Denmark-Northern Ireland, Euro 2024 qualifiers: TV, line-ups, predictions
A debut that has gone well beyond expectations for Wales in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Hard to predict after an extremely disappointing World Cup, in which the Red Dragons even finished in last place in a far from impossible group with England, Iran and the United States
Robert Page and his men, on the other hand, started their campaign towards the European Championship in Germany on the right foot, despite the absence of a charismatic leader like Gareth Bale, who a few months ago decided to hang up his boots and say goodbye to football. The British selection debuted with a good draw at home to Croatia, favourites for first place in Group D, who were reached in the dying minutes of the second half (1-1) by a goal from Broadhead. Wales then made the most of their home ground – they have not lost in European Championship qualifying in front of their own home crowd since 2011 – and, above all, the quality and depth of their squad against lowly Latvia, who were beaten 1-0 by Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore.
Four points which, for the time being, allow Wales to remain level with Croatia at the top of the table, ahead of fearsome Turkey.
An Armenia line-up
The match against Armenia is a great opportunity to stay ahead of everyone, but this time alone: the Croatians, in fact, are currently engaged in the Final Four of the Nations League. The representative of the Caucasian country is still stuck on zero points like Latvia, but compared to Wales, Croatia and Turkey, they have only played one match so far. It was a painful defeat against the Turks (1-2), who were able to overturn the initial disadvantage: the match had been on the right track for the national team led by Ukrainian coach Oleksandr Petrakov, who after nine minutes had put their noses to the grindstone, taking advantage of an own goal by Kabak. Armenia played a friendly match a few days later, drawing 2-2 with Cyprus.
The prediction
No Bale no party? The first two outings, meanwhile, disproved the most sceptical, who were convinced that without their captain, Wales would go down in flames. However, in the event of a victory against Armenia, Page’s men can put a serious dent in qualification: they should be able to do so, even scoring two to four goals. In fact, the Armenian selection is disappointing especially in the non-possession phase, conceding at least two goals in the last seven matches.
Wales-Armenia matchday squad
- GALLES (4-4-1-1): Ward; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Williams; Wilson, Morrell, Ampadu, James; Ramsey; Moore.
- ARMENIA (5-4-1): Beglaryan; Hovhannisyan, Harutyunyan, Haroyan, Voskanyan, Tiknizyan; Barseghyan, Iwu, Spertsyan, Zelarayan; Briasco.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0