The Euro 2024 Playoff Final will see Wales face Poland at the Cardiff City Stadium at 7.45pm, which will be broadcast live on S4C, Virgin Media 3 and Premier Sport 2. Rob Page, the team’s coach, holds a firm belief that team spirit can help the Welsh side not only contain the prodigious talent of Poland striker, Robert Lewandowski, but also secure Wales’ place in Euro 2024, showing that the team can thrive even without former star player, Gareth Bale.
The result of Tuesday’s playoff in Cardiff will decide if Wales secures entry into its third consecutive European Championship and its fourth large-scale tournament out of five attempts. It might also play a crucial role in determining whether Page continues in his coaching role. A successful lead to Germany this summer without Bale, who was known for unsettling the opposition, could be a significant accolity for the head coach.
While recognising individual talents within the Polish team, Page emphasised the collective strength of the Welsh team, expressing confidence in their ability to give a commanding performance. Predominantly focussing on Lewandowski, Page acknowledged his incredible talent but remained resolute in his focus on their own game.
Poland’s team arguably wouldn’t have the same impact without their captain and talismanic striker, Lewandowski, now playing his trade at Barcelona, still posing a significant threat even at the age of 35. Meanwhile, the Welsh side has had to adjust to the absence of Gareth Bale, their most capped player and top goal scorer.
Bale’s retirement shortly before the start of the Euro 2024 qualifiers has prompted significant adjustments within the team. However, Page, emphasised the team’s progression within a short time frame, noting their impressive seven-match unbeaten run.
Page highlighted that almost reaching qualification so soon after Bale’s retirement, especially during a transitional period with emerging young players entering the team, speaks volumes about the team’s depth and the quality of players coming through the ranks.
Since Robert Page took over from Ryan Giggs in November 2020, Wales’ football team has undergone a significant transformation, with an emphasis on incorporating younger players. Only two veterans from the glorious Euro 2016 journey, where Wales made it to the semi-finals in France, are anticipated to be in the starting eleven against Poland.
Goalkeeper Danny Ward and defender Ben Davies will be in the lineup, with the influential midfielder Aaron Ramsey earmarked for a bench spot. Page, relying heavily on the youthful exuberance of players like Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James and Neco Williams, acknowledged the team’s improved condition regarding the age and vitality of the players on the field. However, he stated that a younger squad does not necessarily assure positive outcomes, but it does present the best opportunity. The last World Cup highlighted the crucial need for athletic prowess in midfield.
Page has faith that a young centre midfield pair, 23-year-old Ampadu and 19-year-old James, can overcome a Polish side that had a lacklustre qualifying round, finishing third in their group. Taking note of Poland’s struggle to qualify, which landed them in the playoffs, Page said Wales have been practising penalties, preparing for a potential shoot-out. Despite this precaution, Page expressed continued faith and confidence in his team’s chances.
Having an intimate bond with his team, Page mentioned maintaining a fantastic relationship with them. Emphasising the team’s unity, he praised the acceptance of the squad towards their playing style despite it still being a work in progress. He expressed immense satisfaction at their undefeated seven-game streak and said that if they qualify, it would be a great achievement and make him exceptionally proud. He acknowledged the inevitable challenges, particularly during the transition phase, referring to a setback they faced in the summer. However, he was particularly pleased with the team’s response to these challenges.