Cymru is set for a pivotal clash against Finland in the Euro 2024 play-off semi-final on 21 March, following the draw on Thursday. Cardiff will be the backdrop for the one-legged tie, with manager Rob Page’s squad aiming to secure a spot in the tournament in Germany.
After a 1-1 draw with Turkey and Croatia’s 1-0 win over Armenia dashed hopes of automatic qualification, Cymru found solace in a guaranteed play-off position. Their participation in the top tier of the Nations League’s latest edition earned them this safety net.
If successful against Finland, Cymru will face either Poland or Estonia in a play-off final at home just five days later. This match will decide their fate in Euro 2024.
Cymru has a recent history of play-off triumphs, overcoming Scotland and Ukraine to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after an absence since 1958. The upcoming encounter with Finland revives memories of their last meeting in September 2021, a goalless friendly draw in Helsinki marked by Harry Wilson’s missed penalty.
As Cymru braces for the challenge, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the drama on home soil. The team’s mix of recent success and the setback in automatic qualification sets the stage for a determined effort in the Euro 2024 play-offs, with hopes of making a mark on the international stage.
