How they went from also-rans to claim their place at the top table
From being classed worse than Guyana and Haiti just four years ago to heading into Euro 2016, the rebirth of Wales has been amazing. LAURIE WHITWELL tells us how they’ve done it
BRILLIANT BACK
WITHOUT doubt Gareth Bale’s contribution has proved pivotal. But just as impressive as his on-pitch displays — six goals, two assists in eight games — has been his commitment to the cause; here is a world-class player who grafts hard, always turning up no matter the injury niggles.
That drive spreads throughout a squad. If the world’s most expensive player is prepared to put his body through pain to perform, what excuse can anyone else have?
Ahead of the match in Zenica, Bale played all but three minutes of the campaign, being replaced with two minutes left of the win over Belgium, to a standing ovation, and the last 60 seconds of normal time in Nicosia.
Boss Chris Coleman has forged a good working relationship with Real Madrid’s medical department to ensure transparent sharing of information and has visited Spain when required.
CLEVER COOKIE
THE Wales manager, nicknamed Cookie by friends, has emerged as a fine figurehead for the side and Welsh football as a whole. Having taken over in difficult circumstances, he suffered extremely low ebbs during the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, but found strength to keep going. Coleman adapted his style, imposing his presence more, and has unearthed a formula to get the most out of his players. He is an engaging character who speaks with heart and purpose.
TOP TACTICS
WORKING closely with assistant Osian Roberts (below), Coleman has devised a formation and style to make Wales effective. Predominantly this means a 3-4-2-1 system, with three centre-backs and two wing-backs. Bale is given a free role roaming from a central position, so his best asset is utilised: running with pace at opposition
defenders. Aaron Ramsey is also freed up. Defensively, Wales are rock solid, with captain Ashley Williams a towering force. Wales have only conceded twice during this process, both set pieces: a penalty in Andorra and free-kick against Cyprus.
SOUND STAFFING
Coleman’s right-hand man Roberts is a highly-respected coach who leads UEFA courses bringing through the next batch of top-flight managerial hopefuls. The likes of Patrick Vieira, Craig Bellamy, Tim Sherwood, and Garry Monk have studied for Pro Licence badges in Wales.
Roberts is a clear thinker and also manages the Welsh Under-16 side to ensure the conveyor belt of talent keeps moving in unison with senior progress. Elite levels abound in the backroom. Masseur Chris Senior is at Arsenal, conditioning coach Adam Owen has experience of Celtic and Rangers, and head of fitness, Ryland Morgans, highly rated, performs the same job for Liverpool.
MEANINGFUL MOTTO
THE slogan ‘Together Stronger’ has been coined for this campaign and, while initially sounding cheesy, has taken on real meaning. All players buy into the group strength and genuinely get on.
Many have grown up together with a number in their mid-20s reaching or approaching the 50-cap mark. That translates to unity and understanding on the pitch.
FANATICAL FANS
FROM Andorra la Vella, to Brussels, to Haifa, to Nicosia, to Zenica, Wales fans have travelled in numbers to support their country and that has been vital in crucial moments.
GARY SPEED
UNDER Coleman’s predecessor Wales slipped to their lowest ever FIFA ranking of 117th following defeat to Australia in August 2011, but had risen to 45th by the time of his death.
Speed implemented greater belief, desire to win, and professionalism. Flights are chartered and accommodation is top spec. In Israel the players were swept through security without fuss, an evolution from previous regimes. As a result, pull-outs are far less common.
A LITTLE LUCK
Gabi Riera has played a part. Who? Drawing 1-1 in Andorra, Wales faced humiliation. But the defender charged early from the wall, the referee ordered a re-take and Bale made no mistake to squeak victory.