Wales made their first World Cup finals tournament appearance in the 1958 edition in Sweden. From 2000 to 2009, Wales played most of their home matches at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Wales Squad & Players - Sky Sports Football Football World Cup Wales Squad News Teams Fixtures Results Tables Stats Squad 4-2-3-1 12 Ward 3 Williams 5 Mepham 6 Rodon 4 Davies 7 Allen 15 Ampadu. The match was a culmination of Speed's efforts which led Wales to receive the unofficial award for biggest mover of 2011 in the FIFA rankings. Bicentennial Cup Tournament in 1976 . Wales finished third in their group due to a 10 loss to the Republic of Ireland on 9 October and failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup play-offs. 2021 | 2020 | 2019 . [40] Despite losing two of the first three qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2020, Wales went unbeaten in the second half of 2019 and ultimately qualified in second place following a 20 win over Hungary in their final match on 19 November. Prior to 1980, only four countries qualified for the finals tournament, and Wales were drawn to play against the winners of Group 3 Yugoslavia in a two-legged, home-and-away tie. As a result, FIFA proclaimed Israel winners of their group. On 9 January 2023 Wales captain Gareth Bale retired from club and international football. Jess Fishlock by @hst_groundhop. [35], The first half of the semi-final against Portugal in Lyon went goalless, but goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani early in the second half saw Portugal claim a 20 win. Hartson would go on to play for Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon and Coventry City but it was arguably at Scottish giants Celtic where he enjoyed most of his success, enjoying hero status at Parkhead. Billy Meredith by @Machludwr. Nevertheless, he has been involved with the Welsh national youth team's since the age of 17 and made his senior debut against Finland in 2020, where he kept a clean sheet and won the game 1-0 . 8. He played his entire, Gary Andrew Speed, MBE (8 September 1969 27 November 2011) was a Welsh professional footballer and manager. They were minutes away from qualification when a winning goal by Ljubomir Radanovi for Yugoslavia in the final game of qualifying group 4 against Bulgaria eliminated Wales. Saturday 25 March 2023 \ 19:45. Leigh Roose is wearing the goalkeeper's jersey. Neil Warnock rues Sorba Thomas' January move from Huddersfield Town to Blackburn Rovers. His questionable tactics and public fallings-out with players Nathan Blake,[12] Robbie Savage[13] and Mark Hughes,[citation needed] coupled with embarrassing defeats to club side Leyton Orient and a 71 thrashing by the Netherlands in 1996 did not make him a popular figure within Wales. Ramsey in action against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico during Euro 2020, Wyn Davies in action for Newcastle United against Liverpool, November 1966, Ben Davies with Wales team mate Gareth Bale, Former player and now commentator Iwan Roberts, Malcolm Allen, commentator on S4C's Sgorio programme, Welsh goalkeeper Dai Davies in action against Scotland in May 1979, Sweden's Sebastian Larsson (left) and Wales' David Vaughan battle for the ball during the International Friendly match at the Friends Arena, Stockholm, Celtic legend John Hartson with Neil Lennon. The Finns won the match 21, with Jari Litmanen becoming the first player to score a goal at the stadium. They then went 58 years before reaching their second major tournament, when following a rise of 109 places from an all-time low of 117th to a peak of 8th in the FIFA World Rankings between August 2011 and October 2015[3][4] they qualified for UEFA Euro 2016, where they reached the semi-finals before again losing to the eventual champions, Portugal. The following 200 pages are in this category, out of approximately 734 total. [6] Having defeated Israel 20 at the Ramat Gan Stadium and 20 at Ninian Park, Cardiff, Wales went through to a World Cup finals tournament for the first time. Why? Calvin Ramsay said the examples of how young players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott have flourished at Liverpool persuaded him to join them from Aberdeen for an initial fee of 4.2 million ($5.1 million) on Sunday.. For the purposes of international football the football world governing body, FIFA, considers Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland to be distinct and individual countries. 