Wales 0-0 Albania: Stalemate for Rob Page’s side ahead of EURO 2020
Cardiff, Wales. 5th June 2021. Tyler Roberts of Wales in action against Marash Kumbulla of Albania Wales v Albania friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium on the 5th June 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Wales completed their EURO 2020 preparations with a goalless draw against Albania at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Rob Page’s side enter next weeks tournament without a victory in their two friendlies but created many opportunities in the second-half.
There were brief scares for Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu who had collisions with two Albanian players but the players came through unscathed.
Wales started brightly as they controlled possession but were playing a patient game as they deployed five defenders.
Albania had the first opportunity as Rey Manaj fired over Wayne Hennessey’s goal after peeling away from his marker.
There was a feeling of caution as Ethan Ampadu and Bekim Balaj collided in a challenge but the Sheffield United loanee came through unscathed.
Albania were providing tough opposition for Wales and almost had a clear-cut at goal as Ardian Ismajli directed a header at goal.
Wales’ best moment of the first half came from a counter-attack. David Brooks’ low cross was touched over by Aaron Ramsey who was deployed as a false nine.
At the break, Kieffer Moore was introduced for Ethan Ampadu, prompting a change in shape for Wales.
There was another brief silence around the 6500 crowd as Ramsey hobbled out of a challenge from ismajli. The Juventus man however was able tom continue.
The change in shape for Wales brought more opportunities. Neco Williams sent an effort just over Selmani’s bar as they began to open up the Albanian defence.
The Welsh crowd had a brief moment of laughter as Rhys Norrington-Davies, who was carded for his push, forced Rey Manaj into his manager Edoardo Reja.
Moore’s introduction brought in more of Wales’ attacking players but as the experienced trio of Joe Allen, Ben Davies Davies and Ramsey went off, Waes were forced to think again.
Harry Wilson, introduced for Ramsey, sent a low shot past the post as Wales continued to threaten.
Just under fifteen minutes from time, Reds bright spark Neco Williams forced a save out of Selmani has he let fly on a powerful shot.
Moments later, substitute Gareth Bale found Moore with a nicely delivered cross but the Albania keeper saved well.
There would be no Wales goal for fans to cheer though as Albania stood firm to shut out the Welsh attack.
Wales manager Rob Page said: “Irrespective of formations, I thought we were off it first-half and it doesn’t matter what formation you play if you play like that, it’s going to be a long afternoon.
“Second-half, we were much better and the change helped to get us up the pitch, we created more chances and got the ball into dangerous positions.”
Wales: Wayne Hennessey, Neco Williams, Ben Davies (C) (Joe Rodon, 61), Joe Allen (Matt Smith, 61), Tyler Roberts (Gareth Bale, 71), Aaron Ramsey (Harry Wilson, 61), Ethan Ampadu (Kieffer Moore, 46), Rhys Norrington-Davies, David Brooks (Jonny Williams, 76), Chris Mepham, Dylan Levitt.
Yellow Cards: David Brooks 37, Rhys Norrington-Davies, 58, Chris Mepham 83′
Albania: Gentian Selmani, Ermir Lenjani (Lorenc Trashi, 61), Endri Çekiçi (Sherif Kallaku 75), Berat Djimsiti, Keidi Bare (Qazim LAci, 75), Rey Manaj (Taulant Seferi, 76), Marash Kumbulla, Albi Doka, Ardian Ismajli, Bekim Balaj (Sokol Cikalleshi, 61), Amir Abrashi (C).
Yellow Cards: Berat Djimsiti 28, Rey Manaj 37, Qazim Laci 83, Amir Abrashi 83,
