Qatar Tango - Wales Watch

For a bit there I thought Latvia's disruptive tactics had got the better of us.
Glad Moore didn't get on as I reckon the opposition would get him sent off

Anyway, a 2-0 away win for Wales.

Cymru am Byth

 

Fabulous 2nd goal created by Wilson.

That referee was priceless

 

I think you mean worthless.

 

Good win for Wales U21 today.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66791530

 

Are Wales back on track then?

That was a superb result

 

You're right. It was a supreme effort by a group ready to run themselves ragged for their country. Very proud of them all.
They seemed to be all on the same page (sorry for pun) and showed some great football too.
Cymru am Byth

 

They were frightened into that result by the thought of Page being replaced by Keane.

 

Have to say, I really feel for Page. The stick being dished out by some supposed Welsh fans has been ridiculous.
Yes we've seen some massive disappointments under his stewardship but let's put those dips into perspective of what has been achieved (qualification for 2 major tournaments).

On top of the fans griping, he then has his boss come out and publicly say that if he doesn't win the next 3 games he's as good as gone.
Great motivation and unity shown, bravo FAW..... together stronger and all that eh?

We are desperately trying to bring new blood into the squad and have lost some massive players recently. It's not easy to bed in new, untested (at this level) players who for the most part play lower league football.
Results like last night are massive for us, yet some people seem to have gotten carried away by our recent successes and think it should be commonplace now. This is little old Wales we're talking about here... A footballing minnow in real terms, the depth of players we can pick from is so, so shallow compared to so many of our rivals it's unreal....

Let's let the guy try finish the job he started with our full backing and then, if we do fail to qualify THEN make a judgement on his future, behind closed doors with grace and dignity.

Let's be honest, if Roy Keane genuinely is being considered then that's a disgrace to us all. I'd rather see Bobby Gould back before we hire a mouth on legs like Keane.

 

Totally agree BB.

Great summary.

I wouldn't give Keane the skin off my sh1t!!!

 

Agree 100% Brizzle.
I (probably through my own ignorance) had my doubts as to Page being the right man going forward but he has actually demonstrated his ability to improve in himself.
It's also worth considering how unquestioningly committed his players are towards the cause. That hasn't always been the case with international team.
Page deserves huge credit for adapting and firing up this bunch of heroes.
Didn't miss Rambo or Bale last night. In fact, the team ethic looked even stronger and consequently more effective.
Not sure we expected to qualify for this one with such changes but we've still got a chance.
Contrary to my thoughts of a few months back, I think Page deserves a go at getting us to the next World Cup too.

 

He got his tactics spot on last night. We are a much better side with a back 5 allowing Roberts and Williams to get forward and support midfield and attack - as Neco did very effectively last night.

Perhaps we lack cover at centre back but with much improved Lockyer being part of the squad this situation is improving.

It is very unlikely Rambo will be back for the last 2 games but on last night's form who would he drop out of James and Ampadu who were both excellent?

Brooks and Harry as wide players give us an abundance of skill, pace and creativity. Brooks has beefed out in his layoff and looks a lot stronger.

Then we have Dan James and Brennan Johnson to come in. I'm sure Johnson's game and strength will improve tremendously under Post, Postec, Postecog.... , the Aussie guy at Spurs. I see Johnson ultimately taking Kieffer's spot. Not as good in target/hold up play but is that essential in the modern game? He is also getting stronger and the pace and skill we will have in our attack will scare most defenders sh1tless.

Looking at the opposition, how much longer can Modric play at this level? He is 38 and still plays 90+ minutes in international games. I think that was his 170th game for Croatia. Incredible. Anything they did of any note he was involved in. Like Pirlo did for Italy he has the ability to push up or drop deep to lose his marker and then play killer passes. He even defended well in their back 4 in the first half. He was let down by the lack of quality in those around him. A truly great player.

Despite the squeaky bum last 20 minutes overall our best performance in a while, particularly the first half.

Roy Keane? Who needs him? We dont. He can, to use an Irish phrase, feck right off.

Kieffer needs to be starting at Bournemouth or moving on in January. He really needs regular starts to improve his sharpness. He performed well as a target/hold up player but could have done better when facing goal. Got an assist for the Croatian goal though.

Then there is the subs bench. Apart from the obvious I didn't recognise half of them when warming up right in front of me. I see that as positive with Page introducing youngsters early to give the squad continuity and experience. Good to see Cullen and Savage there after their performances in the last week. Savage already looks a more accomplished player than his old man ever was.

 

“4 consecutive wins on the spin….”

Bit of a Coleman ball from Iwan Roberts on BBC Wales Today

 

Terrible goal to concede - Ward at fault for not coming for it

 

Good to equalise before half time. Enough of the intricate crap. Route 1, get in.

Got to pick up the pace second half. I can see Johnson and Dan James coming on after 60 minutes.

Watching on S4C with subtitles. Awful, typically pompous Welsh commentary. They will probably call any subs, replacements.

 

Fortunate not to have been beaten by 2-3.

Some poor personal performances all round. Johnson was appalling after he came on.

 

An inability to pass to their own players was an issue as was an unfit and out of touch Moore.

 

Needing to win and playing like that in second half was hard to watch. Fitness as you state was a factor not only for Moore but others, as was wasting attacking opportunities with heavy touches and stray passes.

 

Roll on next Saturday.

 

Exactly - let’s hope our keeper manages to stay on the pitch for the 90 this time