1.40. Chris Gunter was the first player to attain 100 caps for Wales. He made 52 appearances for the Wales national, The Best Major League Soccer Players Right Now, The Best Soccer Players To Never Play In The World Cup, The Best Left Footed Soccer Players Of All Time, Best Manchester United Players of All Time, Ranked. Photo by Ian Horrocks/Newcastle United via Getty Images. Shane Mark Williams was born on February 26, 1977, in Glanamman. This meeting saw the establishment of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to approve changes to the rules, a task the four associations still perform to this day. On their Euro debut, on 11 June against Slovakia at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Gareth Bale scored direct from a free-kick to give Wales a 10 lead, and Hal Robson-Kanu scored the winner in a 21 victory that put them top of the group. In Flint there are a host of names including W Williams 1912, E Jones 1912, F Richards, 1913, A Jones also in 1913, A Davies 1928, A Hughes 1936, G Davies 1937, R G Roberts 1951, G E Williams 1951 . Three months later, on 11 September 1991, Wales achieved a notable double by defeating Brazil for the only time in a friendly international, thanks to a goal from Dean Saunders. Whilst its likely hell only be back-up, Davies has proven to be a viable option for the national team. Best known for his first stint at Leeds United and Juventus, he was rated by many as the greatest all-round footballer ever to come from Britain. The winger signed for Schalke from Manchester City in January 2019 for a reported fee of 11 million and made his debut for the club just three days later in a 2-0 loss to Borussia Mnchengladbach. A prolific goalscorer at English second-tier level, Roberts won 15 caps for his country. Match Centre. Football Association of Wales. [17] His tenure as manager ended in tragic circumstances two weeks later when he was found dead at his home on 27 November, having apparently committed suicide. The top two teams were to qualify for the finals in Brazil, but Wales finished bottom of the group. Cabango is deserving of his call up however, having been a regular in the Swansea squad this season alongside Roberts and making 30 appearances, but like Roberts he'll be keen to put his play-off final heartbreak behind him. Andy King first won. Background: The lowest capped defender in the squad, Ben Cabango will likely be used a back-up option for Page. In the Asian/African qualifying zone, Egypt and Sudan had refused to play against Israel following the Suez crisis, while Indonesia had insisted on meeting Israel on neutral ground. Prior to 1954 the Welsh team was chosen by a panel of selectors with the team captain fulfilling the role of coach. 'Wyn The Leap' - as he was known - started out at Locomotive Llanberis before starring for the likes of Caernarfon Town, Wrexham, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Manchester United and Crystal Palace. [47] After beating Austria in the play-off semi-final, Wales qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1958 with a 10 win over Ukraine at the Cardiff City Stadium on 5 June 2022. He began his playing career as a teenager with his hometown club Cardiff City, becoming the, Ryan Joseph Giggs (born Wilson; born 29 November 1973) is a Welsh football coach and former player. The badge was redesigned in 1951, adding a green border with 11 daffodils, as well as the Welsh-language motto Gorau Chwarae Cyd Chwarae ("The best play is team play"). [49][50] For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Wales were drawn in Group B with England, Iran and the United States. The dragon also changed from rampant to rampant regardant. All of Welsh women's football clubs play in the Welsh women's football league system. [23] For 2014 World Cup qualification, Wales were drawn in Group A with Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland and Macedonia. DAN BENNETT: The International Football Association Board (IFAB) , meeting in London for its AGM, says it will now encourage officials to follow the approach taken at the World Cup. This article is about the women's team. Although the Scots won the first fixture 40, a return match was planned in Wales the following year, and so it was that the first international football match on Welsh soil took place at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, on 5 March 1877. Another young Welsh prospect plying his trade in Germany is Rabbi Matondo, who came through the ranks at Cardiff City. Hennessey won his first cap as a twenty year old in an end-of-season friendly against New Zealand replacing Danny Coyne, and soon replaced him in the team for good. This was followed by a 21 home win against Montenegro, a 10 away loss to England, a 