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Post by oscardelta on Dec 2, 2018 21:19:16 GMT
If people want to add in an additional country then Brno in Czech republic is an 90 mins by train from Bratislava. Flights from Stansted via Ryanair
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Post by eppingblue on Dec 2, 2018 21:40:02 GMT
I hope they can agree a Croatia venue asap. Getting to Croatia is already looking like the expensive part of the trip and that's before there's been many football bookings
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Post by majorraglan on Dec 2, 2018 22:03:56 GMT
If people want to add in an additional country then Brno in Czech republic is an 90 mins by train from Bratislava. Flights from Stansted via Ryanair Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, it has a small airport which is about 10 minutes on a service bus from the main station. Could be a good option for fans, Ryan air fly there.
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Post by barry on Dec 2, 2018 22:06:48 GMT
Zagreb to Budapest not as simple as it looks. One direct train a day that gets in pushing 11 o'clock.
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Post by manulike on Dec 2, 2018 22:12:52 GMT
For anyone fancying another country, I've booked to fly to Ljubljana on the Thursday 6th June, then bussing it to Zagreb on the Friday, only 2 hours away. Pretty sure there is also a train between the two. The station at both sides is dead central.
Ljubljana is truly magical. Transavia have a cheap €29 flight from Amsterdam to Ljubljana, as well ;-)
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Post by superunknown on Dec 2, 2018 22:14:22 GMT
For anyone fancying another country, I've booked to fly to Ljubljana on the Thursday 6th June, then bussing it to Zagreb on the Friday, only 2 hours away. Pretty sure there is also a train between the two. The station at both sides is dead central.
Ljubljana is truly magical. Transavia have a cheap €29 flight from Amsterdam to Ljubljana, as well ;-)
Oo we'll probably get on that then, we've only got about a day there but always fancied Slovenia so tried to get it in. You going to all 4 aways mate?
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Post by rushlegend on Dec 2, 2018 22:15:42 GMT
Welcome to the Wales board hamsik.
Great previous games against Slovakia - i remember the 1-5 heavy defeat at Cardiff in 2006 and the 5-2 win in Bratislava in 2007 - the Euro 2016 match in Bordeaux was a strange game - thought Slovakia were better team that day but we managed to win by Robson-Kanu's scuffed shot - hope Wales & Slovakia qualify!!!!!
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Post by fiveattheback on Dec 2, 2018 22:32:42 GMT
As there's no September away game (unless we have a friendly) the only ones I have a chance of getting to are Croatia/Hungary, hopefully they release the stadiums soon
Croatia would be a nice little trip without a ticket tbf, always wanted to go there
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Post by manulike on Dec 2, 2018 22:35:34 GMT
Zagreb to Budapest not as simple as it looks. One direct train a day that gets in pushing 11 o'clock. Don't much fancy 9 hours on a FlixBus even if its only £25...
Is there anywhere nice to break the journey on the Sunday/Monday night?
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Post by eppingblue on Dec 2, 2018 22:38:02 GMT
I'm thinking along the lines of flying out to Budapest, hiring a car to travel to Zagreb and back and then flying home on the booked flight. If the game is in Split though I may have to think again.
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Post by superunknown on Dec 2, 2018 22:44:52 GMT
Zagreb to Budapest not as simple as it looks. One direct train a day that gets in pushing 11 o'clock. Don't much fancy 9 hours on a FlixBus even if its only £25...
Is there anywhere nice to break the journey on the Sunday/Monday night?
Think I saw a Flixbus for 4 hours 40, which is a bit more tolerable.
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Post by manulike on Dec 2, 2018 23:16:53 GMT
Don't much fancy 9 hours on a FlixBus even if its only £25...
Is there anywhere nice to break the journey on the Sunday/Monday night?
Think I saw a Flixbus for 4 hours 40, which is a bit more tolerable. Yes. Think you are right. The shorter trip is available earlier in the year, but not yet bookable on their site. For some reason at the moment, only one bus trip is bookable.
I imagine the others will be released in the Spring?
