Spare a thought for Ben Fisher who was at the Samsun Stadium to watch Wales suffer another tough loss. I’m sure he loved it, but as after so many extra lives, the penalty save, the two disallowed goals, it seemed as if Wales would hang on. Nope. In the end the tide washed over them.
With this excellent report I’ll sign off. Thanks for keeping me company. Hope you enjoyed that. Catch you soon.
England were absolutely electric this evening. I didn’t see it live, of course, but every time I looked up they’d bagged another goal.
And David Hytner’s report from Old Trafford is as sparkling as Bukayo Saka’s future. Give it a read why don’t ya.
“As a Stuttgart fan, I’m familiar with the good and bad sides of Konstantinos Mavropanos as a player, and Greece got the latter today, with him both giving away the penalty France scored their one goal from, and getting sent off.”
Not a great night for the Greek centre back, was it
Kári Tulinius. His error and Mbappe’s penalty was the difference tonight as France went six points clear at the top of Group B.
Here’s James picking up from the Darren Moore chat:
@danielgallan it's rough luck on Darren Moore but Wednesday need to know they have a manager that can perform at their new level.
— James Barham (@nowthenthee) June 19, 2023
So, where does that leave Wales and Northern Ireland after those two disappointing defeats?
Wales are fourth in Group D with four points but they’ve played four games. Croatia above them have as many points but with two games in hand. If Wales have any hope of qualifying they’ll need to beat Croatia at least one and get the better of Turkey at home.
It’s not much better for Northern Ireland who are fifth in a six team Group H. And considering the team below them is San Marino, it’s not looking pretty. Northern Ireland have three points from four games having lost three on the bounce. There’s already a four point gap between themselves and Slovenia in fourth.
Monday results
Group B:
France 1-0 Greece
Republic of Ireland 3-0 Greece
Group C:
Ukraine 1-0 Malta
Group D:
Armenia 2-1 Latvia
Turkey 2-0 Wales
Group H:
Finland 6-0 San Marino
Northern Ireland 0-1 Kazakhstan
Slovenia 1-1 Denmark
Group I:
Belarus 2-1 Kosovo 1
Israel 2-1 Andorra
Switzerland 2-2 Romania
Full-Time: Turkey 2-0 Wales
That’s that. Wales rode their luck. Turkey had two goals chalked off after VAR reviews and Ward saved a penalty but in the end, the pressure told and Wales, who were reduced to 10 men after 41 minutes, couldn’t hold on.
90+3 min: Turkey are taking the mick now. They’re playing keep-ball. And why not? They’re heading top of group D.
They’re calling Kazakhstan’s win a “sucker punch” on Sky Sports. Not sure about that. Northern Ireland were poor. Proper poor. If anything they got what they deserved. And besides, that’s Kazakhstan’s third win on the bounce in the competition.
90 min: Five extra minutes for Wales to endure.
Full-Time: Northern Ireland 0-1 Kazakhstan
Boos ring out at Windsor Park. They had 59% possession. They had 12 shots to Kazakhstan’s two. They had more passes and were the better side. But they spluttered when it mattered and they’ve paid the price. Poor show.
89 min: Wales are spent. They now need home wins against Turkey and Croatia if they want to take part in Germany next year.
90+4 min: Northern Ireland have a corner. Can they do anything with it? No, it’s cleared. But they keep the ball. One last chance…
90+2 min: A Northern Ireland cross is too long and goes out for a goal kick. That has been a feature of this game.
90 min: Five minutes of added time for Northern Ireland to get something back.
85 min: Not that it will help much now, but there are a couple of changes for Wales with Wilson and Ramsey replaced by Broadhead and Jordan James.
GOAL! Northern Ireland 0-1 Kazakhstan (Aymbetov, 88)
My goodness! Kazakhstan have stolen this! A counter attack goal completely against the run of play. A ball through the middle, he’s found himself one on one with the ‘keeper and he’s slotted it home. He skipped past two desperate tackles en route. Unreal!
Updated
GOAL! Turkey 2-0 Wales (Guler, 80)
Wales’ hopes of taking part in Germany next year are dangling by a thread as Guler is allowed all the time in the world to pick his spot and shoot past Ward into the top corner. Questions about Ramsey there. Could he have closed down the space? Probably. Game over.
