Gareth Bale arrives from L.A. but despite major injury blows for Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies, and Joe Allen – the Welsh national team sprang onto the training pitches at The Vale Resort filled with confidence as The FAW prepare for their final two Nations League games against Belgium and Poland before heading to the FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar – their first since 1958.
Having already faced both teams, achieving a 1-1 home draw with Belgium and a disappointing 1-2 defeat away to Poland, Page will be looking for his team to achieve nothing but points as their fight to remain in Group A of The Nations League comes to its conclusion.
At the press conference today, Page asserted that they’re tough fixtures but they’re focused on winning both games to stay in the division. He continued to talk about getting the balance right, and not risking anyone’s health this close to the World Cup Finals in November, and providing opportunities for young players to get minutes and experience behind them.
On Gareth Bale’s arrival and fitness, Page confirmed that he’s ‘looking bright’ and commended his professionalism in preparation including adjusting his sleeping patterns to make sure he was ready to go as soon as he arrived here from L.A.
On injuries to other senior and key players, Page confirmed that none of them are serious and although it’s unfortunate for these two Nations League games, they should be available for the World Cup.
Gareth Bale is enjoying life and football in L.A. and after a little while of settling in and getting a few games under his belt, said he is ‘getting stronger and fitter.’ Asked about the importance of the two upcoming games, he said, “we’re going to do the best we can to stay in Group A so that’s all we can focus on now and then that’ll prepare us perfectly for the World Cup.” Asked about the feeling in the camp about the World Cup, Bale said “I’m sure when it comes around, we’ll all be buzzing about it!”
Earlier in the week, Defender Chris Mepham, said about the upcoming Belgium game, “ We know what we’re going to face but I think credit to us because we’ve shown during our last game that we can go toe to toe with them.” The sentiment was mirrored by defensive partner Joe Rodon, “we want to be playing the best teams in the world… We’re going to give our all and see where it takes us.”
Cymru play Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Thursday 22nd September with the final home game at the Cardiff City Stadium against Poland on Sunday 25th September.
Words and Photos: Matthäus Bridge
