Wales return to the World Cup stage after 64 years, but two appearances at the European Championship have strengthened the team. That and Gareth Bale’s experience could make all the difference.
The trainer
Actually would be Robert Page Drove to the World Cup as assistant coach to Ryan Giggs. But after allegations of domestic violence, his contract was initially suspended and later terminated entirely. Page took over the team on an interim basis in November 2020 and has been the official head coach since June 2022.
During this time, the 48-year-old did a good job. He led “the dragons” to the round of 16 at the 2021 European Championships and qualified for the 2022 World Cup under his leadership. Page, who was feared as a tough defender during his active career, had only moderate success as a club coach. But he made a name for himself working with young talents. Page has been a youth coach in the Welsh FA since 2017, so he knows the youngsters in the squad very well.
The star
Without Gareth Bale Wales would not have qualified for the World Cup. The 33-year-old scored all three goals in the qualifying play-offs against Austria and Ukraine to practically single-handedly lead his country to Qatar. With his speed and spectacular standards, he is still essential for the team.
Captain and all-time leading goalscorer, the aging star, now based in Los Angeles, is still the undisputed leader of the Welsh side. And while he was rather listless from time to time in his last years at Real Madrid, the man from Cardiff always gave full throttle in the national shirt. His celebration with a flag that read: “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order” is unforgettable. It wasn’t well received in Spain at the time, but it was in Wales. Alongside his ex-coach Giggs, he is already regarded as the best player Wales have ever had.
Players to watch
Described by his manager Page as “the future of Welsh football”, he is certainly not alone. We’re talking about Brennan Johnson. The 21-year-old plays in the Premier League at Nottingham Forest and shines there with his technique, ball security and speed. The young star can be used variably as a striker, winger or behind the strikers on the offensive. At the World Cup, however, he is likely to come into play primarily as a substitute.
Of Neco Williams Jürgen Klopp also has a very high opinion. The Liverpool manager let his protégé move to Nottingham Forest. Reason: The 21-year-old deserves better than sitting on the bench with the “Reds”, namely: playing time and a place in the Wales World Cup squad. The “gifted and exciting talent” is “one of the most important players in Wales,” said Klopp. The special thing about Williams: He can play anywhere – full-back, winger, right and left.
special
After 64 years, Wales are returning to the big football stage. 1958 was the country’s last time at a World Cup. At that time, Wales failed at the tournament in Sweden in the quarter-finals at eventual world champions Brazil. 64 years – no other country has had to wait that long for its second World Cup participation.
World Cup Chances
Nevertheless, Wales can be expected at least in the preliminary round. After participating in two European Championships in a row, the team is considered to be experienced in tournaments and battle-hardened. Wales even made it to the semi-finals at the 2016 European Championships in France.
At the World Cup in Qatar, the team in Group B will have to face England, the USA and Iran. On paper, it’s about second place behind England, while the Americans are an equal opponent. In a direct duel, players like Bale could be the deciding factor. The five-time Champions League winner has experience of very big and important games. The US boys don’t have players like that on their team. Wales can certainly be expected to reach the round of 16.