After much effort, Wales have done it: they needed the play-off, but the team led by aging superstar Gareth Bale is through to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It was made possible thanks to the 1-0 victory over Ukraine in the game in which they could not fail. After that, it remains to be seen the magnitude of the success that this humble team can achieve in the World Cup.
However, the conditions surrounding the team are complicated: the coach, Ryan Giggs, was arrested by the authorities and later resigned from his position. The association accepted his resignation, but only until the charges were cleared up. Rob Page managed the team on an interim basis for a year and a half, only to be promoted to head coach permanently, as Giggs announced his resignation again on June 21, 2022.
In Group B of the 2022 World Cup, Wales will face England, the United States and Iran in a very feasible group to advance to the round.
Wales squad portrait and possible line-up.
Wales does not have a clear system. However, under Page's stewardship, the Welsh side have almost always played with a three-man defence, five in midfield and two forwards. However, it is not unlikely to see other variations, for example a 3-4-1-2 or a 3-4-3. Page will adapt his formation based on the opponent.
Goal.
In goal for the Welsh at the World Cup should be 29-year-old Danny Ward (Leicester City), who was also the starting goalkeeper at Euro 2021. Veteran Wayne Hennessey (Burnley FC) will start the tournament as his substitute. The third goalkeeper is Adam Davies (Sheffield United).
Defending.
The line-up of three defenders at the finals is likely to consist of Tottenham team-mates Ben Davies (left-back) and Joe Rodon (right-back), and Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea FC), aged just 22. Chris Mepham (AFC Bournemouth) and Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), who can also play left midfield, are available as substitutes.
Midfielders.
In midfield, the experienced Joe Allen (Stoke City) and Aaron Ramsey (OGC Nice) are a fixture. Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Joe Morrell (FC Portsmouth) and young Matt Smith (MK Dons) are available as reinforcements. On the left side of midfield, 21-year-old Neco Williams (Fulham FC), whose natural position is right back, is likely to start.
In right midfield, Connor Roberts (Burnley FC) has a strong chance of being a starter, but one of Wales's latest additions, Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), could also be. Should Wales play a 5-man defensive line, the players listed above will move back one row in defence.
Harry Wilson (Fulham FC) and Jonathan Williams (Swindon Town) could have minutes in attacking midfield. The 21-year-old versatile attacker, Brennon Johnson (Nottingham Forest) should also make the Wales squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Strikers.
Team captain Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC) is naturally destined to play up front, primarily on the right flank. Kieffer Moore (AFC Bournemouth) has all the ballots to play center forward. Former Manchester United professional, Daniel James, (Leeds United) is likely to fill the left wing.
Former Schalke player Rabbi Matondo, now playing for Glasgow Rangers, and Sorba Thomas, (Huddersfield) are on the bench as options for both wings. Mark Harris (Cardiff City) would also be available as a centre-forward.
Wales trust their young talents for the 2022 World Cup.
Superstar Bale could play his last major tournament for Wales in Qatar. However, the Welsh need not fear the future. They have some excellent players, especially in defence, who are still very young, and who could succeed Bale as a long-term superstar.
Full -back Neco Williams, for example, will only be 21 years old at the World Cup, while central defender Ampadu will be 22. The attacking midfielder, Johnson will play in Qatar at the age of 21: a player with a great future ahead of him. Daniel James will be 25 at the World Cup, the same age as Harry Wilson. The current best player on the team is probably Davies : at 29 years of age he will play in the World Cup at the best moment of his career.
So, in the medium and long term, there are still world-class players in the team. Some players could even become stars in a big club in Europe. Therefore, there is a good chance that the play-off will not be necessary again in future competitions.
What are the real chances for Wales?
But what are the short-term expectations? Wales has been dealt a fairly affordable group. They face England, the United States and Iran. There is no doubt that the Three Lions are the favorites in this group. However, Wales is likely to be much stronger than Iran and more or less on a par with the United States.
Therefore, it will probably be a duel with the United States for second place. Players like Bale, who simply have experience in the big games, could be the tipping factor for Wales. The Americans do not yet have this type of player in their ranks. So when it comes to reaching the 2022 World Cup round of 16 , Wales could come out on top. The Netherlands probably waits in the qualifiers, so going to the World Cup quarterfinals is quite unlikely.
Source images: FIFA.
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