[Fm14] Wales: The Golden Generation?

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FAWBanner_zps6de7fc3a.png

Ahead of Wales’ so called ‘biggest game,’ Tom Conwy has named his team. Premier League duo James Chester and Joel Lynch have been called up, both hoping to cement a position. Paul Dummett’s impressive season at Dundee has earned him a call-up with Blackburn fullback, Adam Henley.

Marley Watkins keeps his place for the third successive squad and there is a recall for Emyr Huws, who has been compared to Sergio Busquets in the past by Patrick Vieira. Sam Vokes and Craig Davies are also recalled with Robert Earnshaw and Jake Cassidy dropping out.

Kyle Letheren could make his first cap, with an injury to Owain fon-Williams and Conwy's apparent lack of faith in Boaz Myhill.

Tom Conwy’s side will be in jubilant spirits after a tenacious 3-1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in Sarajevo earlier this evening. Despite being fancied to lose out to the Balkan state, Wales were rampant from the first to the final minute, accruing 25 shots on goal compared to Bosnia’s 5.

Bosnia captain, Edin Dzeko, muscled through the Welsh defence to open the scoring 18 minutes in, getting on the end of Ibisevic’s weighted pass. Despite a number of first half chances, Wales could not fashion any meaningful effort on Asmir Begovic in the Bosnian goal.

Aaron Ramsey equalised midway through the second half, with a well-timed finish after a pass from Robson-Kanu.

Joe Ledley’s fine work as an anchoring midfielder was a tactical shift, as he was picked ahead of the more attack-minded Jon Williams and Andy King and he flourished in this position. Ledley was even able to get on the score-sheet with a fabulous long range effort.

With Bosnia desperately looking to grab an equaliser, Gareth Bale took advantage, going through one-on-one and easily steering the ball past Begovic with just 10 minutes to go.

Hennessey
Gunter
A. Williams
Collins
B. Davies
Ledley
Ramsey
Allen (King '85 )
Robson-Kanu (Watkins '90 )
Bale
Vokes (Chester '67 )

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FMScout/BosniaampHerzegovinavWales_OverviewOverview_zps99376361.png





Tom Conwy believes the Wales camp will be in dreamland tonight, following their victory over Bosnia.

“It’s unbelievable, we feel we’ve made a huge step towards qualifying, we just need to make sure we follow up with wins in our next few games.”

Wales take on Luxembourg later this week before hosting Iceland and then Belgium. Conwy was keen to stress the importance of complacency with the game against Luxembourg, saying, “We’ve still got a lot of work to do. They’ll give us a game for sure, but we should have enough in the tank to get a victory. A win later this week and against Iceland will set us in a great position before the last two games, Belgium and Bosnia again.”

Tom Conwy was quick to thank the travelling Welsh supporters, despite a number of Welsh fans attempting to enter the pitch at when Gareth Bale scored which led to a stand-off with riot police. "They were our twelfth man tonight, no doubt. Yes there were a few ugly scenes at the end but I think it's the emotion involved. Everyone knew how important this game was and they will be delighted with the result, same as us. I hope UEFA are sensible with any fines they fancy dishing out. It didn't look like anyone was hurt and they returned to their seats quickly. The Bosnian police were exemplary, they controlled a potentially hostile environment and had everyone back in their seat's in no time"

While Belgium slumped to a 2-2 draw with Iceland, Wales moved to a single point behind them with an easy 4-1 victory over Luxembourg.

Marley Watkins made the most of his first competitive start with a great goal just before half time, calming the Welsh nerves after a cagey 45 minutes that saw Gareth Bale limp off after just 10 minutes with a hamstring strain. Aside from captain, Ashley Williams, Bale was the sole survivor of the team who had beaten Bosnia, as Tom Conwy made 9 changes.

