Wales defeat Finland to e book Euro 2024 play-off last spot

Wales will face Poland for a spot at Euro 2024 after defeating Finland 4 – 1 of their play-off semi last in Cardiff.

Goals from David Brooks, Nico Williams, Brennan Johnson and Dan James ensured an emphatic win for Robert Page’s males.

Substitute Dan James celebrated his fiftieth worldwide cap by scoring a beautiful particular person effort within the second half in Wales’ crushing victory over Finland in Cardiff as his nation reached the European Championship play-off last.

David Brooks gave the hosts an ideal begin within the third minute when he adopted up Harry Wilson’s rebound.

Nico Williams made it 2-0 within the thirty eighth minute when he shot into the highest nook after a free kick performed by Wilson from the sting of the penalty space, and Teemu Pukki decreased the hole for Finland earlier than the break when he scored his fortieth objective at worldwide degree.

Brennan Johnson restored Wales’ two-goal lead with a shot from shut vary within the forty seventh minute after a header from Ethan Ampadu. Substitute captain Ben Davies thought he had scored the fourth objective within the 79th minute, earlier than it was canceled after the intervention of the video assistant referee (VAR).

James, who participated within the 73rd minute as a substitute of Johnson, scored the fourth objective within the 86th minute after he raced previous goalkeeper Lukas Hradecki and simply shot into the online.

Wales will play now face Poland, who gained 5-1 over ten-men Estonia, within the Euro 2024 play-off last.

Manager Rob Page mentioned: “We could have scored five or six goals. This shows how far our level has advanced.”

“But the message is: The first half is simply over, we’ve got big inventory to carry out effectively once more on Tuesday, we will not wait.

“Dan James was improbable, in his fiftieth sport, he scored the objective he deserved. It reveals the arrogance he has in him.

“We have a group of players coming off the bench who are full of confidence… You can really see that in the performance.”

Wales certified for the 2022 World Cup finals by way of the playoffs, and is on the cusp of reaching the European Championship for the third time in a row and the primary because the retirement of legendary winger Gareth Bale.