TAKES PRESSURE OFF REST OF US
second game. It’s a real juggling act with the travelling, with the time of the season, and a second game as well.”
After today’s game, Wales will face Uruguay or Czech Republic on Monday.
Ashley Williams, who captained Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 under Chris Coleman, is set to continue as skipper.
The Everton defender has had a poor season at club level and revealed he came close to international retirement after Wales missed out on World Cup
qualification. The Welsh lost 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland in October with Williams at fault for James McClean’s winner, which ended their hopes of reaching the play-offs.
“It was just so disappointing missing out on the World Cup that I had to think about that a little bit,” Williams said.
“I felt like I had to look where I was at with club and international football and life in general. I did give it some thought, but then I decided I wanted to keep doing it anyway.
“I always want to play as many games as I can and I don’t think I’ve ever pulled out of a squad, barring injury.
“It’s one where you don’t mind coming to see a different part of the world and playing against some good teams which are different to your normal European opponents.
“I’ve not heard anyone moaning about the tournament being here.”
China are managed by former Italy and Juventus manager Marcello Lippi.
He said: “We have to face very strong teams from Europe and South America, but it’s only when you face someone stronger than you that you can achieve improvement and get better and better.
“There is still a gap between China and teams like Wales and the Czech Republic.
“But the gap is getting smaller as there is a big movement being carried out here in Chinese football.” ¬ Live on BBC One Wales, 11.35am FOOTBALL UEFA Women’s Champions League – quarter-final, 1st leg: BASKETBALL NBA:
P W L T Nr Pts (Q)WIndies...5 4 1 0 0 8 Zimbabwe ...... 4 2 1 1 0 5 Scotland ........ 5 2 2 1 0 5 Ireland ............ 4 2 2 0 0 4 Afghanistan ... 4 2 2 0 0 4 UAE ................ 4 0 4 0 0 0
ICE HOCKEY NHL: RR 0.47 0.52 0.24 0.47 0.34 -2.38