In a routine second half, that saw a Luxembourg player sent off, Wales retained possession well and Craig Davies made the most of a rare start to score a quick-fire hat-trick. The first, a turning shot that beat the keeper after Sam Vokes’ knock-down. The second was a smart, near-post header after a great cross from Marley Watkins. Davies completed the rout, being the quickest to react to Sam Vokes parried shot. Davies is the first Welsh player to score a hat-trick for Wales under Tom Conwy’s stewardship and will have done no harm in putting himself in Conwy’s plans for future squads.

Darlow
Henley
Chester
A. Williams ©
Dummett (Taylor '81 )
King
Huws (Vokes '62 )
J. Williams
Watkins
Bale (Ramsey '10 )
C. Davies

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FMScout/LuxembourgvWales_OverviewOverview_zpsce7ac11a.png

Davies, what a beast!

and COME ON YOU DRAGONS!

3 games left. Iceland, better win that, Belgium (probably lose that) and Bosnia at home. A draw would easily take me through in second there! We're going to France BOYOS!

With Wales six points ahead of third place Bosnia (who have a game in hand) they are just three games away from qualifying for the European Championships. Few would have predicted Tom Conwy to make such sweeping strides since taking over from Chris Coleman nearly two years ago and yet they sit on the cusp of their first major tournament since the World Cup in 1958.

Here are 5 reason's the fate of the Welsh team has made such a dramatic U-turn since Tom Conwy's appointment and their results in Group E.

Group dynamics
Wales have 3 games left to play. Most people expect them to beat Iceland in Cardiff later this year, (Bosnia are fully expected to take maximum points from their game-in-hand with Luxembourg) which means they can afford to lose against Belgium, which they have done in their last three successive games. As Belgium and Bosnia still have to play each other, Wales may find their qualification wrapped up after the Belgium game, leaving them with a bye over Bosnia. Even if Bosnia beat both Luxembourg and Belgium, a draw for Wales would be enough should they win against Iceland.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FMScout/EuropeanChampionshipQualifying_OverviewStages-2_zpsca908595.png

Squad unity
The mood in the Welsh camp is seemingly at an all-time high. Ashley Williams is a strong leader, and with stalwarts in Bale, Gunter and Ledley, there is plenty of experience to match the youthful ambition of Jonny Williams and Ben Davies. Bale, Gunter, Vokes, Ramsey and Allen all came through the same U21 crop and have form the spine of Tom Conwy’s team.

Gareth Bale
The midfield dynamo is obviously key for Wales. Unlike his early Tottenham days, where he was considered a jinx, Wales struggle without the Real Madrid forward. He has a decent goal return for Wales but his overall contribution cannot be measured. He covers every blade of grass and his devotion to Welsh cause is limitless. Despite playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, you can tell that his heart truly lies in Wales.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FMScout/GarethBale_OverviewProfile_zps49cc4df2.png

Rotation options
Wales' problems in the past have stemmed from a huge lack of depth outside of the first eleven. When Bale, Ramsey or Ashley Williams had been injured before, the drop off has been stark. However, with young players such as Ben Davies, Jonny Williams and Emyr Huws making strides into the first team, and a fortunate lack of injuries to key players, Wales now possess a talent pool that are able to cope with all but the most serious of injury crisis.

Joe Ledley
The Crystal Palace midfielder’s finest displays in a Welsh shirt have come under Tom Conwy’s management. Strong and tenacious, Ledley’s anchoring role has been vital when Wales have come across tough, attacking teams, providing a link between defence and attack. With a wide range of passing, no-nonsense tackling and a determined grit allows players like Ramsey, Bale and Robson-Kanu the license to get forward. Tom Conwy is a huge fan of Ledley, who has shown his true worth in Wales' bigger games.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FMScout/JoeLedley_OverviewProfile_zps74656ac3.png

Come on, win against Iceland and you've got it in the bag!

UEFA has fined the FAW 5,000 euros following the crowd disturbance during the Bosnia versus Wales game earlier this month. Gareth Bale scored a decisive goal to take Wales 3-1 up with ten minutes remaining causing several fans to run onto the pitch to celebrate with the players.

