Rob Page, the current Wales head coach has spoken out on exactly what tonight’s game is all about. Basically by the end of the day we will know Wales fate regards progression to a possible home game against Poland or Estonia on Tuesday night. This will decide if Wales qualify for this years Euro 2024 in Germany.
Tonight it’s Finland in front of a sell out crowd in Cardiff, and the traffic warnings for disruption along the M4 tell you this isn’t just a game involving Cardiff City. A sell out means just that. The national side is up against a Finland squad which cannot be taken lightly for one minute. However, win this game and it’s a return to Cardiff on Tuesday for the final winner takes all game. That will be either Poland or Estonia.
Speaking about the game yesterday Page stated, "It’s quite a relaxed environment. Training has been excellent and the environment has been good. We’re not underestimating the challenge, it’s going to be a tough game, but we’re prepared for it. We’ve lost one of the world’s best players (in Gareth Bale), and there’s been enough in the squad to put us within two games of qualifying. That gives others the opportunity, and we’ve got a lot of choices. I don’t want this all to be about Aaron (Ramsey), I think it’s disrespectful to the rest of the squad. We’ve got a pool of players in the top part of the pitch who are competing to start, and Aaron is one of them, but it’s his experience off the pitch as well. It’s a good problem to have, every manager wants their best players fit, and we’ve got that this time.
"We’re still introducing players and there’s still more to come. We train with the U21’s, we stagger the timings, and I get to have an understanding about them as well. We’re introducing young players and people can see the pathway. If they’re good enough, they will be in the 1st team challenging. The biggest learning curve for me over the last 12 months is that irrespective of who we are playing against, we have to bring our A game, whether we are the favourites or the underdogs. Having gone through pressure situations as a player helps, it’s never comfortable, but you learn to deal with it, and I’ve got an incredible group of staff around me. All I can do is give my best – I have done, and I will continue to.”
Sounds like Page is verbally submitting his application to remain as Wales manager if these games turn out to be a failure. And he’s fallen out with Erol Bulut the Cardiff manager as well. See below from Sky Sports News.
Ben Davies, who should wear the captains armband again tonight is also clued in to this game. He is likely to link up with fellow Swansea City academy products Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts in a defensive four. That’s reassuring that Wales are actually going for the best players to win this game without undue pressure from the Football Association Of Wales. (FAW) Page’s World Cup selections were obviously bad and the tag along players like Dhris Gunter, Joe Morrell and Johnny Williams. Despite them aiding the country to get to the World Cup the selections were extremely poor. And there’s four goalkeepers for this squad, none of whom have played a game all season. There has to be some credibility to the first eleven selected come 7.45pm tonight.
Wales defender Ben Davies believes Finland are extremely dangerous. "They had a good qualifying campaign. They've got a well-organised team and players who can hurt you if you're not switched on. We're anticipating a tight, nitty-gritty game because of how well organised they are."
Wales have lost at home to Finland twice, once in a friendly and then in a World Cup qualifier in 2009. Wales last meeting with Finland was in 2021 in a friendly which ended 0-0.
Facto Mundo on the Indy
⚽️ Wales have never won a European Championship play-off match, drawing and losing against Hungary in 1962-1963, Yugoslavia in 1976 and Russia in 2003. However, they did qualify for the 2022 World Cup via the play-offs.
⚽️ Ex Swansea City player Daniel James has been involved in five goals in his past five home appearances for Wales (one goal, four assists), scoring or assisting every 55 minutes across those appearances.