We’re through – and I can’t wait
NEVER mind Ethan Ampadu’s red card and Gareth Bale’s missed chance –Wales are off to Amsterdam.
ForWales to dig in and qualify for the last 16 at Euro 2020 as group runners-up is a fantastic achievement, especially as they had to play out the last 40 minutes in Rome with 10 men. Italy reinforced their status as one of the tournament favourites by completing an 11th straight win without conceding after coach Roberto Mancini made eight changes. Ampadu looked devastated to be sent off, and there was no intent in his challenge to hurt Federico Bernardeschi. But when a tackle is late enough to catch an opponent on the instep, you run the risk of a red.
The saddest part is that he will now miss the round of 16. But it’s been a remarkable feat of defensive organisation that Wales have progressed from the group without conceding from open play.
It looks like Russia or Finland for Wales in the last 16 on Saturday night. Either of those would be a winnable game and I’m like a kid on Christmas Eve – I can’t wait.