4 Possible Finals: An Unimaginable Surprise
Wales is on the brink of reaching their third consecutive European Championship, and captain Ben Davies admits that he could never have imagined being in this position. The Tottenham defender, who is one of the four survivors from Chris Coleman’s squad that qualified for Euro 2016, reflects on the journey that Welsh football has taken over the past few years.
Breaking Down Barriers
Before Euro 2016, Welsh football was facing a challenging time. The team felt that this tournament would be their best opportunity to qualify, and they were able to break down that barrier and show that qualification is possible by putting together a strong run of games. Now, they find themselves in a play-off final against Poland with the chance to reach their fourth major tournament.
A Historic Journey
Since their historic qualification for Euro 2016, Wales has continued to make their mark on the international stage. They reached the delayed Euro 2020 finals and secured a spot in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Ben Davies has been an integral part of the squad throughout this journey and will earn his 86th cap when he leads out Robert Page’s side against Poland.
A Team Effort
Davies acknowledges that each qualification has been special in its own way. This time, without the presence of Gareth Bale, the team has had to work even harder and come together as a unit. If they are able to secure qualification once again, it will be a real team effort and something that they can all be proud of.
Building on Experience
Wales had to integrate a new generation of players to carry on the legacy left by the likes of Bale and Joe Allen. However, Davies believes that the experience gained from their play-off wins over Austria and Ukraine in 2022 will hold them in good stead against Poland. The team showed composure and handled themselves well in high-stress situations, reflecting the discipline, energy, and passion that they possess as a unit.
Preparing for Every Possibility
The play-off final against Poland will be decided on the night, and there is a possibility of extra time and a penalty shootout. The Welsh preparations have taken this into account, as they have been practicing penalties all week. Davies hopes that it doesn’t come to that, but he is confident in the abilities of the team and believes they have 11 strong players ready for any challenge that may come their way.
As the excitement builds for the play-off final, Wales aims to once again make their mark on the international stage. The journey they have taken over the past few years is a testament to their resilience and determination. If they are able to secure qualification for the European Championship, it will be another chapter in the history of Welsh football that fans will never forget.