The FAW has accepted the decision by Uefa, European football's governing body, after it was charged with a breach of article 16.2 (field invasion by supporters).

Under article six of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, there are a wide-range of possible punishments for a pitch invasion, including a warning, a fine and a points deduction.

Meanwhile, the FAW have also announced in the previous week that they will entertain China at the Racecoure in Wrexham before their final Group E match with Bosnia & Herzegovina.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FAWBanner_zps6de7fc3a.png

Wales recall Boaz Myhill, Adam Matthews and Simon Church for the forthcoming qualifiers with Iceland and Belgium. Tom Conwy has chosen Crawley’s David Cotterill over Marley Watkins and Conwy calls up Swansea’s Ashley ‘Jazz’ Richards for the first time since he took over. Jack Collison returns to the Welsh fold, while Karl Darlow misses out through injury. Kyle Letheren is called up instead and may make his debut.

Great story, good results and liking the layout of your story

Patrick1 - Thanks mate! Because I have fewer matches than most due to an international career I can put up all of them. I have a few news stories that chronologically go before the next set of games but I'm going to put them up after as everyone seems pretty keen to hear what happens on the pitch!

Feliks - Did I win against Iceland? I'll put it up soon!

Wales were in ruthless form as they took Iceland apart in the Group E match and should well have won by far more than the 2-0 margin. Hal Robson-Kanu was in imperious, scoring a brace. He was presented with the ideal chance to seal a hat-trick but his late penalty was saved. Gareth Bale was only fit enough to make to bench, seemingly being saved for the game with Belgium and was replaced by David Cotterill who seized his rare starting opportunity.

Robson-Kanu scored a very early goal that set the tone for the match with Craig Davies playing a great through-ball, allowing Robson-Kanu to smash it across the keeper. Just a minute later, Robson-Kanu saw his ambitious effort cannon back off the post with the Icelandic goalkeeper beaten.

Robson-Kanu scored his second of the night on the half hour mark, heading in David Cotterill’s precise cross.

Wales continued their relentless onslaught of the Iceland goal and registered an incredible 21 shots to Iceland’s 4.

Robson-Kanu, heavily involved throughout, was on course for his first international hat-trick as he stepped up to take a penalty after Simon Church was hauled down in the Iceland box. His effort was saved after Aaron Ramsey, Wales’ normal penalty taker, allowed Robson-Kanu the set piece.

Ben Davies came close to his first Welsh goal, only to see his injury time header hammer back off the crossbar following substitute Gareth Bale’s corner.

The Welsh victory will taste even sweeter knowing their closest rivals Bosnia could only manage a 1-1 draw against lowly Luxembourg. It was Luxembourg’s first point in Group E.

Hennessey
Gunter
A. Williams ©
Collins (Chester ’79 )
B. Davies
Ledley
Ramsey
Allen
Cotterill (Bale ’60 )
Robson-Kanu
C. Davies (Church ’60 )

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FMScout/WalesvIceland_OverviewOverview_zps27fb9ec5.png





Wales manager, Tom Conwy, ran out of superlatives for his team after their comfortable 2-0 victory over Iceland. He was in jovial mood with journalists as Wales sit at the top of Group E, until their match with Belgium at least.

“No one would have thought we’d be leading the group at this point of the campaign but here we are. It’s all down to the boys we’ve got in this squad, they’ve been fantastic from day one.”

Conwy continued, “Yeah, we had that little wobble earlier last year but our form in 2015 has been incredible, 5 wins in a row. I think that may be some kind of record for Wales, and like I said, it’s the boys, not me. The drinks at the hotel bar are definitely on me tonight!”

Wales remain top of Group E, albeit having played a game more, after a 0-0 draw with Belgium in Liege. The point was well earned for Wales who were under the kosh for the majority of the match and Kevin de Bruyne had two goals ruled out, both correctly, for offside. Subsititute Radja Nainggolan saw his effort rattle the crossbar midway through the second half.

