Rhys’s Ratings
Cymru vs Finland
21/03/24
Back again for some more Rhys’s Ratings! I’ve really enjoyed rewatching the game today to write these, all thanks to the fantastic performance the boys put out, what a treat! Let me know if you agree? Who was the standout performer for you? And was there anyone who left you wanting more?!
Ward
Only had to make one save all game – a combination probably between the good work from his defenders in front of him and a Finland side that only managed 3 goals in 4 games on the road this qualifying campaign (excluding San Marino). Showed good composure on the ball that helped steady Wales but work to be done on distribution.
Mepham
Thought he was excellent for Wales tonight and a bit of an unsung hero in this team. No player made more tackles (3 and level with Rodon), clearances (5) or interception (3) for Cymru against Finland.
Rodon
Another fantastic performance from Joey Rodon who seems to be becoming the type of player we hoped he would be for Wales. Solid.
Davies
A very solid defensive performance from the captain on the night. His role in this system in enabling Neco to get high and involved in the attack can not be underestimated. Was unlucky not to score too!
Roberts
Defensively sound for Cymru and gave Wales a platform to attack from. Won’t get lots of plaudits but a really good performance and he looks to be another benefiting from consistent game time at club level.
J.James
Appeared to play a slightly more defensive role on the night than I’ve seen him play for Birmingham and he did it marvellously. Broke up play well and was always willing get on the ball and try and progress the play. Loved the ‘nastier’ side to his game too in the clever fouls he made to slow Finland down. The football purists won’t like it but it’s what more ‘savy’ footballing nations have done to us over the years and got results to show for it.
Ampadu
Someone who could have easily been my Seren y Gêm, Ampadu was awesome in the midfield for Cymru. He played more attacking than perhaps we’re used to and his four key passes were the most of any player on the pitch last night. He drove Wales up the pitch when we needed it, was determined in nodding down Wilson’s free kick that led to Wales’s third and perhaps my favourite non-goal moment of the night was when he threaded a perfect pass through for Kieffer on the 70th minute. Everyone in the stadium (myself included) was urging him to play it wide to Neco but he proved once again the intelligence he has to accompany his undeniable ability to pull a pass like that off.
N Williams
WHAT A STRIKE!!! He’s so consistent for Wales and never stops running! Add moments like that free kick and his solo goal against Turkey and it’s clear to see why he’s invaluable to Cymru. NECO NECO NECO!
Brooks
Took his chance well in what was a confident performance from Brooksy. Didn’t always come off for him but he didn’t stop trying to make things happen for Wales – I’d personally rather this than someone who is too tentative for fear of losing the ball!
Wilson
🌟Seren y Gêm 🌟
Easily the star man for me, he was fantastic against Finland. His versatility to play up alongside Brooks and Johnson, in midfield with Ampadu and JJ or to float between the two caused the Finns all sorts of problems. The man from Corwen had the most shots on target of any player on the night (3), another huge chance just wide and a clear lay off from the free kick to set up Neco’s rocket of a strike. This is not forgetting that it was his shot saved that led to the first goal and his pass upfield that Dan James eventually latched onto! On another night, perhaps without the talented Lukáš Hrádecký in goal, he would definitely have had his name on the scoresheet, maybe even more than once!
Johnson
Ran the channels well and his directness was a threat all night. His touch let him down on a couple of occasions but it was a tireless performance all the same. I’d like to think he’s purposefully stayed on side for his goal too and so I’m blinkin well going to!
Substitutions:
Dan James – He’s not the most glamorous of players but I really love to watch him. That energy and pace is so exciting to see at any level. He took his goal superbly and it was very much a sign of the confidence that his 12 goals and 7 assists in the Championship this season has given him. Such is his frightening pace, the Finnish defender only looked back twice – the first time James was on the edge of his box 50yds away and by the time he looked the second time James had already nicked the ball away! Can we really leave him out again against Poland?
Kieffer Moore – He provided a different sort of challenge to Finland. Should’ve scored too.
So onto the play-off final we go! Credit to Rob Page where it’s due, he got it spot on and we’ve got a game to send us to Germany to show for it! YMLAEN CYMRU