WALES WANT TO BE BACK WITH A BANG
Back at a FIFA World for the first time since 1958, Wales want to go for victories regardless of who they play
WALES defender Ethan Ampadu said on Thursday that the team is at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to win games and prove their worth.
Wales are back at the premier football event for the first time since 195 . They open their Qatar 2022 campaign in Group B against the nited States on Monday.
Rob Page’s side qualified through the play-offs with a 1-0 victory over kraine to reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and will be hoping to emulate the John Charles-inspired team that reached the quarter-finals before losing to Pele’s Brazil in 195 .
At a press conference at the Al Sadd training facility, former Chelsea player Ampadu responded to a question about the team’s chances in the group, saying: “No matter what team we play, we are at the World Cup and no one is here to draw or lose.”
“We are preparing for them and will try to put our stamp on the game to show what we can do and try to get the win,” Ampadu said.
“We’re here to compete, to do our best, and if that gives us a chance to win it, then we’re going to back ourselves,” said Ampadu, who is currently on loan at Serie A side Spezia from Chelsea, when asked who else he would like to see win the tournament besides Wales.
About the atmosphere in the team since arriving in Doha, he said: “We’ve settled well. We’re all very excited for what’s ahead of us.”
When asked about the country’s weather, the 22-yearold replied, “Of course it’s hot, but it’s hot for Wales’ defender
Ethan Ampadu. everyone. It’s about trying to manage that for us.” Despite injury concerns for midfielder Joe Allen, who trained on his own with a member of the medical staff, he said, “Everyone is fit and ready to go.” Meanwhile, Cardiff City striker Mark Harris stated that the team intends to go all-in when they face their group opponents.
“You’re on the biggest stage, and we just want to put in good performances and go as far as we can.”
“You’ve got to play all three at the end of the day. We’ll go into all three games going for the win, I don’t think it really matters what order they’re in.”
Harris added that the Wales team has settled into their hotel near the Corniche.
“I think most of us have had a swing. It’s great fun. Team spirit is great anyway, but games like that help you. We also have pool and table tennis.”
Wales will finish the group stage against England on November 29.
Wales’ training was open to the media for 15 minutes, with the players seen relaxed and smiling. Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were among those adjusting to their new surroundings.*