Gareth Bale was back in the starting line-up having been rested for the match with Iceland, playing furthest forward in a Welsh team without a recognised striker. Jon Williams replaced David Cotterill as he, Bale and Hal Robson-Kanu formed an advanced midfield line. Chris Gunter was ruled out with an injury and while Adam Matthews was fit to play, Conwy chose Ashley ‘Jazz’ Richards to start at right back. Richards was instrumental in keeping out the Belgian forwards, no doubt having formed a solid relationship with club teammate Ashley Williams and Ben Davies, now at Arsenal.

While both Bosnia and Belgium have a game in hand over Wales, they face off against each other while Wales face China in a friendly. Anything other than a win for Bosnia will ensure Wales will qualify without having kicked a ball.

Hennessey
Richards
Collins
A. Williams ©
Davies (Taylor ’90 )
Ledley
Ramsey (Chester ’83 )
Allen
J. Williams (Cotterill ’62 )
Bale
Robson-Kanu

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FMScout/BelgiumvWales_OverviewOverview_zpsafaf7f2f.png





Only a calamity would see Wales fail to qualify for the European Championship after a fantastic defensive display and a good stroke of luck in their 0-0 draw with Belgium. Following up from their routine 2-0 victory over Iceland, Tom Conwy’s team sit two points clear of Belgium and six ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina, who they face in their final Group E match. With Belgium and Bosnia facing off before that game, Wales can be confidently assured of qualification and may even fancy their chances to finish as group leaders depending on the result of the Belgium-Bosnia encounter.

Having won 3-1 in Sarajevo, Wales will welcome Bosnia back to Cardiff after hosting China in a friendly and Tom Conwy will hope that fixture will help to keep legs fresh ahead of what may still be an interesting encounter. However, with a far superior goal difference, Wales would have to lose by 6 clear goals to slip up and finish in third place, on the condition that Belgium win their final group game with Luxembourg, as many expect them to do.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/FMScout/EuropeanChampionshipQualifying_OverviewStages-3_zpsac383386.png

YAS! Great work Tom, you've all but qualified! And also, kudos to Luxembourg for their draw with Bosnia

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/tom_the_one/s4c_zps13062b4d.png

Tom Conwy was present for an S4C special, showcasing the various movements of Welsh footballers over the summer transfer window. The most notable move was Swansea left-back, Ben Davies, who transferred to Arsenal for £5.5 million. Of the move, Tom Conwy said, “I think it’s a great move for Ben. Arsene Wenger always gives young players the chance to thrive but at that price, he’s got himself a bargain.”

Paul Dummett moved to his third club in three years, completing a £1.7 million move to Stoke from Dundee. Having another player in the Premier League will delight Tom Conwy.

Sheffield Untied have signed Welsh duo Ash Taylor and Craig Davies from Yeovil and Bolton respectively as they look to return to the Premier League after several seasons in the Championship. The Blades reportedly paid £450,000 for Taylor while Davies was snapped up on a free.

There were moves for two other Welsh strikers as Sam Vokes and Simon Church moved to new pastures signing for Crystal Palace and Rangers respectively. Both players had found it difficult to break into the first teams at Reading and Charlton so a move will be welcomed by Wales manager Tom Conwy who will want his strikers playing first team football. With Rangers back in European football this season, it will also give Simon Church a chance to play a lot of games. Church has signed on a free transfer while Vokes cost The Eagles just under £1,000,000.

Birmingham fullback Neal Eardley has joined Championship rivals QPR for a fee of around £1,000,000. QPR have been involved in the playoffs for the last two seasons as they look to return to the Premier League.

Jack Collison ends his ten year stay with West Ham to join West Brom in a deal of almost £3 million. Marley Watkins has left Aberdeen to join League One side Burnley for £250,000 having made his Wales debut earlier this year.

Following Owain fon-Williams’ release from Tranmere, he has joined League One rivals Bradford on a free transfer while Sam Ricketts has joined Scottish side Motherwell after his contract with Wolves expired.