20 home win against Switzerland and a 10 away win against Bulgaria. [51], Following their promotion in the previous Nations League campaign, Wales were drawn in Group A4 of the 202223 UEFA Nations League along with Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland, with Rob Page still interim manager. Background: Another player who rose through the younger Welsh teams before making the step up to the senior side is AFC Bournemouth's Chris Mepham. Born and raised in Deiniolen, Allen rarely spoke English growing up in such a Welsh-speaking area and struggled to adapt to life in the big city when he moved to Watford in 1983. Games; Player Goals; Miscellaneous . Ivor Allchurch by @JDPThomas. Ryan Giggs scored Wales' goal in the match, becoming the first Welshman to score at the stadium. This led to calls from fans and players for international matches to be held at smaller stadiums. Robert (Bobby) Frederick Chelsea Moore, who was born in Barking, Essex, who earned 108 England caps between 1962 and 1973, all as a West Ham United player, and who captained England 70 times, appeared for Team America against Italy, Brazil and England in the U.S.A. He has previously been part of teams such as AFC Bournemouth and Ipswich Town but has often been criticized for his lack of will to represent the Scottish national team, for withdrawing due to injuries. A true legend of Welsh football, iconic goalkeeper Dai Davies won 52 caps for Wales in a career that saw him play for Swansea City, Wrexham, Everton and later Bangor City. Supporters are encouraged to arrive at Cardiff City Stadium in good time, so as to enter the ground as easily as possible ahead of kick-off at 12:30pm. [7] This victory in a qualifier strengthened Wales' bid to qualify for the 1978 FIFA World Cup, but six months later, that attempt ended in controversial circumstances. He is the club's, John Benjamin Toshack MBE (born 22 March 1949) is a Welsh former professional football player and manager. Their second match, against Serbia, was even worse, finishing 61, Wales's worst defeat since the 71 reversal to the Netherlands in 1996. Soon, he attracted the attention of the big teams. Tickets are now on sale from as little as 5. ISBN1-872424-11-2. Welsh rugby players have been warned they face a 220,000 cut in their annual wages as the financial crisis engulfing the WRU continues to deepen. For the men's team, see, European Competition for Women's Football (Unofficial), Last edited on 23 February 2023, at 06:29, FIFA Women's World Cup UEFA play-off final, Switzerland women's national football team, Wales women's national football team results (2020present), 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification UEFA Group I, 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification, 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification UEFA play-offs, Category:Wales women's national football team managers, List of Wales women's international footballers, Category:Wales women's international footballers, Wales women's national under-17 football team, "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking", "Women's World Cup play-off: Wales hearts broken by extra-time Switzerland winner", "MAJOR RESTRUCTURE FOR WOMEN'S GAME IN WALES", "North Wales women's football greats: No 3 Ceryl Tindall-Jones", "New Wales coach Jarmo Matikainen sets sights on Euro 2013 qualification", "Wales Women lose manager Jarmo Matikainen", "National Women's Teams Manager Jayne Ludow", "Jayne Ludlow: Wales manager leaves role", "Gemma Grainger: Wales appoint new manager to succeed Jayne Ludlow", "FAW / Cymru squad announced to face Finland", "LOREN DYKES RETIRES FROM PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL", "Inofficial European Women Championship 1979", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wales_women%27s_national_football_team&oldid=1141076347. 2023 Football Association of Wales | Hensol, Pontyclun CF72 8JY | Privacy Policy | Email Us | Club Login | COMET Support | Nodiant | Handbook, Saturday 25 March 2023 \ 19:45 \ Stadion Poljud, Split, Tuesday 28 March 2023 \ 19:45 \ Cardiff City Stadium, Friday 16 June 2023 \ 19:45 \ Cardiff City Stadium, Monday 19 June 2023 \ 19:45 \ 19 Mayis Stadium, Samsun, Sunday 15 October 2023 \ 19:45 \ Cardiff City Stadium, Tuesday 21 November 2023 \ 19:45 \ Cardiff City Stadium, Full Membership, Entry Forms & Cup Conference Dates, Record-breaker Ward brings her Cymru story to an end, Cymru Under-21 to face Scotland in Pinatar, Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy | Semi-final draw. Live television broadcast rights are held by S4C (Welsh