Cymru or Finland will advance within striking distance of securing a coveted spot at Euro 2024 as they clash in a play-off semi-final. With just three slots remaining for this summer’s tournament, the victor of this single match will set the stage for a crucial face-off against either Poland or Estonia, determining their fate in Germany.
Cymru found themselves sidelined from direct qualification after settling for consecutive draws in the concluding stages of Group D. Despite the setback, Rob Page’s squad enters the fray as the favored side on home turf. However, they face a formidable challenge from Finland, boasting a roster rich in seasoned campaigners.
The fixture between Cymru and Finland is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm GMT on Thursday, March 21, at the Cardiff City Stadium. UK viewers can catch the action live on S4C or Viaplay Sports 1, with coverage commencing at 7:20pm GMT and 7:35pm GMT respectively. For those abroad, accessing major sporting events may require a VPN to unlock streaming services. It’s important to adhere to local regulations and service provider terms when using VPNs.
In terms of team news, Rob Page has sprung a surprise by recalling captain Aaron Ramsey, who returns to action earlier than anticipated following an injury stint and recent appearances for Cardiff City. However, Cymru may have to navigate Wes Burns’ absence due to a hamstring injury, along with withdrawals from Ben Cabango and Joe Low. Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James are poised to mark their 50th caps.
Meanwhile, Finland faces setbacks of their own as Robert Taylor exits the squad, although Oliver Antman looks set to rejoin the international fold after missing out on the final four qualifying matches due to injury. Marcus Forss remains a doubt due to ongoing fitness concerns.
Predicted line-up: Ward, Mepham, Rodon, Davies, Roberts, Ampadu, Ramsey, Williams, Wilson, Johnson, and Moore. Finland’s probable lineup includes Hradecky, Soiri, Hoskonen, Jensen, Uronen, Kamara, Schuller, Jensen, Lod, Pukki, and Pohjanpalo.
Odds: Cymru is priced at 9/10 for a win, while a draw stands at 12/5, and Finland’s chances are rated at 15/4. As the tension mounts, both sides brace themselves for a pivotal clash with Euro 2024 aspirations hanging in the balance.
