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Post by hooky on Sept 7, 2023 21:53:46 GMT
Decent game to watch tbf, plenty of positives: - Seemed more assured in defence, albeit it was pretty tame from the Koreans. - JJ looked decent and didn't put a foot wrong - would be interested to see how he does starting in a competitive game - Ampadu our best player overall. - Wilson had a very good game imo and I wouldn't have an issue with him starting over Ramsey in that role vs Latvia The negatives: - Johnson. Completely anonymous. Maybe he was saving himself for Tuesday and his new career at Tottenham, but dissappointing to see a 45m player basically do nothing for the whole first half. - Connor Roberts channeling his inner Gunter by becoming a pass back master. I don't know what's happened to him, but questions need to be asked if he should be starting at RWB now. Far too negative and lacking in attacking attitude for that position. - Did we really need to see Moore and Morrell for 45 mins? I for one didn't. - Sheehan deserved more game time - Broadhead I think is a very average footballer at the moment, however I worry that Page will continue playing him over others purely based on that Croatia goal. Well Gunter is part of the coaching setup now. First 50mins the point was spot on. He did improve a bit thereafter. Broadhead totally agree. He may still be average too but why did we not see Mantando - he has an obvious point of difference to all our players in the squad. Without Dan James then it almost seems negligent not to give him some game time |
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Post by surge on Sept 7, 2023 21:56:22 GMT
We're in an awkward phase where our best performances of recent times have come with HRK/Vokes or Moore up top to play off but Moore is 31 and no one obvious behind him to play the same role. Someone needs to work out how to score goals with us being a smaller side.
Is that person Page? I know most readers would say no but I'm reminded of the goal we scored Belgium away (3-1 defeat) which was best Welsh goal possibly this decade.
Brennan Johnson as our starting striker? I don't know. He didn't do badly but he has been one of our most creative outlets and not 100% moving him further forward is best for him or us, but he did do good things too and did better than poster above suggests.
Connor Roberts was important out-ball for Ward's goal-kicks. He's got a leap on him and now is smart when jumping so will either win the ball or put enough pressure on opposition that they give away throw-in.
If we are going to play with smaller players we probably need to move the ball quicker - Page may not have wanted this friendly but some passes were heavier than they should have been (players out of practice) so it was necessary.
Fans may not have wanted this friendly either but those there created a good atmosphere and had fun. Even when it's not the strongest Welsh team it is good fun.
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Post by ddirpytnop on Sept 7, 2023 22:27:45 GMT
For the short time he was on the pitch, Josh Sheehan impressed me. Looked a composed, accomplished ball-player. I'd be happy to see more of him in a Wales shirt.
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Post by jbt95 on Sept 7, 2023 22:29:15 GMT
A well needed performance!!
Feeling a lot better about Monday now. Several players impressed.
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Post by cogancoronation31 on Sept 8, 2023 1:16:23 GMT
Thought it was a great atmosphere on a pleasant September evening... far being from a quiet and souless friendly.
South Korea's fans and players added to the enjoyment of the occasion. Son Heung-min, though quiet, was always a danger and Kim Min-jae at centre-back played well.
Our lads did alright too in the main and, whereas a win would have been better, there was no shame in sharing the spoils with a decent set of opponents.
Bodes well, I hope, for Monday night in Riga... C'mon Cymru! Let's put two or three past Latvia.
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Post by njdragon on Sept 8, 2023 5:43:23 GMT
Thought it was a great atmosphere on a pleasant September evening... far being from a quiet and souless friendly. South Korea's fans and players added to the enjoyment of the occasion. Son Heung-min, though quiet, was always a danger and Kim Min-jae at centre-back played well. Our lads did alright too in the main and, whereas a win would have been better, there was no shame in sharing the spoils with a decent set of opponents. Bodes well, I hope, for Monday night in Riga... C'mon Cymru! Let's put two or three past Latvia. Good game and atmosphere, enjoyed it and especially how all fans seemed behind the team! Probably best atmosphere at home game since the World Cup |
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Post by welshrover on Sept 8, 2023 7:13:05 GMT
Thought we missed the outlet of Dan James an awful lot tonight.
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Post by welwyn on Sept 8, 2023 7:44:55 GMT
At least we looked like we had a tactic and plan that could conceivably work.
Much prefer Ramsey on the left of the front three in that system. Which is good because, DJ aside, all our best options prefer to be on the right (Wilson, Brooks, Johnson).
Team I'd pick for Monday:
Ward
Meps-Rodon-Davies
Connor-JJ/Sheehan-Ampadu-Neco
Wilson-Johnson-Ramsey
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Post by melynwy on Sept 8, 2023 8:05:57 GMT
Decent and interesting game.
When we have that extra half a second on the ball as we did last night, we look like a team of decent players. Good first touch, solid passing and movement on occasion. But when that half a second disappears against stronger teams, we are nowhere - perhaps reflecting that our players are either not playing for their clubs, or are playing at a lower level with more time and space on the ball. It's not a reflection on their ability I don't think - purely what they're used to.
