Expectation levels have risen says Wales’ interim boss Rob Page

Wales interim manager Rob Page is anticipating a tough group but believes his side can fight for top spot following this evenings Qatar FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw in Geneva. 

Cymru were placed in Group E alongside, Belgium, Czech Republic, Belarus, and Estonia. 

Belgium and Czech Republic need no introduction to the international stage as they both qualified for EURO 2020 and were both group winners in the last instalment of the Nations League. 

Wales will be aiming to create even more history this time round determined to seal their first World Cup qualification in 63 years. The last time Cymru qualified for a World Cup tournament was back in 1958 under Jimmy Murphy. 

When asked for his reaction later on, Rob Page shared his views on the FIFA World Cup Qualifying draw: “I’m pretty pleased with the draw. Obviously, Belgium are the standout team but we’ve got a got record against them over the last few years so hopefully that can stand us in good stead going forward. 

“As for the rest of the teams, we were pleased with who we got. The Czech Republic are in great form at the minute having won their National League group and qualified for the Euros, but we all know it’s going to be a tough group.  

“Expectation are much higher this time round, the standards that we have set have only gone bigger so I think people will be looking at us with a far greater target of qualification, so we’ve given ourselves a great opportunity in doing so especially us with sealing promotion into the top tier of the UEFA Nations League. 

“With that promotion it also gives as a potential play-off route which is another bonus for us going forward and can take the pressure off us slightly, but ultimately we want to finish as high as possible in order to better our chances of getting qualified.  

Belgium are no strangers to Wales and especially when it comes to qualifying for major tournaments and Page is excited ahead of their games against the Red Devils. 

“I’m hugely excited ahead of the start of the qualifying campaign. Belgium have got an affray of talent which will only benefit them but we as a nation have got plenty of quality as well so those games will be nothing but exciting. 

“The last four games against them our record has been good – two wins and two draws so I hope they look at us as a nation who are moving forward, and they’re be fully aware of our results and form going into the qualifying campaign in March.  

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)