language commentary) and Sky Sports (English language commentary) until 2022. Wales' international fixtures Welsh Aaron Ramsey. Draw When expanded it provides a list of search . Let us know in the comments, Wales' Aaron Ramsey during a training session. The following is a list of match results from the previous 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled. With the majority of regional players yet to . [36] Wales were welcomed back home on 8 July with an open-top bus parade around Cardiff, starting at Cardiff Castle and going past the Millennium Stadium before finishing at the Cardiff City Stadium. Diolch! [44], For 2022 World Cup qualification Wales were drawn in Group E with Belgium, Czech Republic, Belarus and Estonia with Page again acting as interim manager for the matches in 2021 and 2022. The first tournament was held in 1955-56 and was won by the decade's greatest club side, Real Madrid. In the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Wales team managed by Mike England came extremely close to qualification; a 30 defeat against the Soviet Union in their final match meant they missed out on goal difference, but the real damage had been done by their failure to beat Iceland in their last home match, the match eventually finishing 22 after several hold-ups due to floodlight failures. Probably best known for his passionate commentary on Welsh language TV these days, Allen had a good career and played for the likes of Watford, Aston Villa and Newcastle. Starting out at Swansea City, Allen joined Liverpool FC along with Brendan Rodgers and played nearly 100 games for the Merseyside giants between 2012 and 2016. Speed's first match as manager was 8 February 2011 in the inaugural Nations Cup, which the Republic of Ireland won 30. John Toshack gained 40 caps for Wales and managed the side for a single match in 1994 and between 2004 and 2010. Wayne Hennessey, Gareth Bale and Chris Gunter celebrate Euro 2020 qualification Follow the fortunes of Wales' football team, and watch this. All home games in the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign also took place there. Wales captain Sophie Ingle extends Chelsea contract ahead of Euro 2024 campaign Rob Page, Gemma Grainger and the special relationship at the heart of Welsh football Story Saved You can find. + 1.45 Postage. Qualifying matches continued to be played at the 74,500-capacity Millennium Stadium until the end of 2009, which was typically only around 2040% full amid poor team results. They also did not replicate their success in qualifying for the 1958 FIFA World Cup, although they did achieve a highly creditable draw against then world champions England in the 1970 British Home Championship, weeks before England went to defend their title in Mexico 1970 FIFA World Cup. [41], Euro 2020 was delayed until 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, which meant Wales' next games came in the 202021 UEFA Nations League. It's a summer that changed the outlook of football in Wales, and the team - consisting of now-household names like Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen - were paraded through the streets of Cardiff in an open-top bus. Read more here. Vote up thebest soccer playersfrom Wales, and help decide who is the greatest Welshfootballer of all time. One of the leaders of Wales' famous 1958 World Cup squad, Ivor Allchurch was a footballer ahead of his time. Background: One of the more experienced heads travelling to the Euros, Chris Gunter is a centurion for the national team. Background: Having had a solid first season in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, it is no surprise to see Joe Rodon called up for the competition. The 26-man squad for theWales National teamhas been named byRob Page, with not too many surprises named by the 46-year old. Background: Having had his breakthrough season with Huddersfield Town in their rare promotion season, Ward is yet to start in the Premier League withLeicester City. Four teams will look to book their place in the 134th JD Welsh Cup final. Three men were arrested after police descended on a derelict hotel in Conwy. Saturday 11 March 2023 / 14:30 / Essity Stadium. At the time of his retirement he was the record goal scorer and record cap holder for the Welsh team.