of these qualification games gave us all great hope. A draw in Croatia and a win at home to Latvia saw Wales joint top of Grouo D. Then a home defeat to Armenia and then again away in Turkey leaves us with todays table, a disappointing sight, not least the fact the performances in those last two defeats were equally so.

The eight thousand capacity Skonto Stadium in Riga will be at least half full with followers of the Wales national side. Despite warnings fans will be in all areas of the ground. As ever their behaviour is being congratulated as the masses assemble in the city. And expectations are high.

It’s almost a given but Connor Roberts will reach the fifty mark in Wales caps if he plays tonight. Wales kick off in Riga against Latvia at 7.45pm UK time this evening. You can watch the game on S4C, BBC iPlayer and ViaPlay.

Photographs & Artwork by Swansea Independent

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