Wales Under-21 side will play England Under-21s in a two-legged play-off for a place in next year's Uefa Championship in Sweden. Wales will be at home in the first leg, likely to be on October 10, with the return on October 14, although both dates are still provisional.
The match will pitch Stuart Pearce's youngsters, who topped their group with only two points dropped, against Brian Flynn's exciting clutch of young dragons, and both sides may consider being drawn together more than a little unfortunate. Pearce's side will be hoping to reach the finals of a tournament in which they made the semi-finals in 2007, while Wales will be bidding to qualify for their first major international competition since 1958. The winners of the play off will go to the final tournament held in Sweden in June 2009. The UEFA Under 21 Football Championship Final will be played in Malmö. The tournament will be from 15th June - 29th June. More information on the venues and this bizzare story about burgers causing a change of venue!
The last meeting between the two UK teams came in May, with England winning their friendly 2-0, thanks to goals from Tom Huddlestone and Theo Walcott. Match report for that game at the BBC
Friday, September 12, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wales team that beat Romania
Romania U21: Tatarusanu, Homei (Ochirosii 69), Tudose, Mardare, Sepsi, Tanase (Deac 45), Ropotan, Chiacu, Keseru, Torje (Bicfalvi 58), Stancu.
Subs Not Used: Panitilimon, Latovlevici, Luchin, Hora.
Booked: Stancu, Mardare, Chiacu, Ochirosii.
Wales U21: fon Williams, Blake (Mike Williams 21), Wiggins, Ramsey, Eardley, Rhys Williams, King, Bradley, Church, MacDonald, Adams.
Subs Not Used: North, Allen, Basey, Brown, Klein-Davies.
Booked: Rhys Williams.
Goals: Rhys Williams 12, Church 57, Wiggins 67.
Wales 3 - 0 Romania
WALES under 21 football team produced a sensational 3-0 win over Romania in Iasi to clinch a place in the Uefa Championship play-offs. The seemingly unlikely victory means they have won Group 10 ahead of France, and will now be seeded for a favourable draw for the play-offs in October.
Those games will clash with the World Cup matches against Liechtenstein and Germany on October 11 and 15 respectively.
It will once again give senior boss John Toshack a selection headache as he will want to help the under-21s as much as he can by releasing senior squad players still young enough to help the cause.
But that is a problem for the future.
For now, Wales can celebrate a remarkable performance by arguably their best under-21 side in history.
Having needed three points from their last two group matches — both against the Romanians — to claim an unprecedented place in the play-offs for next summer's finals in Sweden, Wales looked like they had blown their chances a fortnight ago when they were beaten 1-0 by Romania in Wrexham.
On that night coach Brian Flynn had the benefit of all the senior squad players who still qualify for the under-21s.
Wayne Hennessey, Gareth Bale, Chris Gunter, Ched Evans and Sam Vokes were all called into the squad for the game at the Racecourse Ground.
But defeat, and the fact that senior boss John Toshack wanted all of those youngsters back in his squad for the World Cup qualifier against Russia in Moscow, meant that the odds were heavily stacked against Flynn's youngsters.
But with what would be considered almost a second-string side, the Welsh youngsters pulled off an amazing victory.
Inside 10 minutes of the match, the two players who had been with the seniors all week but returned to the under-21 ranks combined to put Wales ahead.
Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsey sent over a corner and Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams scored with a right-footer from eight yards. Wales lost Darcy Blake through injury after 18 minutes, with Wrexham's Mike Williams coming on, and the Welsh youngsters held out until half-time still ahead despite constant pressure.
But Wales slowly took control in the second period and on the hour they took a two-goal lead, again following a Ramsey corner. This time it was Reading youngster Simon Church who netted from just a couple of yards.
Eight minutes later the game was virtually over when Church and Mark Bradley combined to give Rhoys Wiggins a simple tap-in for the third.
Wales then held out for the final period with ease, to produce a great win that was greeted with celebrations among the senior squad and supporters who were keeping tabs on the match while in Moscow awaiting the World Cup tie.