[55]. In July 2015, having attained their then highest FIFA ranking of tenth,[27] Wales were placed among the top seeds for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification draw. However, FIFA did not want a team to qualify for the World Cup finals without actually playing a match, and so lots were drawn of all the second-placed teams in UEFA. The Wales national women's football team (Welsh: Tm pl-droed merched cenedlaethol Cymru) represents Wales in international football. Rabbi Matondo - FC Schalke. [34] In the quarter-final against Belgium, Wales went behind to a long-range effort from Radja Nainggolan, but captain Ashley Williams headed an equaliser before Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes confirmed a 31 victory for Wales. The following season, Hughes was again on target, scoring a wonder goal as Wales thrashed Spain 30 at the Racecourse during qualification for the 1986 World Cup. The team has never qualified for the FIFA Women's World . Next game - Croatia v Wales European Championship Qualifier. Background: A regular at both club and international level, Roberts looks likely to be a starter for Wales. Wales under-21 coach Brian Flynn took over from Toshack as caretaker manager with a view to a possible permanent appointment, but a 10 home defeat to Bulgaria and 41 away loss to Switzerland prompted the FAW to pass over Flynn. Complete list; England - details; European Championships; Other competitions; Scotland - details; World Cup; Milestones . Robert Lewandowski is our winner for the second year running with Mohamed Salah moving into the top three for the first time. Saturday 25 March 2023 \ 19:45. However, most Welsh football clubs play in the Welsh football league system. Making 43 League appearances, he linked up with Nicholas again at Newport County in May 2003, then helped Grange Quins win promotion in 2004-05. Two 20 home defeats by Finland and Germany in Spring 2009 effectively put paid to Wales' hopes of qualification. [25] Wales won at home against Scotland 21, lost away to Croatia 20 and won away against Scotland 21, but a 21 loss at home to Croatia ended Wales hopes of qualifying.[26]. Llywodraeth Cymru Rhyngwladol | Welsh Government International in Moses Lake, WA Expand search. And as Aaron Ramsey, a native Welsh speaker, will be taking the captain's armband in the absence of Gareth Bale for both matches, we decided to take a look at the greatest ever Welsh-speaking players to have represented our beautiful country. Colin Baker (Welsh footballer) Gareth Bale Tommy Bamford Darren Barnard Walley Barnes Thomas Bartley (footballer) Archie Bastock Harry Beadles William Bell (Welsh footballer) Craig Bellamy Ray Bennion George Berry (footballer) Clayton Blackmore Darcy Blake Nathan Blake Horace Blew Thomas Boden Billy Bodin Paul Bodin Les Boulter (footballer) He is the manager of the Wales national team and a co-owner of Salford City. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The multi-talented William John Charles CBE was a Welsh footballer who played as a center-forward or as a center-back. Who would make it into your top ten Welsh-speaking footballers? Joe Allen of Wales goes for the ball alongside Mattias Kait of Estonia. [20] Bale controversially withdrew due to injury,[21] but Ramsey was joined by four other Welshmen in Stuart Pearce's 18-man squad: Swansea City's Joe Allen and Neil Taylor, while Manchester United's Ryan Giggs and Liverpool's Craig Bellamy were included as over-age players, with Giggs being made captain. A true champion of the Welsh language and culture, Davies was initiated into the Gorsedd of Bards in 1978. The 1950s will be remembered as the decade of changing the whole look of football, not just in Britain but also abroad. Rival fans are livid that Wrexham AFC will be included in FIFA 22, The Scandinavian football fans who travelled over 1,000 miles to watch a key North Wales derby, North Wales football club just yards from the English border reach last 16 of Welsh Cup, Wrexham 2-2 Maidenhead United: Dragons remain top despite last-minute drama at York Road, Wrexham had to settle for a point despite a brace from top scorer Paul Mullin, Manchester United and West Ham coaches join Cymru's backroom staff, The FAW have made the appointments ahead of the start of Cymru's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign this month, Wrexham 2-1 Chesterfield: Dragons go top of the table thanks to Lee and Dalby strikes, Wrexham overcame the Spireites to move a point clear of Notts County, Wrexham AFC announce signing of Ryan Barnett from National League rivals, The 23-year-old winger joins for an undisclosed fee, 'End of an era' as successful North Wales football club set to fold, Llandudno Albion announced that the club will disband at the end of the current season, RECAP: Police cordon off road in Llandudno town centre, Three arrested as police swoop on empty Llandudno hotel, Three men were taken from within the hotel and