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Post by pendragon on Dec 2, 2018 23:57:06 GMT
We will open a brand new stadium in Bratislava very soon it means it will be ready for march fixtures. Capacity is 22 500 and supposed to be ultra modern and located in the heart of Bratislava. For us is definitely interesting fixture against Hungary which we have not played with since 99 so 20 years. No friendlies with them allowed even under age therefore both nations have waited for long time for this to happened. It will not be only fight on the football field. We are happy to have Croatia. If Slovakia doesn’t qualify for the world cup or euro this is the team everybody follows in Slovakia. In my opinion we have the best football squad since winning euro in 1976. With good goalkeepers Dubravka (29, Newcastle), Rodak (22, Rotherham), with always reliable right back Pekarik (32, Hertha Berlin) solid centre backs specially Skriniar (23,Inter) and Vavro(22, Fc Kobenhaven) Skrtel is still good defenseman (34, Fenerbahce) finally we have found offensive left in Hancko (21, Fiorentina) who was our best player in last matches we have played. Midfield is strong with Lobotka (24, Celta Vigo) who is going to join PSG in winter. Kucka (31, Trabzonspor), off course Hamsik (31 Napoli) who doesn’t need an introduction, Duda (24 Hertha) who is the leading goalscorer in Bundesliga this season, Rusnak (24, Salt Lake city) voed as 3 best player in MLS, Stoch (29, Slavia) voted as best player in last season in Czech league and current leading goalscorer in same league. Bero (23, Vittese Arnhem) is find is old form and goals back in dutch league, Gregus (27, FC Kobenhaven) solid defensive midfielder. But what is the most important we have after years of struggling have a good frontmen in Zrelak (24, Nurnberg) who is the first choice in Bundesliga team at the moment accompanied with Mraz (21, Empoli) which is our hope for the future and Mak (27, Saint Petersbourg) who is having very good season with the Russian best team. We have had a bad LN matches thanks to some unrest in the team towards the manager Kozak who has left after a row with some players and we have appointed Hapal who led most of the team in under 21 euro championship in 2017. Team is very young and in the match against Sweden played in October the team we have had on the pitch was the youngest ever (I think average 23). Hello Welcome to the board and thank you for your insightful post. We're all really looking forward to these upcoming fixtures next year!
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Post by alarch on Dec 3, 2018 0:08:47 GMT
Very similar draw to World Cup campaign - with no outstanding countries and no obviously weak ones. We should still qualify from that group.
First four fixtures work well for us, especially the opening fixture, with Slovakia playing us second in a double-header. I can't see us playing a friendly ahead of that game, given the danger of injuries, unless it's against weak opposition, allowing us to field a second string side. Good to have the double-header away with two countries in close proximity. Shame we don't face Hungary first in that double-header. We should beat Azerbaijan home regardless, and with us playing them in a single fixture there can be no excuses. If we are serious about qualifying we need to emerge from the first 4 fixtures with at least 8 or 9 points.
The second half of the campaign isn't quite so favourable - it's a shame we have to play Croatia at home after a probably crucial fixture away to Slovakia in a double-header. Having to play Hungary at home in the last game following a long journey to Azerbaijan isn't great - but hopefully we will have qualified by then.
With no big nation in the group it's unlikely we will play at the PS, which will please most. However, the fact that we play Croatia at home in the latter stages of the campaign does leave that possibility slightly open, assuming we don't have to specify where we will be playing the game until late on. I can't imagine Croatia objecting to a switch to the PS, but I don't see it happening.
We've really got to come out of the traps quick this time. No place for arrogant football, as somebody suggested. We respect the opposition, earn the right to play, and look to dominate the middle of the park, hopefully with a defensive midfield duo in Allen and Ampadu in a 4-2-3-1, giving us the platform to unleash the likes of Brooks, Wilson, Ramsey and Bale. Bar a bad run of injuries, there's no excuse for not finishing in the top two of this group.
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Post by quetzal on Dec 3, 2018 0:11:51 GMT
Welcome to the Wales board hamsik. Great previous games against Slovakia - i remember the 1-5 heavy defeat at Cardiff in 2006 and the 5-2 win in Bratislava in 2007 - the Euro 2016 match in Bordeaux was a strange game - thought Slovakia were better team that day but we managed to win by Robson-Kanu's scuffed shot - hope Wales & Slovakia qualify!!!!! Ben Davies clearance. Tbf that game could have gone either way.