Updated
86 min: Bleeeurgh! Just so disappointing. Price has the chance to deliver with a free-kick from the left but he overhits it and it bobbles away for a goal kick. They don’t deserve to win it. Watch them absolutely steal this now.
83 min: Brown comes on for Thompson as O’Neill rolls the dice one last time.
OK David Manby, you win:
“Watching the game here in Turkey - not in the stadium, but up the Barhal Valley which is in the mountains at the other end of the Black Sea. In a tiny village some 600 kms away but the pension owner’s mobile phone has the game on and my partner is shouting at this phone to tell her former pupil, Ward, to get in position! Meanwhile a major rainstorm is clattering on the corrugated iron roof. All very surreal!”
75 min: I’ve loved this game in Turkey. It’s so fiery. Irfan Kahveci is booked for putting his hands in Connor Roberts’ face. File that under things you don’t like to see but really do. Roberts kicked the ball (softly) into a Turkish player lying on the floor. It’s becoming silly and I’m loving it.
80 min: Northern Ireland have 10 minutes plus added time to win a game they’ve dominated. McMenamin’s in swinger is punched away from Shatskiy. Not clinical enough.
74 min: Turkey are now going for the jugular. Yilmaz is causing havoc on the right and chooses to pass to Kokcu on the run. His first time shot is sliced wide. Wales in trouble here of a rout.
GOAL! Turkey 1-0 Wales (Nayir, 72)
This one will count. A cross from the right is well met by Nayir who beats Mepham in the air. Ward gets something on it but can’t keep it out. Three centre backs and no one was there it prevent the header. I’m almost 100% confident that this will stand.
Updated
78 min: A top class save from Shatskiy keeps McMenamin’s stinger out with his left foot. Superb stop. Northern Ireland pressing.
NO GOAL! Turkey 0-0 Wales
I DON’T BELIEVE IT! Honestly what is going on. Wales get another life as this one is ruled no good after a VAR check. Nayir controlled with his arm. Astonishing scenes!
GOAL! Turkey 1-0 Wales (Nayir, 69)
It was only a matter of time. Wales survived an own-goal, they’ve held on with 10 men, they saved a penalty, but they couldn’t keep this strike out. Ward perhaps should have as he meekly wafted at a cross that landed at the feet of the substitute Umut Nayir who swept home into an unguarded net.
It’s England 6-0 North Macedonia! Crikey.
72 min: A couple of changes for Northern Ireland. D. Charles and McCann are replaced by Taylor and Lavery.
Charles’ last act was a busting run upfield before he was cut down by Tagybergen. Price had a pop shot from distance from a free-kick. Looking a little grim for the home side who seemingly lack any imagination with the ball at their feet.
Penalty saved! Ward keeps out Calhanoglu
Justice! I didn’t think it was a fair penalty and Ward guesses the right way to keep it level. Wales hanging on but they’re giving themselves a massive chance to nick this.
Updated
63 min: Penalty for Turkey! It’s for a hand ball against Ramsey. One of those ones where you have to ask what the player is supposed to do there. He’s got arms. His right hand is outstretched but it hits his left. Unlucky.
62 min: James can’t keep up the energy and is subbed for Bradshaw. Arda Guler, a substitute himself, blazes over with his first touch of the game.
67 min: Some heat at last. A yellow card each for Northern Ireland and Kazakhstan as first Saville is cautioned for a high boot and then Alip joins him in the book for a lunge on McMenamin.
65 min: There’s an appeal for a Northern Ireland penalty as McMenamin sends the ball into the box. Price goes down under contact but referees just don’t give those. Play on son.
59 min: Fair play to Wales. I thought they’d get stuffed in this second half but they’ve rallied and are enjoying themselves. James has been tremendous, running around like a headless chicken up front and annoying Turkey with his little darts here and there.
Some score updates for you from around the continent:
England 5-0 North Macedonia (Saka hat-trick btw)
Republic of Ireland 2-0 Gibraltar (two quick goals has changed this one fast)
France 1-0 Greece
Slovenia 1-1 Denmark
Belarus 0-0 Kosovo
Israel 1-1 Andorra
Switzerland 2-0 Romania
56 min: Dan James is operating as a striker and he draws another foul from a ref who is more than happy to oblige. That’ll suit Wales and will frustrate Turkey.
59 min: Kazakhstan bossing it now. Samorodov cuts in from the left and puts his laces through one. It starts on target but rises over the bar. Northern Ireland getting hammered.
