Wales Eye England Scalp In Must Win Clash
A late Casemiro stike helped Brazil to a 1-0 victory over Switzerland on Monday, sending them through to the knockout stages of the World Cup in Qatar.
Brazil, who were without star forward Neymar due to an ankle injury, rarely troubled Switzerland’s goal in a dull first half but showed more threat in the second period. Vinicius Jr. thought he had put Brazil ahead on 66 minutes when he ran through on goal and slotted past goalkeeper Yann Sommer, but it was disallowed for an offside in the build-up.
However, it was Casemiro who proved to be the hero for the five-time world champions as he popped up with a superb half-volley on 83 minutes to secure a narrow win and a place in the round of 16.
Monday’s victory leaves Brazil in a solid position to finish as leaders in Group F with six points after two games -- three ahead second-place Switzerland.
Wales forward Gareth Bale said his team needed to give everything they had to beat England in the World Cup on Tuesday, having been “devastated and heartbroken” after their defeat by Iran.
Rob Page’s team fell 2-0 against Iran last Friday, while Bale netted a penalty in their opener, a 1-1 draw against the United States, leaving the team bottom of Group B on one point.
To qualify for the last 16 Wales must beat England and hope the US and Iran draw. If there is a winner in the other Group B match, Wales will need to beat England by an unlikely four goals to progress.
“At this current moment we’re not in the greatest of positions, we’ve not had an amazing tournament,” Bale told a press conference Monday.
“The main thing is that we’ve stuck together as a group, like we’ve always done and we will fight again. We’ll give everything.
“You’ve seen our reaction, when we conceded against Iran, how devastated we all were, lying on the floor, heartbroken.
“Everyone was upset but we’ll all stick together through thick and thin, the ups and downs and we’ll give everything on the pitch.”
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Page suggest he would start various younger players to refresh the line-up for the clash against the Three Lions.
The coach would not be drawn on whether Bale and Aaron Ramsey would start the game, but the Los Angeles FC forward said he would lead by example against England.
“The one thing I always do is give 100 per cent, I was flying into tackles in the 95th minute the other day,” added Bale.
“I give everything like I always do for my country. I will try and lead by example for sure and hopefully that’s enough on the day, that’s all I can do.”
Page said that England were “beatable” and that they owe Wales’ support in Qatar a strong performance.
“We’ve worked so hard to get into this position, my frustration and disappointment for the players is that we’ve shown nowhere near the level of performance that got us to this World Cup,” admitted Page.