ECQ: Can Wales qualify for Euro 2024?
Wales 4 - 1 Finland
Wales moved a step closer to Germany and Euro 2024 qualification after a convincing win over Finland.
Finland fans made a great noise last night despite the result.https://t.co/Mu4Cn3wz9B pic.twitter.com/ptwj9vgOKB
— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) March 22, 2024
The game started with an electrifying start for the home team, as David Brooks seized the moment to volley in a rebound from Harry Wilson's shot, just three minutes into the match.
Despite Finland dominating possession for much of the first half, Wales managed to extend their lead with a splendid curling free-kick from Neco Williams. However, Finland kept themselves in the game with a composed finish from Teemu Pukki just before halftime.
Brennan Johnson then eased any tension for the Welsh side with a well-timed tap-in early in the second half, securing their advantage.
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Although Wales missed a few opportunities to widen the gap and saw a goal disallowed, they secured a comfortable victory with a late fourth goal from substitute Dan James.
Looking ahead to the play-off final against Poland, Wales remains focused on the task at hand, aware that their hard-earned triumph against Finland will be meaningless if they fail to secure another win.
Finland boss Markku Kanerva told the media:
“I want to congratulate Wales, they played a good game today and deserved to win. Of course, I am disappointed, we didn’t reach the level I wished.
“We had disastrous starts to both halves with Wales scoring in both those periods. Hopefully, Wales will go all the way to the Euros, because they are a good team.
“I can’t ask for more than my players gave on the field. I am very disappointed of course, but that’s football.”
Finland boss Markku Kanerva:
— Jordan (@JordanWebber96) March 22, 2024
“Hopefully Wales will go all the way to the Euros, because they’re a good team.”
🤝🏴 pic.twitter.com/klyvHBrrNS
Dave, a Wales fan currently living in Greater Manchester, gave his thoughts on the match.
"It was brilliant. I think we got off to a great start, and then Neco Williams scored an unbelievable goal for the second. The fans were a bit disappointed to concede before half-time, but we went out in the second half with the same spirit and scored early again."
"Supporters are thrilled with our performances so far, but we know that the journey to Euro 2024 is only halfway through. It's been a while since we scored four goals in a game, and we are proud of our team for achieving this. We have many talented players who can score goals from different positions on the field."
