Wales goal to maintain their Euro 2024 qualification hopes in opposition to Latvia on Monday.
The Dragons have floor to make up in Group D after struggling June defeats to Armenia and Turkey.
Right here, the PA information company appears on the essential speaking factors surrounding the conflict at Riga’s Skonto Stadium.
Web page underneath stress
How Rob Web page may do with a win. Wales’ woeful run of 1 victory in 13 video games – in opposition to Latvia in March – has piled the stress on the supervisor. Web page signed a four-year contract solely 12 months in the past however many followers have turned on the person who guided Wales to their first World Cup for 64 years. There have been some optimistic indicators in Thursday’s goalless pleasant draw in opposition to South Korea, however Web page is aware of that getting Wales’ Euro 2024 marketing campaign again on observe by beating Latvia is a should.
Brennan time
With file scorer Gareth Bale’s exploits firmly within the historical past books, it’s time for Brennan Johnson to take the mantle of being Wales’ essential man. Johnson might solely be 22, however his £47.5million transfer from Nottingham Forest to Tottenham has elevated him to a different degree. His final worldwide purpose came visiting a 12 months in the past in June 2022 and Johnson has to begin scoring recurrently if Wales are to prosper post-Bale.
State of play
- Turkey – Pld 5, Pts 10
- Croatia – Pld 3, Pts 7
- Armenia – Pld 4, Pts 7
- Wales – Pld 4, Pts 4
- Latvia – Pld 4, Pts 0
That disastrous June double-header has left Wales with a mountain to climb for a top-two spot and computerized qualification. However all is just not misplaced after Friday’s outcomes, which fell kindly for Wales. Group favourites Croatia thrashed Latvia 5-0 to wreck Monday’s opponents, whereas Turkey and Armenia drew 1-1. Wales would draw degree on factors with Armenia in the event that they win in Latvia and Croatia do likewise in Yerevan – and transfer inside three factors of Turkey with a sport in hand.
James breakthrough
Jordan James made his first Wales begin in opposition to South Korea and was one of many stand-out gamers on the night time. The 19-year-old midfielder got here by way of the identical Birmingham academy as England worldwide Jude Bellingham and likewise seems to have a vivid future forward of him. James’ passing and urgent provides steadiness to a Wales midfield that has typically been overrun prior to now 12 months – however is it too early to throw him right into a must-win qualifier?
Excellent file
Wales can take coronary heart from their file in opposition to Latvia – performed two, gained two. The 2 nations first met in a Riga pleasant in August 2004, which Wales gained 2-0. Each targets got here within the remaining 10 minutes by way of John Hartson and Craig Bellamy. Wales beat Latvia 1-0 of their Euro 2024 qualifier in Cardiff six months in the past. Kieffer Moore’s towering Forty first-minute header secured Wales’ win on an evening when Bale was given a pre-match guard of honour as he stated goodbye to the house supporters.