Wales vs Finland | Euro 2024 Preview
Wales welcome Finland to the Cardiff City Stadium for the semi-final of Euro 2024 qualification this Thursday. As both nations look to redeem their group stage performance, and get themselves one step closer to the European finals in Germany this summer.
The winner of this week's clash will play either Poland or Estonia five days later in the final. A win would secure Euro 2024 qualification.
Wales vs Finland
The last time these two sides met was back in September 2021, ending in a dull 0-0 draw. Before that though, it was Wales who came out as 3-1 winners, with Harry Wilson, Daniel James and Kieffer Moore's goals bettering a solo strike from Teemu Pukki.
In their history of fixtures, Wales have won six of the 15 meetings, drawing 5 and losing 4. Finland haven't beaten the home favoured side this week since 2009, whilst the pair were attempting qualification for the 2010 South Africa World Cup.
In Welsh football history, Gareth Bale is their leading goalscorer with 40 goals. If they do succeed in reaching the major tournament this summer, it will be their first without Bale since his retirement after the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Ian Rush is second on the all-time top scorer list, with 28.
Over on Finland's side, 39 goals from star man Teemu Puki is their most. Behind him is legend Jari Litmanen with 32.
Wales vs Finland team news
National hero Aaron Ramsey has made the Wales squad despite making only two appearances for Cardiff this season, off the bench. The former Arsenal man hasn't started a match for more than six months, after suffering a knee injury in September, and a subsequent calf complaint.
"It's not been ideal for Aaron," said Wales manager Rob Page. "He's had a couple of setbacks. If there's a chance of having him involved in the squad, then I'm going to take him.
"Irrespective of what happens at the weekend at this moment in time, he's on the grass this week and his rehab back to full fitness has gone to plan. In the last two camps, we've had him in and around the squad even though he's not been able to play a part.
"To have someone of his stature around the group regardless is beneficial for the players."
Ramsey has 82 caps for the Red Dragons, and is their 6th all-time top scorer, with 21 successful strikes.
Wales Euro 2024 qualification squad
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Tom King, Adam Davies.
Defenders: Ben Davies, Joe Rodon, Joe Low, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams, Jay DaSilva, Connor Roberts, Wes Burns.
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sheehan, Dylan Levitt, Jordan James, Charlie Savage, Harry Wilson, Aaron Ramsey, David Brooks.
Forwards: Nathan Broadhead, Rabbi Matondo, Daniel James, Liam Cullen, Rubin Colwill, Brennan Johnson, Kieffer Moore.
Finland Euro 2024 qualification squad
Goalkeepers: Lukas Hradecky, Viljami Sinisalo, Hugo Keto.
Defenders: Arttu Hoskonen, Richard Jensen, Robert Ivanov, Miro Tenho, Pyry Soiri, Tomas Galvez, Nikolai Alho, Jere Uronen, Noah Pallas.
Midfielders: Glen Kamara, Robin Lod, Rasmus Schüller, Kaan Kairinen, Lucas Lingman.
Forwards: Robert Taylor, Benjamin Källman, Teemu Pukki, Fredrik Jensen, Joel Pohjanpalo, Daniel Håkans.
Wales European Championship history
Wales have qualified for the last 2 European Championships. In 2016, they defied all the odds by making the semi-finals, playing some historic football and defeating highly ranked Belgium in the process. They lost just one game from the final to eventual winners Portugal. In 2021, they were knocked out in the round of 16.
Before 2016, Wales had never played at the European Championships.
Finland European Championship history
Finland has only ever played at one European Championship. That was at Euro 2020, and they were knocked out in the group stages.
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