54 min: Maybe Wales should always play with 10. They’ve certainly been the brighter of the two sides this half. James is enjoying more room to do his thing with Ramsey seeing more of the ball as well.
52 min: Another booking for Turkey. This one seemed soft as well but at least the ref is consistent. Under is cautioned for the slightest contact on Williams,
57 min: Just when you thought Peacock-Farrell was just the name of a spectator, he’s asked to come off his line and punch clear a cross. Kazakhstan (no doubt feeling the sting of my earlier rebuke) are enjoying a little spell of possession.
54 min: Yuck! Man this has been a drab match at Windsor Park compared to the cracker we’ve got in Turkey.
Tagybergen shoots from the dark side of the moon and it dribbles wide for a goal kick. About sums it up.
48 min: That gives Wales a chance to shoot from the free-kick and Harry Wilson almost gives his team the lead. It’s a delightful curling effort with his left boot but it’s not good enough to beat this wonder save from Mert Gunok who sticks out his left hand to get it clear. The ‘keeper then gets up quickly to snuff out the rebound. Excellent work from the shot-stopper.
Updated
48 min: Wales stick with a back three. Remember, they need a point at least to get their campaign going again. James finds a bit of space and holds the ball well before buying a free kick. Merih Demiral clattered him and gets a yellow card for his troubles.
51 min: Northern Ireland on the attack but there’s a distinct lack of penetration. Kazakhstan are well organised and they’re holding firm.
Updated
45 min: There is a change, though, for Wales as they begin the second half. Brennan Johnson is replaced by Ben Cabango. Turkey, sensing blood, also make a change. Umut Nayir for Kerem Akturkoglu.
No changes for either side after the break in Windsor Park, by the way.
47 min: Northern Ireland have started the second half the way they ended the fist – on the attack but lacking precision in the final third. Saville delivers a delicious whipped cross around shin height but no one is there to meet it. Would have been a tap in. You’ve got to show desire and bravery to make those runs.
45 min: We’re back underway at Windsor Park. Northern Ireland need to find their groove.
I’ve got Sky News on in the background and the message is unanimous. Darren Moore was harshly treated and should have been given a chance to lead Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.
What do you reckon? Right call or something fishy in Yorkshire?
Thibaut Courtois doesn’t want to play anymore. He’s packed up his toys, called his mum, and asked her to bring a premature end to the play date.
Childish, right? Well, get a load of this:
Half-time scores:
Turkey 0-0 Wales
Northern Ireland 0-0 Kazakhstan
England 3-0 North Macedonia
Republic of Ireland 0-0 Gibraltar
Slovenia 1-1 Denmark
France 0-0 Greece
Switzerland 2-0 Romania
Israel 1-0 Andorra
Belarus 0-0 Kosovo
“Oh come on Daniel it’s a clear red.”
So says Cem Erkul. I think it’s one of those one where I wouldn’t mind too much either way. The studs were high and it looked nasty. I just think the impact wasn’t as violent as it perhaps seemed.
But no complaints from me. Nor would I have complained if it was just a yellow. Another argument for orange cards?
Half-Time: Turkey 0-0 Wales
So Wales make it to half-time but will have to play the second 45 with 10 men. That’s two red cards in as many games. Turkey have had 70% of the ball, have had eight shots to Wales’ three and have a pass rate of almost 90% (Wales are struggling with less than 70%).
45+5 min: Turkey are all over Wales. Cengiz Under snaps at a shot and lifts it over from close range. He wasn’t expecting it to come to him after Williams could only flick his clearing header.
Seconds later Turkey show more patience until Orkun Kokcu shoots from miles away. he catches all of it but it’s straight to at Ward.
Half-Time: Northern Ireland 0-0 Kazakhstan
Northern Ireland were clearly the better team but the two best chances fell to Kazakhstan.
45+3 min: Celik cuts onto his right foot and looks to curl one towards the top corner. Ward saves comfortably. Spotted it all the way.
45+2 min: Oh my goodness. Another great chance for Kazakhstan just before the half time whistle. They seriously could be 2-0 up in this one. Zaynutdinov waits patiently before spotting the chance to shoot from the edge of the area and flashes one just wide with a left footed strike.
45 min: Two extra minutes in Northern Ireland.