I've always liked the back 3 / 5 for Wales, but unfortunately our goalkeeper situation means we can never be totally fluid with it. It's been a very common system in world football, often with the two outer centre back splitting wide and the goalkeeper stepping up in between. This allows the wing backs and the central defender to step up as well, putting bodies in midfield and creating space.
We arguably have the perfect player for a centre back stepping up into midfield (Ampadu), but frankly I have no desire to see Ward attempting to play that game! Also, I guess we simply have to play Ampadu in midfield at the moment.
It's a shame, but it's what we have. The more I think about it, the more its holding us back. We're trying to play a system that relies on a ball playing GK, but it leaves us having to keep players back, and we're essentially a man down in possession compared to other teams playing the system.
Osian Robert on commentary last night seemed aware of this, as he made a point of explaining how South Korea were doing it and how effective it was, and how it allowed them not no keep all defenders back at all times.
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Post by 1gwaunview on Sept 8, 2023 10:25:08 GMT
Improvement from recent matches. But there needed to be.
I know he's just gone to Spurs for a huge fee, but so far (maybe I'm missing something, others seem to think he's our next star performer), Brennan Johnson hasn't impressed me in many of his outings for us. Perhaps he's been played out of position/not 100% fit, I don't know. If everyone else is correct about him and I'm wrong then I'll be delighted.
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Post by fiveattheback on Sept 8, 2023 10:33:10 GMT
Only caught the 2nd half but thought we looked a lot more steady However using that system without Moore is a big no no for me. It needs a focal point Yeah, we've seen in the past how playing "forwards" rather than strikers has hurt us going forward. We need a proper striker and Johnson isn't one |
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Post by jbt95 on Sept 8, 2023 11:35:32 GMT
Only caught the 2nd half but thought we looked a lot more steady However using that system without Moore is a big no no for me. It needs a focal point Yeah, we've seen in the past how playing "forwards" rather than strikers has hurt us going forward. We need a proper striker and Johnson isn't one This is why it’s criminal Bradshaw didn’t start in Turkey, in place of Moore. Shame Bradshaw wasn’t given a chance yesterday for Monday. |
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Post by iot on Sept 8, 2023 12:01:52 GMT
Yeah, we've seen in the past how playing "forwards" rather than strikers has hurt us going forward. We need a proper striker and Johnson isn't one This is why it’s criminal Bradshaw didn’t start in Turkey, in place of Moore. Shame Bradshaw wasn’t given a chance yesterday for Monday. It wasn't 'criminal' though was it, in fact I'm reasonably confident that only a very small minority would have advocated starting Bradshaw over Johnson or Wilson in that game. I'm also very confident that starting Bradshaw in that game would have made next to no difference |
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Post by jbt95 on Sept 8, 2023 12:23:48 GMT
This is why it’s criminal Bradshaw didn’t start in Turkey, in place of Moore. Shame Bradshaw wasn’t given a chance yesterday for Monday. It wasn't 'criminal' though was it, in fact I'm reasonably confident that only a very small minority would have advocated starting Bradshaw over Johnson or Wilson in that game. I'm also very confident that starting Bradshaw in that game would have made next to no difference Probably would’ve as Johnson wouldn’t have been playing no 9 and wouldn’t have got injured in the opening minutes. |
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Post by iot on Sept 8, 2023 12:26:58 GMT
It wasn't 'criminal' though was it, in fact I'm reasonably confident that only a very small minority would have advocated starting Bradshaw over Johnson or Wilson in that game. I'm also very confident that starting Bradshaw in that game would have made next to no difference Probably would’ve as Johnson wouldn’t have been playing no 9 and wouldn’t have got injured in the opening minutes. That's a very weak argument to back up your assertion that it was 'criminal' not to start Bradshaw |
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Post by welshwhite on Sept 8, 2023 17:02:18 GMT
The negatives: - Johnson. Completely anonymous. Maybe he was saving himself for Tuesday and his new career at Tottenham, but dissappointing to see a 45m player basically do nothing for the whole first half. - Connor Roberts channeling his inner Gunter by becoming a pass back master. I don't know what's happened to him, but questions need to be asked if he should be starting at RWB now. Far too negative and lacking in attacking attitude for that position. - Did we really need to see Moore and Morrell for 45 mins? I for one didn't. - Sheehan deserved more game time- Broadhead I think is a very average footballer at the moment, however I worry that Page will continue playing him over others purely based on that Croatia goal. Yeah, I was disappointed Josh didn't get more time in the pitch, thought he would have a half, sharing time with James. Looks like JJ is in pole position for Monday, not unhappy with that. James didn't do much but what he did do seemed controlled and efficient, and I guess his selection goes along with the narrative that 'we are in transition' |
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Post by cogancoronation31 on Sept 8, 2023 17:09:07 GMT
They both did OK during their minutes against Korea last night, and I am expecting to see both on the pitch at some stage on Monday - JJ pressing for a starting berth ahead of Josh, but Josh to come on for a late cameo.