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Post by barry on Dec 3, 2018 0:16:47 GMT
Zagreb to Budapest not as simple as it looks. One direct train a day that gets in pushing 11 o'clock. Don't much fancy 9 hours on a FlixBus even if its only £25...
Is there anywhere nice to break the journey on the Sunday/Monday night?
Maribor?
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Post by pendragon on Dec 3, 2018 0:24:00 GMT
I disagree about the similarity of our group to the World Cup qualifying campaign. On their day, and when on form with a 100% fit squad, Croatia are undoubtedly world beaters. Their form might have slipped, but they are still a danger and they might recover that form sooner rather than later - they'll have a point to prove. In terms of teams we've recently played, I'd put them on a par with Denmark, but with a slight edge.
Slovakia and Hungary, not as dangerous as Serbia and Georgia imo but still pose a significant threat. They proved to be very tricky opposition for ourselves and England during the Euros and, a team that England struggled to beat during the World Cup qualifiers. In some respects, the fact that their form has also slipped means that this in itself, can make them dangerous. These teams have nothing to lose.
I agree we cannot be underestimating our opposition or treating this campaign with kid gloves.
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Post by zenith on Dec 3, 2018 0:41:28 GMT
This is a tough group and anyone saying otherwise is crazy.
Croatia are easily one of the best sides in the world and Slovakia are a very decent side on their day. Hungary have been poor in recent campaigns but will still make it difficult as possible.
I would be very surprised if we won our group, but finishing at minimum 2nd is essential. If not, Giggs has not done his job.
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Post by quetzal on Dec 3, 2018 0:56:08 GMT
This is a tough group and anyone saying otherwise is crazy. Croatia are easily one of the best sides in the world and Slovakia are a very decent side on their day. Hungary have been poor in recent campaigns but will still make it difficult as possible. I would be very surprised if we won our group, but finishing at minimum 2nd is essential. If not, Giggs has not done his job. They are all tough groups though. We are Wales? Everyone will fancy their chances against us. It could have been a lot worse. NI will feel UEFA have done a job on them
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Post by scoop76 on Dec 3, 2018 5:15:57 GMT
Very similar draw to World Cup campaign - with no outstanding countries and no obviously weak ones. We should still qualify from that group. First four fixtures work well for us, especially the opening fixture, with Slovakia playing us second in a double-header. I can't see us playing a friendly ahead of that game, given the danger of injuries, unless it's against weak opposition, allowing us to field a second string side. Good to have the double-header away with two countries in close proximity. Shame we don't face Hungary first in that double-header. We should beat Azerbaijan home regardless, and with us playing them in a single fixture there can be no excuses. If we are serious about qualifying we need to emerge from the first 4 fixtures with at least 8 or 9 points. The second half of the campaign isn't quite so favourable - it's a shame we have to play Croatia at home after a probably crucial fixture away to Slovakia in a double-header. Having to play Hungary at home in the last game following a long journey to Azerbaijan isn't great - but hopefully we will have qualified by then. With no big nation in the group it's unlikely we will play at the PS, which will please most. However, the fact that we play Croatia at home in the latter stages of the campaign does leave that possibility slightly open, assuming we don't have to specify where we will be playing the game until late on. I can't imagine Croatia objecting to a switch to the PS, but I don't see it happening. We've really got to come out of the traps quick this time. No place for arrogant football, as somebody suggested. We respect the opposition, earn the right to play, and look to dominate the middle of the park, hopefully with a defensive midfield duo in Allen and Ampadu in a 4-2-3-1, giving us the platform to unleash the likes of Brooks, Wilson, Ramsey and Bale. Bar a bad run of injuries, there's no excuse for not finishing in the top two of this group. We can rule out Wales v Croatia being moved to the PS. It's the same day as Wales v Uruguay in the Rugby World Cup in Japan - the WRU will want to retain the option of using the facilities at the stadium to show the game on the big screen.
