Wales are two games away from qualifying for their first World Cup since 1958. Austria and one of Scotland or Ukraine stand in their way. How can Cymru make it to Qatar?
It is incredible to think that by the end of March Wales fans will know whether they will be able to cheer on the boys at a World Cup for the first time since 1958. After the exuberance of Euro 2016, being able to support Wales at a World Cup seems beyond belief.
But Cymru are only two games away from a place at Qatar 2022, with just Austria and one of Scotland or Ukraine blocking the qualification path. Robert Page’s side is probably the favourites with the sports betting sites. But what do Wales need to do to make it to the World Cup at the end of the year?
The Red Wall
All UEFA playoffs for the World Cup are one-off games. Wales are in the fortunate position of playing both the semifinal against Austria and a possible final at the Cardiff City Stadium. The Red Wall has made the difference at many occasions over the last few years, but now they are needed more than ever.
From the pre-match chants to a rousing rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as the players line up, the Wales fans can put a real dent in Austrian hopes even before a ball is kicked. The stadium is perfect for the fans and this Wales team and can play a big part in qualifying for Qatar.
Unleash Brennan Johnson
Wales fans have been laughing at criticism of the national side as a one-man team for years. Gareth Bale is obviously a world-class talent. But there are plenty of other stars in the squad that all contribute to Wales’ success. Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Daniel James have all starred in the past ¿" but now there is a new exciting youngster to consider.
Brennan Johnson has been in devastating form for Nottingham Forest in the EFL this season and has already shown how important he could be for his national side. Austria might not be quite as knowledgeable in that regard and Robert Page has an excellent chance to unleash the speed of Johnson while they concentrate on the rest of the team.
Deal with the Absence of Kieffer Moore
Kieffer Moore has been a sensation for Wales in the last few years and his height and power up front has given the team an extra option against all levels of opposition. So the news that he has sustained a broken foot and will miss the Austria game - at least - is something of a hammer blow.
It will mean that Page will need to concentrate on tactics that have a little more complexity than just hitting up top to Moore. To be fair, Wales have played some excellent football recently and are perfectly able to deal with the striker’s absence. His inclusion would definitely give the team a dangerous alternative, but it will have to learn to play without him for a while.
Together Stronger
The ‘Together Stronger’ mantra has been a vital part of the Wales set up for a while now and became much more than just a twitter hashtag at Euro 2016. The team spirit and love of Wales the players showed in France took them all the way to the semifinals.
It has continued to be the way the squad plays for each other ever since and it will be crucial to keep that togetherness going for the playoffs. Austria, Scotland and Ukraine are not at the level of Belgium - but the plan has to be the same. Play as a team and the games can be won.
One Game at a Time
You may have noticed that throughout this preview we have not really taken into account the playoff final - and that is quite deliberate. When the draw was made many Wales fans were cheering a set of fixtures that seemed very winnable. That might be very true, but there is no way that any Wales player or fan should be thinking about Scotland or Ukraine before the Austria game has finished.
Getting carried away with the possibility of a final against Scotland at Cardiff ¿" and a chance for some revenge ¿" can start the day after Wales beat Austria. Then this team and the entire nation can dream about Qatar.