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Post by surge on Sept 8, 2023 17:24:40 GMT
Yeah, we've seen in the past how playing "forwards" rather than strikers has hurt us going forward. We need a proper striker and Johnson isn't one This is why it’s criminal Bradshaw didn’t start in Turkey, in place of Moore. Shame Bradshaw wasn’t given a chance yesterday for Monday. I would have started Bradshaw against Turkey too, but at some point we need to learn how to play without a traditional focal point or develop/find one. If you're not doing that in friendlies then what are you doing? |
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Post by reyrey on Sept 8, 2023 18:11:07 GMT
This is why it’s criminal Bradshaw didn’t start in Turkey, in place of Moore. Shame Bradshaw wasn’t given a chance yesterday for Monday. I would have started Bradshaw against Turkey too, but at some point we need to learn how to play without a traditional focal point or develop/find one. If you're not doing that in friendlies then what are you doing? Imo we have always been at our most dangerous when we have a focal point. |
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Post by conwy10 on Sept 8, 2023 21:31:49 GMT
James looked good, it was solid but didn't really ask questions until Moore came on. I like Johnson but I hate when we play our most dangerous players up front, back to goal and struggle to get support. I thought Broadhead struggled. Don't think he's ready to start conpetitive. Agree. Lost the ball a lot and silly effort shooting straight at a defender when he had created no space - that is how you can be caught on the break as the ball can go anyway Think he is a player you maybe bring on with a few mins left if you are desperate for a goal as he does not link things up very well / contribute enough at this moment Completely agree. Didn't seem capable of taking the man on last night, lost it far too many times. To be fair South Korea are a decent side, but for me he didn't put himself in the frame last night. Maybe he'll get more opportunities that he'll need to take. |
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Post by conwy10 on Sept 8, 2023 21:38:09 GMT
Does anyone else notice with Neco that he can do the difficult things like turn on the ball and go through 3 players but will then mess up a simple 5 yard pass. I don't know if its lack of composure and gets really fired up, but if we can just get him to do the simplest things he would be our new superstar.
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Post by jimbo82 on Sept 12, 2023 14:32:35 GMT
Just spotted on wikipedia that apparently we have a friendly with Colombia on March 20th 2024. Wishful thinking? I believe that's one of the euro 24 playoff dates. Maybe Colombia have for some reason agreed to play whoever loses the first playoff match on the second date?
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Post by jbt95 on Sept 12, 2023 14:53:49 GMT
Just spotted on wikipedia that apparently we have a friendly with Colombia on March 20th 2024. Wishful thinking? I believe that's one of the euro 24 playoff dates. Maybe Colombia have for some reason agreed to play whoever loses the first playoff match on the second date? There’s no South American World Cup qualifying in March I notice, so it’s a possibly but why would we have agreed to play them in particular? It’s also on the Colombia wiki page. Weird! |
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Post by cogancoronation31 on Sept 23, 2023 7:52:45 GMT
CYMRU -v- GIBRALTER @ Wrexham, 11 October 2023...
Just to note that Gibralter lost all of their 4 qualifiers in March and June 2023 by a 3-0 margin.
Then, this month, they lost a friendly 1-0 to Malta, and got hammered 5-0 in a qualifier against Greece.
So... whichever line-up we field at The Racecourse, SURELY we keep a clean sheet - and score a hatful of goals?
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Post by underwood on Sept 23, 2023 9:28:06 GMT
We’ll win 3-0. Nobody who is going to feature against Croatia will play, with the possible exception of 45 mins for Ward, we’ll have 75% possession & 22 shots at goal, the Racecourse will be full & everyone will go home happy.
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Post by vvm on Sept 26, 2023 8:19:56 GMT
Still a decent amount of tickets left for the Gibraltar game. Think the FAW might have been a bit greedy with the pricing for this one.
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Post by aberbeeg on Sept 26, 2023 8:58:40 GMT
Still a decent amount of tickets left for the Gibraltar game. Think the FAW might have been a bit greedy with the pricing for this one. Seriously? The capacity is only about 10k isn’t it? |
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Post by underwood on Sept 26, 2023 11:51:20 GMT
There are about 600 tickets left with 2 weeks to go before the game, hardly cause for alarm.
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Post by vvm on Sept 26, 2023 12:33:28 GMT
Probably remembering this wrong but I swear I remember the Trinidad and Tobago game selling out fairly quickly. Agree it's not really cause for alarm but over 4 years since the last game in Wrexham, I expected this to sell fairly quickly.
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Post by rico on Sept 26, 2023 13:22:47 GMT
Demand was big for that T&T game. I remember selling a spare last minute and there were loads of others asking around for a ticket. Remember it well because the game was so anticlimatic after the excitement around it being at Y Cae Ras.
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