Those games will clash with the World Cup matches against Liechtenstein and Germany on October 11 and 15 respectively.
It will once again give senior boss John Toshack a selection headache as he will want to help the under-21s as much as he can by releasing senior squad players still young enough to help the cause.
But that is a problem for the future.
For now, Wales can celebrate a remarkable performance by arguably their best under-21 side in history.
Having needed three points from their last two group matches — both against the Romanians — to claim an unprecedented place in the play-offs for next summer's finals in Sweden, Wales looked like they had blown their chances a fortnight ago when they were beaten 1-0 by Romania in Wrexham.
On that night coach Brian Flynn had the benefit of all the senior squad players who still qualify for the under-21s.
Wayne Hennessey, Gareth Bale, Chris Gunter, Ched Evans and Sam Vokes were all called into the squad for the game at the Racecourse Ground.
But defeat, and the fact that senior boss John Toshack wanted all of those youngsters back in his squad for the World Cup qualifier against Russia in Moscow, meant that the odds were heavily stacked against Flynn's youngsters.
But with what would be considered almost a second-string side, the Welsh youngsters pulled off an amazing victory.
Inside 10 minutes of the match, the two players who had been with the seniors all week but returned to the under-21 ranks combined to put Wales ahead.
Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsey sent over a corner and Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams scored with a right-footer from eight yards. Wales lost Darcy Blake through injury after 18 minutes, with Wrexham's Mike Williams coming on, and the Welsh youngsters held out until half-time still ahead despite constant pressure.
But Wales slowly took control in the second period and on the hour they took a two-goal lead, again following a Ramsey corner. This time it was Reading youngster Simon Church who netted from just a couple of yards.
Eight minutes later the game was virtually over when Church and Mark Bradley combined to give Rhoys Wiggins a simple tap-in for the third.
Wales then held out for the final period with ease, to produce a great win that was greeted with celebrations among the senior squad and supporters who were keeping tabs on the match while in Moscow awaiting the World Cup tie.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Wales proud of U-21 side
Wales Under-21 boss Brian Flynn hailed his side's progress through to the play-offs for next year's Uefa European U21 Championships as "magnificent".
The youngsters beat Romania 3-0 in impressive style in Iasi to win Group 10 and seal a place in next month's play-offs, with the draw on Friday.
"The lads were absolutely magnificent from start to finish," Flynn said.
"Wales will be proud of them, I'm sure of that, as I am tonight."
The youngsters beat Romania 3-0 in impressive style in Iasi to win Group 10 and seal a place in next month's play-offs, with the draw on Friday.
"The lads were absolutely magnificent from start to finish," Flynn said.
"Wales will be proud of them, I'm sure of that, as I am tonight."
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wales 0 - 1 Romania U-21 Qualifier
Wales Under-21 wasted a golden chance to seal a qualifying play-off place for next year's Uefa Championship finals after losing 1-0 to Romania in Wrexham.
Match report from BBC
Adrian Ropotan claimed the goal that gave Romania victory, Wales dozing as Gabriel Torje clipped in a free-kick. Brian Flynn's young side created a glut of chances but were unable to find the goal to seal their passage.
Wolves striker Sam Vokes was most culpable, putting over two first-half headers that he should have converted. Wales still lead Romania by a point at the top of Group 10 but the Romanians have a game in hand. However, qualification is still in Wales' hands as their final group game is the return in Romania on 9 September. Win that and a Wales team will still be in with a chance of making a major finals for the first time since the senior side featured at the 1958 World Cup.
Wales suffered an early scare when goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey hesitated as a free-kick arced in from the left. That sparked a goalmouth scramble but the big Wolves stopper redeemed himself with a fine block as the ball was fired towards the Wales net.
Wales composed themselves after that nervous start and soon had the alarm bells ringing at the Romanian end. Ched Evans drifted out to the left of the area and clipped in a reverse pass for strike partner Vokes, who could only find the midriff of goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu with his scuffed shot.
