Dai looks at the lessons learned from Cymru’s Nations League campaign.

Cymru’s chance to dine at the top table of international football, has been a mixed bag. We’ve seen what we are capable of and had our weaknesses brutally exposed. We’ve qualified for a World Cup in that time and have seen Wales peak in many senses. Despite that, we’ve won zero games in the Nations League, and grabbed one point against our pals the Belgians. Overall, are we taking good things from this, or have we been left with more questions than answers?

Looking at the opening round, the loss to Poland felt cruel. Jonny Williams’ second goal, just as good as his first, meant nothing as we succumbed to a late show by a talented and effective Poland side. That result was cast aside as unimportant though, before we tackled Ukraine in the biggest qualifying game we’ve played in many years. The reflection went that an under strength team gave a good account of themselves, against a tricky opponent, and if lessons were learned for the big one, it was worthwhile.

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As we managed to sneak past the Ukrainians, via a deflection off Gareth Bale’s left wand, the Poland game instantly became irrelevant, as we waka waka’d our way to Qatar. However, it did put what would become our slightly soft underbelly on show for all.

Both games against the Dutch, really proved that point. After going behind, and rallying with late goals, the success was short lived as the lads in orange always seemed to find a way to bounce back. Rhys Norrington-Davies’ brilliant header, and the Johnson-Bale double act, both rendered pointless, with the concession of two late goals.

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The home game against Belgium reminded us of two things. The quality of Kevin De Bruyne, and how much the Belgians must hate coming to Cardiff. Johnson’s brilliant equaliser after Ramsey’s ballet lesson, were both signs of what we are truly capable of, when at our sparkling best. In these challenging games, we just didn’t always witness that, often due to issues beyond our control.

Belgium in Brussels was also an exposé on the argument that we have the depth we think we do. One (or two) too many big names were missing in the wrong areas and frankly, the next cabs off the rank just weren’t up to it on the night. Poland too was a disappointment in my eyes. A team we are capable of beating, but showed few signs of doing so, when we looked ever so slightly undercooked personnel wise.

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What have we learned?

Looking back, it’s important to recognise what we have learned. What was positive and what wasn’t.

I’ll start with the downsides, so we can end positive. Firstly, our midfield depth is a worry without Allen and Ampadu. Smith and Levitt just don’t look up to it, and as much as I like Morrell, he does need someone else with him so he can showcase his strengths.

I’m not sure we know what plan b is when we look to chase a game. We went 4 at the back against Belgium and Poland but it never had the real feel of being game changing. The flip side of that argument is that we also didn’t have the players to bring on who were difference makers. Ramsey, Wilson and Brooks would have made a huge difference to us, and Gareth Bale’s questionable contributions underline our attacking fragility at times.

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Lastly, a team once renowned for its defensive strength has looked a little leaky. Late concessions against the Dutch (home and away) as well as the Poles (away) were a touch concerning. I’d add to that, we were a team which was built on not conceding and taking one of the few chances we’d get. Whilst I still back us to score, we’ve kept 1 clean sheet in our last 11. Very unlike us. I know the opposition is strong, but I wonder if our platform is starting to falter based on an uncertainly regarding our best attacking shape as we attempt to get certain personnel on the pitch. That’s a story for another day I suppose. Regardless of my thoughts on the shape, I’m not sure how many times we had our first choice defensive line on the pitch when these goals went in. We haven’t always been at full strength in these games and it shows; it has an impact.

With all these things said, we’ve got players to come back from injury and when we are at full strength we look a match for most. Belgium at home being a good example of that. We have players playing seemingly above their usual standard when they put on a Wales shirt. For a country so often short of depth, that is key. We have selection dilemmas due to our array of talented attackers and we do always look like scoring. Also a huge positive.

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Brennan Johnson is the one shining beacon to come from these games though. He’s scored his first goal and he’s terrified the Dutch with he’s super finishing and driving pace. The boy is going to be our next big star. He’s had his break through moments and we can only hope that his exciting trajectory continues.

What cannot be forgotten though, is that in the middle of these tough games against world class players and teams, we’ve qualified for the World Cup. A wonderful sentence to write. A frankly baffling thought to take in, considering where Wales were under Chris Coleman around 10 years ago. The manager and squad have managed these games and if you’d have offered me the World Cup or staying in group A, I know what I’d have chosen every time.

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Finally, the key for football in my eyes as a supporter, is enjoyment and opportunities to test yourself against the best. I have enjoyed this experience and having met a fair few of the Red Wall across Europe recently, I think they have too. We’ve also shown that against talented opposition we can be a threat. If we are to become a yo-yo team between the two pools, I’m fine with that. An opportunity to blood younger players and then a chance to stick it to the big boys.

We are an exciting, attack laden team, living through an unsurpassable era in the history of Welsh football. Yes there are lessons to be learned from this campaign and it’s not all been positive. But we’ve also experienced something that generations of Welsh fans haven’t been able to. For me, that is the most valuable lesson of all.

The World Cup will be a wild ride, and there obviously need to be improvements made from some of these games. Unlike in times gone by though, I have full faith that this squad and coaching team won’t let us down.

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