please log in to view this image V please log in to view this image Competition - FIFA World Cup, European Qualifying Group E Date - 11th October 2021 Kick off - 19.45 Venue - Le Coq Arena Following their deserved 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic in Prague, next up for Rob Page’s Welsh squad is a visit to Estonia. Ahead of last Friday’s match, Rob Page probably would have taken a draw away at the Czech Republic had you offered it to him before kick off, but after the way the game panned out his Wales team will be disappointed not to have come away with all three points. Wales had more of the ball, created more chances and tested the opposition goalkeeper more than the Czechs, and they took the lead in the first half thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s cool finish. The Czechs hit back instantly before goalkeeper Danny Ward, who is yet to make a Premier League appearance for Leicester City this season, failed to control Ramsey’s backpass, letting the ball roll into the empty net behind him. Wales then showed great character in the face of disaster and Dan James deservedly put the Dragons level with 20 minutes to play - the draw keeps Page’s men in the hunt for the runners-up spot in the group. Monday’s opponents Estonia sit fourth in Group E with four points, picking up a win over Belarus and a stalemate away in Wales the last round of fixtures. That was a very disappointing night for Wales, and one that Page’s men will not be keen to repeat. Both teams had their chances in that match, but ultimately a lack of quality in front of goal was the reason for the match ending goalless. As for Monday, I’m hopeful that Wales will win 2-1 and maintain their hopes of securing second place in Group E.
If Wales perform as positively against Estonia as they did against the Czechs they should win handsomely
The problem I see for Wales is that we struggle to break down teams who defend in numbers. We got plenty of chances against the Czechs because they attacked in numbers leaving space at the back which Wales could take advantage of. The draw with Estonia was a prime example - Estonia played for the draw and packed their defence out - I don't think we have enough creativity to play through teams that defend that way. If we can get an early goal and not sit on it then I think we could win by a few, but I fear Estonia will be happy with 0-0 again.
Apparently we are going to attack from the first minute and go all out attack ! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58784258
Just looked on the BBC Football page to see if there's any news about tonights match. I scrolled and scrolled and there's nothing. Can't imagine it would be the same if England were playing tonight. There is however a piece about Sancho and Abraham seizing their chance against Andorra the other night.
So much for improving our goal difference…. That draw to Estonia could cost us dearly. We need to take a point against Belgium ….
Play like the second half against Belarus and we will lose....Moore goes off and they bring Harris on....Cardiff player but let’s b3 fair no improvement on Roberts of Leeds.....even Cullen would probably have been better than that tonight.....
We were out tonight so missed it which was a good shout by the sound of it. Second place is in our hands but it will be a huge task to to take a point from the Belgium game.
I thought I heard the 'commentary' team mention that it goes on head to head ? which would mean if we beat Belarus the Belgium game wouldn't really matter because our head to head with Czechia is better ??
I had a look on FIFA and it looks to be Goal Difference Then goals scored Then H2H record Belgium will be through when they play us, so hopefully they’ll play a second string team
Ah ok - thanks for clearing that up. I do feel we play better against better sides though - we seem to play at the level of our opponents quite often, so let's hope we can get something against them (assuming we beat the Belarussians)
Barring a total collapse by France, Spain, Italy or Belgium in their remaining qualifiers, Wales and Czech Rep will qualify for the play-offs. One as runner-up and the other as a best team from Nations League. The advantage of qualifying as a group runner-up is that you MIGHT get home advantage in a one-leg semi-final in the play-offs next March. The six best ranked runners up (out of 10) in the qualifying stage will have home advantage.