Do we really have to, was it worth it and was there any value in it?
Regular writer Chris (@chris10pricey) takes a ,look at friendlies, their meaning (or not) and how this played out for Cymru.
International friendlies are notoriously challenging to get right. Everyone wants to play a big name, but there are only certain ones available at any one time. Some will argue playing a similar opposition provides the right challenge, but who is like who you are playing? And then where do you play it? Probably most importantly, with the lack of competition it always feels a bit forced, a friend referred to it as alcohol free, missing its spark.
The introduction of the Nations League has revolutionised international football to anyone that understands it, so predominantly anyone who is not English! This has meant the need for friendlies has almost disappeared in the last few years, but somewhat surprisingly, this being Wales’ 8th friendly since the start of 2020.
However, the advantage the other games have had are the majority have either been in build ups to tournaments or in one major case an enforcement after the World Cup play-off semi win. Although South Korea have been one of the major success stories of the 21st century, our current run of form, combined with high ticket prices, another night in the capital and the less than encouraging words from Page in the build-up, led to a sparsely populated CCS for a fixture that had failed massively to catch the imagination of the public.
Embed from Getty ImagesPage is right in saying that the focus has got to be on Monday on our (almost) last chance saloon night in Riga, but his words were not particularly helpful and would not have done much to endear himself to the FAW hierarchy who may already be feeling slightly twitchy, given our recent run. When used correctly, friendlies can be used to experiment, blood new players and try out different combinations.
The frustration with Page’s words here is not that he has shown the hard-working paying public disrespect but also the value of the jersey. Cymru have spent a lot of time putting value in the shirt, the pride every time you put it on, what it represents and the way they have built up the hwyl of the public in the last few years. We can all see what Page meant, but at best it was ill-advised.
So, the big question pre kick off was, who is he going to give a chance to? The system was the same, but the personnel was probably stronger than expected, with only 3 changes from the team that started in Turkey. An arguable first choice back 5 fronted Danny Ward in goal. Jordan James got his first start alongside Ethan Ampadu and Nathan Broadhead was rewarded with his first start alongside Harry Wilson and Brennan Johnson in a front 3. For the opposition, under pressure Jurgen Klinsmann also went strong in the search of his first win in charge at the 5th attempt, led by talisman Son Heung Min.
In the early stages, Ben Davies could have made a case to be called up to the RWC team for Sunday the way he was manhandled in the box, but this was missed by the officials. In the 12th minute, a beautiful bit of build-up play from Broadhead to turn in a pocket of space and put a perfect through ball to Wilson, who took it in his stride, but under pressure, rather scuffed his shot too close to the keeper.
Embed from Getty ImagesA drinks break in September in Wales, an almost ironic interlude, did nothing to help the almost pre-season vibes the game was giving off, no matter how good the small crowd were getting going! After the break, a lovely touch from Brennan, now of Spurs (damn that hurt as a Forest fan), almost put him through but it was just too heavy, and the defender was able to nip in. A few minutes later another clever ball through to BJ set him wide, but his pull back was cut out for a corner which came to nothing. In the first half hour, Wales had a lot of the ball and some promising openings without creating too much clear cut.
A few minutes before half time, Son’s curling effort from 25 yards, nearly outfoxed Ward, but he made a good adjustment in time to catch comfortably. A similar curling effort from Harry Wilson forced an unconventional save from the South Korean keeper. As half time approached South Korea began to build their first real spell of pressure, forcing a few corners in succession that ultimately led to nothing. The fact the first half stopped bang on 45 minutes, probably tells you everything you need to know!
At half time, Kieffer Moore and Joe Morrell were brought on for Ampadu and Johnson possibly to protect them with the former both suspended for Monday’s game. A couple of long-range efforts from South Korea were the only moments of interest in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Wes Burns came on for Neco on the hour, Jordan James’ tidy debut was ended when Josh Sheehan replaced him, and Ramsey was brought on for the last half hour.
On 65 minutes, the biggest chance of the game fell to Wales. Chris Mepham surged into the box, clipped it to the back post where Moore’s header back where it came from glanced the post and the rebound hit Ramsey, where he had no time to react. From the clearance, the ball was pulled back to Broadhead in the D, whose effort was deflected and drifted agonisingly wide. Joe Rodon had a good header well held by the South Korean keeper on 69 minutes.
Embed from Getty ImagesOn 72 minutes, David Brooks return was greeted with rousing renditions of ‘Brooks will tear you apart,’ which reverberated around the ground for most of the final 20 minutes. It was great to see him back, not only for what he has been through, but Wales have missed him and his quality. The only moment of any note in the closing moments, was Ben Davies’ cross come shot forced a good hand from the keeper to palm away. With the final touch, Kieffer Moore headed wide when unmarked 10 yards out. Again, the game ending bang on 90 minutes probably tells you what you need to know. A decent watch, but nothing that will live long in the memory.
So, was it worth it? The positives…. The Korean shirt is a thing of beauty?! Joking aside, it must be that we looked comfortable against a team that went further than us at the World Cup. The better chances fell to us both in the first and second half. There were some lovely touches and inter play when we had the ball, and we were disciplined without it for long periods without giving up any clear chances. And fair play to the 13,668 who saw it through and sounded very good on the tv.
Embed from Getty ImagesA worry is that with a vast majority of those starting tonight will also be starting on Monday and if they look tired or fatigued after 60 minutes, which has happened previously, Page is going to have dug himself an almighty hole, one I fear he may not be able to get out of. We have proved in the past how difficult it has been to get up for the 2nd game in a window and playing players who have already had minutes this season seems a poor idea. I am still on the fence about Page, I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, but defeat on Monday not only ends our chances in the group, but for Page, he may not even get the chance at the play-offs should the FAW want to employ a specialist for those 2 potential games in March. With the focus on Monday, this friendly will be instantly forgettable should we win in Latvia. But if we do lose, the inquest may well start with the value of playing your almost strongest possible side tonight.