Romania were generally solid through the middle of the park but were starting to be picked apart on the flanks, where Gareth Bale had licence to roam down either side.
Tottenham's £10m man carved out a great chance for Dave Edwards from one flowing attack down the right, although Tatarusanu was out of his goal quickly to smother the danger.
Romania continued to struggle with Wales' accurate crossing and only survived because Vokes was having a poor night in front of goal. The Wolves frontman wasted two gilt-edged opportunities to head Wales in front. First Vokes flashed a strong chance just over the bar, after the hard-working Evans had again worked space for himself to curl a cross onto his team-mate's forehead.
Then as the half-hour mark approached it was Bale providing the ammunition, only for Vokes to again head over from even closer in. Despite some pleasing football played by both sides the game remained deadlocked at the break.
The half was marred only by a late scuffle sparked by Evans sliding in on keeper Tatarusanu as he chased a loose ball, both players booked for their troubles.
Wales continued their dominance after the restart, with Shaun MacDonald and Bale both drawing saves from the busy Tatarusanu. Bale also failed to connect with a Darcy Blake cross that flashed across the face of goal.
But then on 65 minutes Wales were caught by a sucker-punch as they went to sleep at a Romanian set-piece. The red shirts were static as Torje curled in a free-kick that found Dinamo team-mate Ropotan free in the Wales area. Ropotan flicked out a foot and claimed the goal - although there was some doubt he made contact - as the ball bounced into the bottom corner past the left hand of the despairing Hennessey.
Wales redoubled their efforts and Rhys Williams almost rescued a point with seven minutes left, only for the Middlesbrough defender to see his shot deflected onto the Romania crossbar.
Then in the dying moments Bale unleashed a rocket that seemed destined for the back of the net, only for Tatarusanu to fly across his goal to palm the ball away.
Match report from BBC
Adrian Ropotan claimed the goal that gave Romania victory, Wales dozing as Gabriel Torje clipped in a free-kick. Brian Flynn's young side created a glut of chances but were unable to find the goal to seal their passage.
Wolves striker Sam Vokes was most culpable, putting over two first-half headers that he should have converted. Wales still lead Romania by a point at the top of Group 10 but the Romanians have a game in hand. However, qualification is still in Wales' hands as their final group game is the return in Romania on 9 September. Win that and a Wales team will still be in with a chance of making a major finals for the first time since the senior side featured at the 1958 World Cup.
Wales suffered an early scare when goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey hesitated as a free-kick arced in from the left. That sparked a goalmouth scramble but the big Wolves stopper redeemed himself with a fine block as the ball was fired towards the Wales net.
Wales composed themselves after that nervous start and soon had the alarm bells ringing at the Romanian end. Ched Evans drifted out to the left of the area and clipped in a reverse pass for strike partner Vokes, who could only find the midriff of goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu with his scuffed shot.
Romania were generally solid through the middle of the park but were starting to be picked apart on the flanks, where Gareth Bale had licence to roam down either side.
Tottenham's £10m man carved out a great chance for Dave Edwards from one flowing attack down the right, although Tatarusanu was out of his goal quickly to smother the danger.
Romania continued to struggle with Wales' accurate crossing and only survived because Vokes was having a poor night in front of goal. The Wolves frontman wasted two gilt-edged opportunities to head Wales in front. First Vokes flashed a strong chance just over the bar, after the hard-working Evans had again worked space for himself to curl a cross onto his team-mate's forehead.
Then as the half-hour mark approached it was Bale providing the ammunition, only for Vokes to again head over from even closer in. Despite some pleasing football played by both sides the game remained deadlocked at the break.
The half was marred only by a late scuffle sparked by Evans sliding in on keeper Tatarusanu as he chased a loose ball, both players booked for their troubles.
Wales continued their dominance after the restart, with Shaun MacDonald and Bale both drawing saves from the busy Tatarusanu. Bale also failed to connect with a Darcy Blake cross that flashed across the face of goal.