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Post by scoop76 on Dec 3, 2018 5:18:04 GMT
This is a tough group and anyone saying otherwise is crazy. Croatia are easily one of the best sides in the world and Slovakia are a very decent side on their day. Hungary have been poor in recent campaigns but will still make it difficult as possible. I would be very surprised if we won our group, but finishing at minimum 2nd is essential. If not, Giggs has not done his job. They are all tough groups though. We are Wales? Everyone will fancy their chances against us. It could have been a lot worse. NI will feel UEFA have done a job on them Although I would have taken a group of Netherlands, Wales, Northern Ireland, Estonia & Belarus! That's a more straightforward group than we have. Desperately unlucky for Northern Ireland though.
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Post by scoop76 on Dec 3, 2018 5:19:39 GMT
I disagree about the similarity of our group to the World Cup qualifying canpaign. On their day, and when on form with a 100% fit squad, Croatia are undoubtedly world beaters. Their form might have slipped, but they are still a danger and they might recover that form sooner rather than later - they'll have a point to prove. In terms of teams we've recently played, I'd put them on a par with Denmark, but with a slight edge. Slovakia and Hungary, not as dangerous as Serbia and Georgia imo but still pose a significant threat. They proved to be very tricky opposition for ourselves and England during the Euros and, a team that England struggled to beat during the World Cup qualifiers. In some respects, the fact that their form has also slipped means that in themselves can make them dangerous. These teams have nothing to lose. I agree we cannot be underestimating our opposition or treating this canpaign with kid gloves. Not to mention the fact that Hungary are a host for the finals and will be even more desperate to qualify for that reason.
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Post by yanto on Dec 3, 2018 7:29:27 GMT
Very similar draw to World Cup campaign - with no outstanding countries and no obviously weak ones. We should still qualify from that group. First four fixtures work well for us, especially the opening fixture, with Slovakia playing us second in a double-header. I can't see us playing a friendly ahead of that game, given the danger of injuries, unless it's against weak opposition, allowing us to field a second string side. Good to have the double-header away with two countries in close proximity. Shame we don't face Hungary first in that double-header. We should beat Azerbaijan home regardless, and with us playing them in a single fixture there can be no excuses. If we are serious about qualifying we need to emerge from the first 4 fixtures with at least 8 or 9 points. The second half of the campaign isn't quite so favourable - it's a shame we have to play Croatia at home after a probably crucial fixture away to Slovakia in a double-header. Having to play Hungary at home in the last game following a long journey to Azerbaijan isn't great - but hopefully we will have qualified by then. With no big nation in the group it's unlikely we will play at the PS, which will please most. However, the fact that we play Croatia at home in the latter stages of the campaign does leave that possibility slightly open, assuming we don't have to specify where we will be playing the game until late on. I can't imagine Croatia objecting to a switch to the PS, but I don't see it happening. We've really got to come out of the traps quick this time. No place for arrogant football, as somebody suggested. We respect the opposition, earn the right to play, and look to dominate the middle of the park, hopefully with a defensive midfield duo in Allen and Ampadu in a 4-2-3-1, giving us the platform to unleash the likes of Brooks, Wilson, Ramsey and Bale. Bar a bad run of injuries, there's no excuse for not finishing in the top two of this group. Errrr....no outstanding team? A WC finalist? Surely some mistake. A tough group imho and the 2 early away games may well make it, a good start reqd or i suspect we may be fooked.
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Post by richierich333 on Dec 3, 2018 8:28:55 GMT
Very similar draw to World Cup campaign - with no outstanding countries and no obviously weak ones. We should still qualify from that group. First four fixtures work well for us, especially the opening fixture, with Slovakia playing us second in a double-header. I can't see us playing a friendly ahead of that game, given the danger of injuries, unless it's against weak opposition, allowing us to field a second string side. Good to have the double-header away with two countries in close proximity. Shame we don't face Hungary first in that double-header. We should beat Azerbaijan home regardless, and with us playing them in a single fixture there can be no excuses. If we are serious about qualifying we need to emerge from the first 4 fixtures with at least 8 or 9 points. The second half of the campaign isn't quite so favourable - it's a shame we have to play Croatia at home after a probably crucial fixture away to Slovakia in a double-header. Having to play Hungary at home in the last game following a long journey to Azerbaijan isn't great - but hopefully we will have qualified by then. With no big nation in the group it's unlikely we will play at the PS, which will please most. However, the fact that we play Croatia at home in the latter stages of the campaign does leave that possibility slightly open, assuming we don't have to specify where we will be playing the game until late on. I can't imagine Croatia objecting to a switch to the PS, but I don't see it happening. We've really got to come out of the traps quick this time. No place for arrogant football, as somebody suggested. We respect the opposition, earn the right to play, and look to dominate the middle of the park, hopefully with a defensive midfield duo in Allen and Ampadu in a 4-2-3-1, giving us the platform to unleash the likes of Brooks, Wilson, Ramsey and Bale. Bar a bad run of injuries, there's no excuse for not finishing in the top two of this group. We can rule out Wales v Croatia being moved to the PS. It's the same day as Wales v Uruguay in the Rugby World Cup in Japan - the WRU will want to retain the option of using the facilities at the stadium to show the game on the big screen. Oh...please...no...