taken away by officers, 'Bonkers' queues for clothing brand by sisters who went from garden shed business to millionaires, Shoppers queued for three hours when Sisters & Seekers held 'sample sale' in city centre, LIVE: Police close busy North Wales road after crash, North Wales Police ask drivers to avoid the A483 near the B&Q Roundabout in Wrexham, The 'best town in Wales' kept alive by its strong community, Councillor Nia Jeffreys explains why the people of Porthmadog love the town so much, Martin Lewis warns households about 200 Alternative Fuel Payment, The Money Saving Expert founder has issued the urgent advice for those still waiting for their Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP), Amazing 1m 'haunted' house with mock castle and 5,000 bags of Haribo sweets on sale in North Wales, The property is renowned for its spectacular displays - but underneath is a superb family home with its own indoor swimming pool and an 8ft dragon, Gallery: A large police presence swoop on suspects at derelict Llandudno hotel. Some of the best Welsh soccer players include national legends like Ryan Giggs, Ian Rush, Ashley Williams, Ivor Allchurch, and Craig Bellamy. The gates at CCS will open at 11am - 90 minutes before kick-off against Bristol City.Hospitality areas will open at 10:30am. His autobiography was published in both Welsh and English with alternative titles (Hanner Cystal a Nhad in Welsh and Never Say Dai in English). The 66 shot stopper has made just five appearances shy of the desired100, so its likely hell push himself to be Wales number one for the campaign to end his fantastic national career on a high. Loss. They kept five consecutive clean sheets on the way to an unbeaten record in the competition, winning five games and drawing one, despite Giggs not being available for the last two games due to legal troubles. 18 January 2023 Wales Wales internationals Jess Fishlock, Aaron Ramsey, Sophie Ingle and Brennan Johnson Wales' men's and women's senior players will be paid the same for representing their country. [31] In their second match, against England in Lens, Wales led 10 at half-time through another Bale free-kick, but lost 21. Having played for the Leeds United youth team, he started off his professional career, William David Davies, better known as Dai Davies (born 1 April 1948), is a former professional footballer, who played in goal between 1969 and 1987. There are also current Welsh football stars such asGareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, and Chris Gunter, who are making an impact across the globe. Football Top 100 footballers 2017:the best talents in the world. The only dysgwr (learner) in this list, Mahoney learned Welsh as an adult and was known to play Welsh nationalistic songs such as Dafydd Iwan's Yma O Hyd in the dressing room before matches. There's a tradition of excellent football commentary on the Welsh-language TV channel S4C and BBC Radio Cymru, often praised in Wales as better than what's availablle in English. Gary Speed gained 85 caps for Wales and managed the side between 2010 and 2011. Born in Neath, he was educated at Ysgol Gyfun Ystalafera and joined Swansea City at a young age. The following players have been called up for a Wales squad in the last 12 months. Scotland took the spoils winning 20. Wales played its first competitive match on 25 March 1876 against Scotland in Glasgow, making it the third-oldest international football team in the world. However, the FAW stressed it was strongly against the proposal. With the opening of the Cardiff City Stadium in 2009, the FAW chose to stage most home friendlies there, with other friendly matches played at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea (now known as the Swansea.com Stadium) and the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. ", "The player behind Dafydd Iwan's iconic Yma o Hyd rendition revealed", "Gareth Bale leads brilliant rendition of Yma o Hyd after Wales beat Ukraine", "World Cup qualification 'greatest result' in Welsh football history, says Gareth Bale", "Nations League: England and Wales get tough group-stage draw", "Ryan Giggs: Ex-Manchester United winger resigns as Wales manager", "Robert Page: Wales manager signs new contract before 2022 World Cup in Qatar", https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64215777, "World Cup 2022: Wales name injury doubt Joe Allen in 26-man squad", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wales_national_football_team&oldid=1142461612, Red Dragons: The Story of Welsh Football by Phil Stead (, This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 14:28.