Match Day Thread Wales - World Cup Campaign

Don't judge all Polish people based on the antics of football players.

I've never met a bad one. They are hard working, honest and reliable. How many football fans' can claim those three qualities ?

 

" Are you talking to me ? "

 

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pundit-danny-murphy-says-england-25289091

 

Joe Allen sees specialist as Rob Page hints at Wales World Cup squad surprise but injury blow confirmed.

Page has given a full update on Wales who are less than a month away from beginning their 2022 World Cup campaign

Rob Page says there is a "strong probability" that Joe Allen will be with Wales at the World Cup next month.

The midfielder missed the Nations League matches against Belgium and Poland in September after suffering a hamstring injury during Swansea City's 3-0 triumph over Hull City in the final game before the international break.

He had been expected to return to action before the end of October, although, having watched Swansea's 2-0 derby triumph over Cardiff City from the dugout on Sunday, Allen went to see a specialist in London this week to get a full update on his situation after suffering a setback.

It remains unclear if the 32-year-old will feature for Russell Martin's side prior to the Qatar showpiece, although Page is confident that Allen will be fit enough to be included in his 26-man squad for the tournament.

"He's key to us in how we play and he's key to the success that we've had so I get everybody's concern," Page said about Allen at a Q&A session at Cardiff's Senedd building. "I can't do any more than say he's had a little bit of a setback and we're doing everything in our power to make sure he gets on that plane.

"I think there's a strong probability that he will be on the plane. With regards to his fitness and how many minutes he'll have played before that or training sessions, I don't know. That's my only concern with that one."

Allen's fellow Swansea academy graduate Rhys Norrington-Davies will not be included in the World Cup squad after he suffered a significant injury while playing for Sheffield United. The versatile left wing-back has excelled for the Blades this term and has become a key squad player under Page.

However, he is expected to be sidelined for around two months, meaning he will miss out on a place in Wales' World Cup squad. "It's unfortunate we lost Rhys Norrington-Davies last week," said Page.

"He's been immense for Sheffield United. I've seen him two or three times this season and he's been arguably their best player. It's a shame for him.

"When he played against Holland for us in the summer I thought he was outstanding. He gives me that cover if Ben Davies isn't fit. So that's a shame but that opens the door for another defender that maybe hasn't been involved to come back into the fold."

Page is continuing to hold talks with key players including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey who are at Los Angeles and Nice respectively while he admits that - despite being determined to remain loyal to those who helped fire Wales to their first World Cup since 1958 - he remains open to selecting players currently hitting top form.

Swansea's Ollie Cooper has scored three times in his last four matches in the Championship while others including Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw and Birmingham City's Jordan James have impressed of late.

"I don't think there's going to be too many surprises if I'm being honest," Page said when asked about picking his squad. "I'm going to stay loyal to the lads that have got us there.

"Having said that, if there's injuries and unfortunate circumstances that make a player not make the plane, then the door is never closed. I'm always out monitoring players.”

 

Wierd going into the world cup in November? Wales are playing some good stuff even without their top players, we have depth for the first time ever, so it's all a positive as I see it, looking forward to games, though not happy where it is taking place......

 

Couldn't agree more Phil.
We finally make it to a WC finals, have a squad that will play with pride for their country and with a fair amount of skill, but the shine is slightly dulled by the location.
Can't have it all I guess.

 

Not Wales but world cup related.

Swansea will play Rangers and Hearts during the World Cup break. It has been confirmed that the Swans will face Scottish Premiership duo Hearts and Rangers in behind-closed-doors friendlies in a bid to maintain peak match fitness ahead of their Championship contest with Norwich City on December 10.

 

Personally, I will find it a very pleasant distraction from the mayhem that is the run-up to Christmas. Looking forward to it, bring it on!

 

Is this culturally acceptable? You may be upsetting our woke friends across the seven bridge with such anti English propaganda, you know how sensitive the teapots can be!.....

 

Phil, According to the shops down our way, they have all ready won it again. I didn’t know Jesus was an English supporter.

 

As Joe and Ben have made the Wales world cup squad the Swans are eligible for compensation. Although it looks like we will have to share some with Stoke.
FIFA state that clubs will be able to receive around USD 10,000 for each one of the days the relevant player remains with his national team during the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the official preparation period, which equates to just under £9,000 at the time of writing. All clubs a player has played for in the two years prior to the tournament will be compensated.

 

Jumping ahead to the 2026 World Cup there will be 48 teams in the finals comprising 16 groups of 3 teams with the top two in each group progressing to an additional knockout round of 32.

Seems like there are serious doubts about this structure even though more countries will be able to participate.