But then on 65 minutes Wales were caught by a sucker-punch as they went to sleep at a Romanian set-piece. The red shirts were static as Torje curled in a free-kick that found Dinamo team-mate Ropotan free in the Wales area. Ropotan flicked out a foot and claimed the goal - although there was some doubt he made contact - as the ball bounced into the bottom corner past the left hand of the despairing Hennessey.
Wales redoubled their efforts and Rhys Williams almost rescued a point with seven minutes left, only for the Middlesbrough defender to see his shot deflected onto the Romania crossbar.
Then in the dying moments Bale unleashed a rocket that seemed destined for the back of the net, only for Tatarusanu to fly across his goal to palm the ball away.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Wales under 21 squad for Romania
Wales Under-21 squad to face Romania:
Date> 20th August 2008
Venue> Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Owain Fon Williams (Stockport County), Mike Williams (Wrexham), Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough), Darcy Blake (Cardiff City), John Brown (Cardiff City), Lloyd James (Southampton), Chris Gunter (Tottenham Hotspur), Rhoys Wiggins (Crystal Palace), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shaun MacDonald (Swansea City), Mark Bradley (Walsall), Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ched Evans (Manchester City), Simon Church (Reading)
Stand-By: Jonathan North (Watford), Andy King (Leicester City), Nicky Adams (Leicester City), Josh Klein Davies (Bristol Rovers)
Date> 20th August 2008
Venue> Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Owain Fon Williams (Stockport County), Mike Williams (Wrexham), Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough), Darcy Blake (Cardiff City), John Brown (Cardiff City), Lloyd James (Southampton), Chris Gunter (Tottenham Hotspur), Rhoys Wiggins (Crystal Palace), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shaun MacDonald (Swansea City), Mark Bradley (Walsall), Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ched Evans (Manchester City), Simon Church (Reading)
Stand-By: Jonathan North (Watford), Andy King (Leicester City), Nicky Adams (Leicester City), Josh Klein Davies (Bristol Rovers)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Wales Under 21 Football Squad
Wales Under-21 football squad for the qualification games against Romania :
Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Owain Fon Williams (Stockport County)
Rhys Taylor (Chelsea)
Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
Neal Eardley (Oldham Athletic)
Chris Gunter (Tottenham Hotspur)
Grant Basey (Charlton Athletic)
Darcy Blake (Cardiff City)
Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County)
Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City)
Rhoys Wiggins (Crystal Palace)
Joe Jacobson (Bristol Rovers)
Mike Williams (Wrexham)
Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough)
Nicky Adams (Leicester City)
Mark Bradley (Walsall)
Jack Collison (West Ham United)
David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Andy King (Leicester City)
Joe Ledley (Cardiff City)
Shaun MacDonald (Swansea City)
Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Jonathan Brown (Cardiff City)
Simon Church (Reading)
David Cotterill (Sheffield United)
Craig Davies (Oldham Athletic)
Ched Evans (Manchester City)
Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
The U21s face Romania in Wrexham on 20 August and again in Iasi on 9 September
Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Owain Fon Williams (Stockport County)
Rhys Taylor (Chelsea)
Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
Neal Eardley (Oldham Athletic)
Chris Gunter (Tottenham Hotspur)
Grant Basey (Charlton Athletic)
Darcy Blake (Cardiff City)
Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County)
Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City)
Rhoys Wiggins (Crystal Palace)
Joe Jacobson (Bristol Rovers)
Mike Williams (Wrexham)
Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough)
Nicky Adams (Leicester City)
Mark Bradley (Walsall)
Jack Collison (West Ham United)
David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Andy King (Leicester City)
Joe Ledley (Cardiff City)
Shaun MacDonald (Swansea City)
Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Jonathan Brown (Cardiff City)
Simon Church (Reading)
David Cotterill (Sheffield United)
Craig Davies (Oldham Athletic)
Ched Evans (Manchester City)
Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
The U21s face Romania in Wrexham on 20 August and again in Iasi on 9 September
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