Wales manager Rob Page stated he was really satisfied with his side’s performance in their 4-1 win against Finland at The Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday night.
First half goals from David Brooks and Neco Williams followed by second half strikes from Brennan Johnson and substitute Dan James helped Wales book their place in Tuesday’s final against Poland for a place at Euro 2024.
“We wanted to start the game fast, come out of the traps and we certainly did that with an early goal that settled us a little bit” said Page.
“We didn’t quite get the press right first half so we addressed it at half time. We made a couple of changes and I thought that made us better second half. On another night it might have been five or six” added Page.
[getty src=”2102761173″ width=”594″ height=”465″ tld=”com”]It was a shock to many that in-form forward Kieffer Moore started on the bench, with Page admitting that his biggest selection headache was his forward players.
“It was a hard decision to make, but I knew having looked at the analysis that pace would hurt them.”
“The good thing is as well people like DJ (Daniel James) coming off the bench who’s playing really well at club level and scoring goals full of confidence, that’s why he’s coming on and having the impact he does, that’s why Nathan Broadhead comes on and has the impact he does.”
The Wales boss also had high praise for the youthful pairing of Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James in midfield after their performance.
“Ethan 23 on his 50th cap I thought he was immense. Young JJ let’s not overlook what he’s done, he’s a young lad stepped in not had many caps, so in a high pressure game like that to give that level of performance was incredible.”
Senior figure Aaron Ramsey was an unused substitute following his return from a long injury layout, with Page stating he was ‘gobsmacked’ at criticism over selection of the Cardiff City midfielder.
“If I got a 1% chance of getting Aaron Ramsey in my squad im gonna put him in, not just because the quality he gives us on the field but what he’s like in the changing room and in and around the place, its a no brainer for me” stated the Wales boss.
The 49-year old now sets his sights on the final against Poland, with his side one step away from another major tournament.
“We done analysis on Poland and Estonia, you don’t take anything for granted, we have already looked at Poland, we know they pose a different threat to tonight.”
“It’ll be a tough test for us but what more motivation do you need than one win away from a fourth major tournament. The boys have been incredible all week, they knew the importance going into the game tonight and they’ll be ready for Tuesday and up for it.”
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