- Date: Thursday March 21 – 19:45 GMT
- Location: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
- Teams: Wales vs Finland
Looking to bet on Wales vs Finland
Check out the best Euro 2024 betting sites ahead of making your picks.
Wales face Finland in Cardiff with a place at Euro 2024 at stake
Play off Path A sees Wales, Finland, Estonia and Poland competing for a place in the Euro 2024 finals in Germany. Wales host Finland in Cardiff with the winners set to face Estomia or Poland in the Path A final next week.
Wales
Wales, under the leadership of Rob Page, recently faced a formidable challenge in their qualifying group, comprising Turkey, Croatia, Armenia, and Latvia. Despite the competitive nature of the group, Wales secured a respectable third-place finish, a feat that garnered mixed reactions amidst occasional fan discontent. Critics of Page argue that his tenure has witnessed the team underperform, especially when compared to the lofty standards set during Wales’ golden era in football.
The golden era, epitomised by their remarkable journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, captured the imagination of the nation and marked Wales’ resurgence on the international stage. Their subsequent appearance in the 2022 World Cup, after a 64-year absence from the finals, further cemented their status as a rising force in football.
While there are perceptions of a slight decline in recent years, Wales still boasts a talented squad featuring key players such as defenders Joe Rodon and Ben Davies, midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James, and forward Brennan Johnson. This blend of experience and youthful energy remains a potent force within the team.
Moreover, Wales can draw confidence from their recent encounters with Finland, having remained unbeaten in their last four meetings. This psychological advantage could prove invaluable as they prepare for future fixtures.
Aaron Ramsey has been included in Wales’ play-off squad, despite not starting a match for six months. The Wales skipper suffered a knee injury in September and was ruled out until February. He then made two substitute appearances for Cardiff before picking up a calf problem. Despite Ramsay only managing 72 minutes of competitive actions since September, Page has called the midfielder into the squad, believing his experience and influence to be invaluable.
Tom Lockyer is still recovering from his worrying on-field cardiac arrest, therefore the Luton Town skipper will not be available to Page. The Wales boss was dealt two furtherdefensive blows with Wycombe Wanderers’ Joe Low and Swansea City’s Ben Cabango both withdrawing with injuries.
It is not certain who will start in goal. Wales’ four leading goalkeepers have not been regulars for their clubs this season. Despite not featuring at all for Leicester City this season, Danny Ward is favourite to get the gloves, ahead of Wayne Hennessey, Tom King and Adam Davies.
Finland
Finland’s ascent in international football mirrors a narrative of resilience and advancement. Their third-place finish in a challenging qualifying group, featuring teams like Denmark, Slovenia, and Northern Ireland, showcased their steady progress despite being in line with expectations.
The pinnacle of Finland’s recent football history arrived in 2020 when they clinched qualification for the European Championships for the first time, marking a monumental milestone for Finnish football. However, the aftermath of this achievement ushered in a transition period characterised by the departure of key veterans like Tim Sparv and Joona Toivio. Additionally, star striker Teemu Pukki’s move to the US as his career dwindled raised concerns about a void in experience and the emergence of new talent to sustain the team’s momentum.
Nevertheless, Finland’s squad still boasts notable quality, anchored by players such as Lukas Hradecky of Bayer Leverkusen, Glen Kamara of Leeds United, Marcus Forss of Middlesbrough, and Joel Pohjanpalo of Venezia. Under the stewardship of Markku Kanerva, who has led the team since 2016, Finland approaches the playoffs with a blend of experience and cautious optimism, fully cognizant of their underdog status but emboldened by the chance to defy expectations once again.
The strategic intricacies of the upcoming match will be heavily influenced by the managerial prowess of Rob Page and Markku Kanerva. Page’s task will be to leverage the collective strength of his squad to outmanoeuvre a Finnish side that, despite being less lauded, is equally resolute. Kanerva, on the other hand, faces the challenge of orchestrating an upset, relying on tactical discipline and the individual brilliance of key players.
Both teams find themselves in a transitional phase, navigating the transition from established stars to budding talents. While Wales may have a slight edge in this regard, another international tournament appearance would provide invaluable experience for their promising youngsters. Similarly, for Finland, a second-ever major tournament appearance would not only be a significant achievement but also vital for the continued growth of football in the country.
Finland have two injury concerns ahead of the playoffs. Inter Miami midfielder Robert Taylor has withdrawn, and Middlesbrough striker Marcus Forss is doubtful with a leg injury. Teemu Pukki is expected to earn his 119th cap up front. The former Norwich City striker needs just one more international goal to reach 40. Lukas Hradecky of Bayer Leverkusen is expected to keep goal.Leeds United’s Glen Kamara is expected to start in midfield.
Prediction
Wales should have enough to get the job done, especially at home. However, Finland have only lost once away to Wales and will dig in and will try to keep it tight. Wales should have too much for them though. Home win.
Millenium Stadium, Cardiff
If you are looking to get value, you may want to look at Finland’s chances of keeping it tight and nicking something. If you go for an Asian handicap, with Finland at +.0.5 you can get odds of 1.975 at bet365, wihich represents greater value.
Millenium Stadium, Cardiff
Check out the best betting sites in the UK with Betting.com.