45 min: Wales need to make some changes. Johnson has switched over to the right with Williams dropping deep. No designated striker. More of a 4-5-0. Six extra minutes.
43 min: Northern Ireland still can’t hit the target. Saville’s delightful run sees him meet Charles’ clipped cross with a firm header at the back post but he fails to keep it down.
42 min: So disappointing for Wales and for Morrell who came into the side after Moore was shown a straight red against Armenia. And just as Wales were starting to stitch something together with Wilson hitting the wall from a direct free-kick.
RED CARD! Wales (Morrell, 41)
For the second game in a row, Wales will play with 10 men! Possibly a little harsh but his wild lunge looked reckless and the studs were up. He caught Ferdi Kadioglu high on the leg and you can see why the ref showed red, even though there wasn’t much force at the point of contact.
Updated
I missed a few games earlier. So here they are in full after 38 minutes:
Slovenia 1-0 Denmark
Belarus 0-0 Kosovo
Israel 0-0 Andorra
Switzerland 1-0 Romania
France 0-0 Greece
Northern Ireland 0-0 Kazakstan
Turkey 0-0 Wales
England 2-0 North Macedonia
38 min: All the air has left Windsor Park. Things have become pretty stale as both teams struggle for any fluency.
37 min: Wales under the cosh. They’re very narrow, clearly backing themselves to deal with crosses into the box. James can’t get any go forward ball and is essentially operating as an extra wingback.
33 min: And just like that, Turkey show that they’re in charge. Yilmaz beats Mepham and canters towards goal. Thankfully Rodon is there to make the tackle.
Turkey are back at it again and after stealing possession they raid forward and Kerem Akturkoglu meets a cut-back with a first time shot that lifts over the bar.
32 min: Johnson returns. Not that Wales needed him. They’ve looked good with 10 men and have the chance to cross but James can’t find his radar and it’s an easy take for the goalkeeper.
Besides England, who have just taken the lead, we’ve got two other games on. Both goalless:
Republic of Ireland 0-0 Gibraltar
France 0-0 Greece
30 min: Back to Turkey. Johnson has yet to get back on the field. Wales playing with 10 men. He’s getting some heavy strapping around his foot. He’ll give it one more go.
30 min: After half an hour Northern Ireland are certainly on top. They’ve created one big chance from six shots at goal and have an xG of 0.6 (if you’re that way inclined). But Kazakhstan had the clearest chance and probably should be ahead.
But the hosts are sharp on the ball. They’ve made 143 passes to 85.
28 min: The physio leaves and play goes on but Johnson goes down again. He doesn’t look good. Page with a decision to make soon.
27 min: Brennan Johnson flies into a challenge but comes off second best. The physio is on the field. That didn’t look smart.
26 min: A chance for Northern Ireland. Again with a header. McCann rises high but can’t steer it on target as it drops just wide.
25 min: Turkey bossing it. 70% possession now. Wales looking to play on the counter.
23 min: Williams has been the main character in this game. He’s provided some slick passes to spark attacks down his flank but he’s also been targeted by Celik who has twisted him round with the ball at his feet. He’s smashed Calhanoglu with studs up. Again, no card.
24 min: Delay in Windsor Park as Hume receives some treatment. He’ll be alright.
Two absolutely cracking games so far but easy to see why Wales and Northern Ireland are struggling in their respective groups. Plenty of chances already but no one has found the back of the net.
21 min: Northern Ireland come close twice! First Price takes a snap shot that is deflected just past the post. The corner is then well worked before Cathcart head over from the middle of the box. He was unmarked and should have done better.
18 min: James dusts himself off and delivers the ball into a crowded area but he’s over hit it. What a waste.
17 min: We’ve got our first booking. Celik, perhaps peeved over the offside call, has nailed Dan James. The flying winger was put into space by a great pass from Neco Williams. Wales looking good.
15 min: How is it still goalless in Northern Ireland. Charles created some space for himself and shanked an effort wide from the edge of the box. He should have done better.
A minute later Samorodov missed a sitter at the other end after jinking past a few defenders and dragging wide from 12 yards.
It’s a cracking game. Shame no one brought their shooting boots with them.
Updated
For some reason Fabio Maresca wasn’t shown the VAR offside lines on the monitor. Some debate whether or not that was onside. Perhaps Turkey have just been robbed? Feel like this talking point will run and run. Headline is it’s still all square.