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Post by eppingblue on Dec 3, 2018 9:25:08 GMT
I wonder if Leigh or Wonky sheep will look at doing bus transfers between Zagreb and Budapest. Options look at bit limited and adding a couple of thousand to the normal daily provision between the cities could swamp the availability.
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Euro 2020
Dec 3, 2018 10:09:33 GMT
via mobile
Post by cadno on Dec 3, 2018 10:09:33 GMT
We have to win our first game against Slovakia, in my opinion.
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Post by erasedcitizen on Dec 3, 2018 10:18:06 GMT
We have to win our first game against Slovakia, in my opinion. Let's hope Andy King's starting then.
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Euro 2020
Dec 3, 2018 10:18:47 GMT
via mobile
Post by erasedcitizen on Dec 3, 2018 10:18:47 GMT
I wonder if Leigh or Wonky sheep will look at doing bus transfers between Zagreb and Budapest. Options look at bit limited and adding a couple of thousand to the normal daily provision between the cities could swamp the availability. If the game's not played in Zagreb this could prove more difficult to pull off.
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Post by alarch on Dec 3, 2018 11:39:26 GMT
We can rule out Wales v Croatia being moved to the PS. It's the same day as Wales v Uruguay in the Rugby World Cup in Japan - the WRU will want to retain the option of using the facilities at the stadium to show the game on the big screen. I think it's very unlikely that the Croatia game will move to the PS, but not for that reason. I can't imagine tens of thousands wanting to watch Wales vs Uruguay at the PS. If there is a need for a big screen the Blues' ground could easily accommodate it. The match would be played several hours earlier as well. The only scenario where the Croatia game could be played at the PS is if we make a flying start and there's a huge clamour for tickets. I'm not sure if the 6 month notification rule around venues still applies, but even if it did Croatia might agree to a switch anyway. Chances are that if we do make a flying start that the hullabaloo around supposedly giving up a competitive advantage by playing at the CCS would make it difficult for the FAW to make the switch. All in all it's not likely to happen. I'm not underestimating Croatia at all - but I much prefer them to either France or Spain.The fact that they did so well in the World Cup is a reason for respect, but not fear. Do you think the Irish, Austrians or Serbs were quaking in their boots when they drew us, Euro semi-finalists, in the qualifiers? I suspect not. If you look at Croatia's progress to the World Cup final it was a strange affair, with a fantastic record in the group stages and yet wins on penalties against the decent, but not outstanding, Denmark and Russia, and a narrow hard-fought victory over England. Also, let's not forget that in qualifying they finished behind Iceland, and went through via the play-offs. So, they are group favourites for a good reason, but their record is somewhat erratic, suggesting they are beatable. With so many of the countries we're facing being small in population (none exceeding 10 million), squad depth and injuries may well play a significant role in how things pan out. It was certainly critical last time out. So, although I acknowledge that there's more of a spread of quality than there was in the World Cup qualifiers, all matches should be competitive, and there are no foregone conclusions. We've just got to make sure this time that we're not the ones on the end of a home draw with the equivalents of Georgia.
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Post by alarch on Dec 3, 2018 11:48:53 GMT
Playing Croatia away in June should be perfect timing for us - given that their players should be flagging by then, following their participation in the World Cup final. Apart from the 33-year old Modric, Mandžukić, Subašić and Ćorluka will also all be 33 by the time we play them. A big test for sure, but we've got to go into the game thinking we can win.
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