By The Independent (Sports) | Created at 2024-11-19 17:50:39 | Updated at 2024-11-19 20:53:28
3 hours ago
Wales host Iceland in Cardiff tonight in the final match of their group campaign in Nations League group B4, with Craig Bellamy’s side needing just one point to stay in with a shout of promotion.
The home side drew 0-0 against Turkey last week to keep themselves second in the group, two points ahead of Iceland, and they are in the hunt for automatic promotion if they win and Turkey slip up against Montenegro.
However, second place is a more realistic hope for Bellamy’s men, and that result would put them into a promotion play-off in March.
But first, they have to get past an Iceland side that they drew 2-2 with in Reykjavik last month, with the visitors hunting three points that would force the Welsh into a relegation play-off come March.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, news and reaction below:
Wales v Iceland talking points
Fresh legs needed
Wales boss Bellamy has not been afraid to make changes for the second game of a Nations League double-header with such a quick turnaround between matches.
Bellamy made five alterations after September’s opener against Turkey, another seven following October’s trip to Iceland for the return game with Montenegro.
Wales used up considerable energy holding Turkey to a goalless draw in Kayseri on Saturday – and freshening up the side may almost be as much out of necessity as choice.
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 17:50
Karl Darlow proud of how Wales dealt with hostile Turkish atmosphere
Karl Darlow dodged lighters thrown towards him and “white noise” at the ear-splitting Kadir Has Stadium to help Wales secure a battling Nations League draw in Turkey.
Wales spent large periods of the clash under the cosh, but Darlow’s steady handling and shot-saving ability ensured the tie finished 0-0.
Turkey did have the chance to seal matters – and promotion to League A into the bargain – from the penalty spot in the 89th-minute, but Kerem Akturkoglu’s effort struck the outside of the post and went wide.
“As soon as we walked out you could hear the whistle and the boos,” Leeds goalkeeper Darlow said of the volatile atmosphere generated by Turkey supporters.
“Lighters were being thrown into the six-yard box and to come out with a 0-0 and a point from that game is something we can all be proud of.”
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 17:40
Wales earn point in Turkey to continue unbeaten start under Craig Bellamy
Here’s the match report from last time out...
Wales maintained their unbeaten record under Craig Bellamy in a 0-0 Nations League draw with Turkey after Kerem Akturkoglu sent his 89th-minute penalty against a post.
Turkey were given the chance to sew up Group B4 when Neco Williamsstretched out a leg and Yunus Akgun went to ground.
But Akturkoglu tamely rolled his effort on to the base of a post and wide as Karl Darlow dived the other way.
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 17:30
Prediction
Both teams recorded impressive results last time out, though a revived Wales side should have too much for the visitors despite their draw last month.
Wales 2-1 Iceland.
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 17:20
Predicted line-ups
Wales XI: Darlow; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Sheehan, James; Johnson, Wilson, James, Harris.
Iceland XI: Valdimarsson; Fridriksson, Ingason, Gunnarsson, Tomasson; Gudmundsson, Þórðarson, Traustason, Þorsteinsson; Oskarsson, Gudjohnsen.
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 17:10
Team news
Craig Bellamy has no new injury concerns after the draw against Turkey, so all that remains to be seen is whether he opts for a tactical change of personnel against Iceland.
The back four will likely remain the same, with Joe Rodon and Ben Davies trusted at centre-back alongside Neco Williams and Connor Roberts. In midfield, Jordan James and Josh Sheehan could anchor again in the absence of Ethan Ampadu.
Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson’s recent performances have likely cemented their places in the side, though Dan James could replace Sorba Thomas on the left wing.
Mark Harris started at centre-forward in the draw last week, though Lewis Koumas and David Brooks will both hope they did enough to playthemselves into contention for a starting place.
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 17:00
Is Wales v Iceland on TV?
When is Wales vs Iceland?
The match takes place on Tuesday 19 November with kick-off set for 7.45pm GMT at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Where can I watch the match?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on S4C, with coverage starting at 7.20pm. The match can also be streamed online via BBC iPlayer.
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 16:50
Wales v Iceland LIVE
Wales host Iceland in Cardiff in the final match of their Nations League group campaign on Monday night, knowing that they need just one point to reach the next stage of the competition.
It’s still possible for Wales to get automatic promotion, but with Turkey unlikely to lose to a Montenegro side with five losses from five, perhaps their best hope is second and a place in the competition’s play-offs in March.
These two sides played out a closely fought 2-2 draw last month, though Iceland will be hunting a win to leapfrog the hosts in Cardiff.
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 16:40
Wales v Iceland LIVE
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Nations League match between Wales and Iceland.
Craig Bellamy’s side are undefeated in the group stage so far, and they need a draw or a win to secure a place in the promotions play-offs in March.
Meanwhile, a loss would condemn them to a relegation play-off, while they still harbour slim hopes of automatic promotion if Montenegro can shock Turkey.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, news and updates here.
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 16:30