NO GOAL! Turkey 0-0 Wales
I don’t believe it! VAR has come to the rescue. After an age, the referee has rightly ruled Zeki Celik’s run offside and Mepham is a very relieved man.
GOAL! Turkey 1-0 Wales (Mepham OG, 11)
Oh no! Just when things were looking good for Wales. It’s bad enough they shipped four against Armenia now they’re bulging their own net with an own goal. It’s a horrible mistake from Chris Mepham who slices the ball after getting his feet in a tangle.
Updated
9 min: Over to Windsor Park and Hume comes close with a 25 yard screamer that almost finds the top corner. Kazakhstan disrupt another attack and launch a counter but Charles cuts it down with a foul.
7 min: All Wales at the minute. Johnson takes a shot on the angle that finds the side netting. It’s raining heavily and it seems as though he’s slipped. Either way, he’s holding his right foot.
Speaking of fiery reactions, Matthew Dony is calling for some heat from the Welsh:
“Kieffer Moore is a fantastic presence up front, even though referees do love giving free kicks against him. Obviously he’ll be missed. Without him, though, that is a quick and mobile forward line. I won’t go as far as to say I’m quietly confident, but I’m certainly expecting a reaction.”
4 min: A fiery start in Turkey. Joe Morrell smashes the Turkish captain, Hakan Calhanoglu, as they both leap for a header. No card. Just a stern talking to. Without sounding barbaric, that’s the sort of spirit that’s needed.
2 min: Ramsey takes a hopeful shot from miles for Wales. It’s blocked.
2 min: It’s a good start for Northern Ireland. They’re moving the ball around with precision and win a corner. A poor delivery comes to nothing but it’s a promising opening,
Right then. All set at the Samsun Yeni 19 Mayis Stadyumu and Windsor Park. Let’s gooooo….
This is Wales’ first visit to Turkey since 1997. Which seems bonkers to me given the number of international games they play nowadays.
Let’s hope for anything like the pandemonium of 26 years ago when Turkey won a 6-4 thriller in their World Cup qualifying game.
Hakan Sukur scored four of his own and Wales were actually 4-3 up after 52 minutes when Andy Melville scored. But a goal from Cetin Oguz and a couple more from Sukur sealed the classic encounter with eight minutes to spare.
Speaking of O’Neills, well, in this case, an O’Neil, Bournemouth have a new manager. It’s a tough one, the Martin getting the boot has upset a few people, not least the man himself who was only informed of the decision this morning. But this is a shrewd and ruthless move from the Cherries.
Want to know more? Ben Fisher has you covered:
It’s worth keeping in mind that Northern Ireland could have left Copenhagen with a point were it not for a cruel VAR decision in the 94th minute.
Michael O’Neill thought that the teenage debutant, Callum Marshall, had bagged the late equaliser, only for the goal to be disallowed for Jonny Evans being offside following a VAR check that lasted five minutes.
“I think a lot of it is about the consistency of the work we do. What we were very pleased about was a lot of what we did out of possession on Friday night,” O’Neill said.
“It’s about not trying not to be passive at any point in the game. We’ve worked consistently in a short space of time, both in March and this month, to try to make ourselves better out of possession.
“Ultimately, our quality of play will be determined by our own individual players and the structure of our team. And then confidence. A positive atmosphere in here [Windsor] generally leads to a positive performance and that’s hopefully what we will get.”
Perhaps playing on their own patch can give them the lift they need.
“Friday was a massive bump, but now we stick together as a group.”
So said Wales’ boss, Robert Page. Not sure I’d call losing at home to a team ranked 71 places below you a ‘bump’, but then again if I was in charge I’d also want to downplay the result.
“We’ve put it to bed and full focus is on the challenge tomorrow evening and we’ll all be ready for it.
“It’s a long-term plan, we are in a transition; since the World Cup there have been some senior players who have left, big characters in the changing room.
“We are going to have moments like we had the other night, it’s about how we manage those defeats.
“Get both sides of our game right and we will be a force to be reckoned with, and we will be able to compete with top nations.”
Here’s a run through of all the fixtures tonight. If you’re keen to keep an eye on the England game (and you promise to come back here once you’ve taken a glance), you can follow the action with Tim on other the MBM.
Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar
England v North Macedonia
Turkey v Wales
Northern Ireland v Kazakhstan
France v Greece
Three games have been completed already this evening with Armenia proving their victory over Wales was no one hit wonder. They’ve just edged Latvia 2-1 to move ahead of Croatia into second place in Group D.
Poor old San Marino got stuffed 6-0 by Finland to leave them winless at the bottom of Group H having conceded 13 goals in four games. The Finns are top now with three wins from four.
Elsewhere, Ukraine squeezed past Malta 1-0 in England’s group.
Armenia 2-1 Latvia
Finland 6-0 San Marino
Ukraine 1-0 Malta
And here’s Turkey: Gunok, Celik, Demiral, Ozcan, Kokcu, Akturkoglou, Kadioglu, Under, Bardakci, Calhanoglu, Yilmaz.
Subs: Sengezer, Cakir, Akaydin, Kahveci, Nayir, Elmali, Kabak, Yuksek, Ucan, Karaman, Guler, Ozkacar
#BizimÇocuklar'ın Galler karşısında sahaya çıkacağı 11'i belli oldu. 🇹🇷 #EURO2024 #TURvWAL pic.twitter.com/OsMBhKwRoQ
— Türkiye #BizimÇocuklar 🇹🇷 (@MilliTakimlar) June 19, 2023
Wales need a response
Only the most cynical Wales fans would have predicted the 4-2 reverse to Armenia and now a statement is needed against a handy Turkish side.
Kieffer Moore is absent after being sent off on Friday and Ben Davies has stayed at home for the birth of his first child.
That means Neco Williams slots in at left back with Joe Morrell joining the starting XI.
Wales: Ward, N. Williams, C. Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Ampadu, Morrell, Ramsey, Johnson, D. James, Wilson.
Subs: Hennessey, A. Davies, Fox, Low, Brooks, Harris, Cooper, James, Cabango, Bradshaw, Cullen, Broadhead.
CYMRU XI 🇹🇷🏴
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) June 19, 2023
Our team to face Türkiye 💪#TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/kLMRBfPIgi
And here’s the Kazakhstan team that will take on Northern Ireland:
Kazakhstan: Shatskiy, Gabyshev, Bystrov, Marochkin, Alip, Vorogovskiy, Zainutdinov, Beysebekov, Tagybergen, Orazov, Samorodov.
Subs: Shaizada, Ustimenko, Malyy, Kuat, Tapalov, Shvyrev, Astanov, Skvortsov, Kenessov, Aimbetov, Dosmagambetov, Yerlanov.
Бүгінгі ойынға шығатын құрам ✅#KFFTeam | #BizdinJigitter 💛💙 | #NorthernIrelandKazakhstan pic.twitter.com/pV44TB6TSV
— Kazakhstan Football Federation (@KFF_Team) June 19, 2023
Three changes for Northern Ireland
Michael O’Neill has hooked three of the players who started in the 1-0 defeat to Denmark on Friday.
Craig Cathcart returns from injury and slots into a back three. Jordan Thompson provides width on the left and Dion Charles makes it a front two with Isaac Price up front.
Ciaron Brown, Conor Bradley and Shayne Lavery all drop out.
🔥 Tonight's team news has landed 🙌 #GAWA #NIRKAZ pic.twitter.com/HK9SGFaGOD
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) June 19, 2023
Preamble
Hello folks and welcome to today’s Clockwatch. We’ve got a bunch of Euro qualifiers on the go with England, Wales and Northern Ireland all in action.
My focus will be on Wales and Northern Ireland and both teams are in desperate need of a lift this evening.
Wales were dismal against Albania on Friday, going down 4-2 after taking an early 1-0 lead against a team ranked 71 places below them. What’s more, they ended the chaotic contest with 10 men after Kieffer Moore was shown his marching orders and their manager, Robert Page, will want a statement performance away to Turkey.
So too will Northern Ireland boss, Michael O’Niell, whose team succumbed to their second successive 1-0 reverse to a Scandinavian side when they went down to Denmark three nights ago. It doesn’t get any easier as they host a Kazakhstan team that edged the Danes 3-2 last month.
That all means that both teams are facing a stiff challenge to qualify for the continental showpiece in Germany next year. Wales are fourth in their group and Northern Ireland are fifth. Three points tonight is essential for both sides.
My name is Daniel and I’ll keep you company throughout.
If you’ve got a line you want to run past me and share with the group, please do get in touch.
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