The Welsh can’t wait, nor can a boyo from Brazil
Ben Davies has welcomed the opportunity for Wales to mark their first World Cup for 64 years by “doing something special”.
The Dragons start their campaign against the United States tomorrow to end the longest wait of any nation between successive appearances at the Finals.
They got to Qatar via a play-off, beating Ukraine, who had earlier ended Scotland’s hopes.
“It’s more a feeling that we’ve done the Euros, so what’s the next step we can take,” said Davies.
“By reaching the World Cup, and to have the chance of doing something special, that’s a feeling which is difficult to describe.”
Five players – skipper Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Mepham and Jonny Williams – did not train at the Al Sadd Sports Club in Doha yesterday, due to managing workloads.
All five will be fit to face the US, with Swansea midfielder Joe Allen the only injury concern as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Davies added: “Euro 2016 was something new to us all, travelling around Europe to play in a top competition. That was something different.
“There’s a similar feeling now, a new feeling for us facing teams we’ve not played against before.
“To be honest, it’s a success for us as a country just to qualify for a World Cup.
“But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot of ambition to do something special in this competition.
“I want to play for Wales as long as I can. I’m concentrating on this one now, but I’d like to be in future competitions, too.”
Wales have also found a new supporter in the shape of Brazil’s mostcapped player, the former full-back, Cafu.
The two-time World Cup winner has created a stir by appearing in a sponsor’s video wearing a Welsh bucket hat, with a vase of daffodils beside him.
There was also a “Wales Golf Madrid” sign behind him – a reference to Bale’s so-called priority list during his time in Spain.
Cafu said: “Welcome back Wales. You last played in the World Cup 64 years ago. Your return has been an inspiration to everyone, including me. Good luck, boyos.”
Davies said: “I saw the video and it’s class. It’s strange to see someone like Cafu wearing a bucket hat and trying to speak a bit of Welsh.
“But it’s great, and it shows we’re doing all the right things on and off the pitch.
“We know the first game is so important.
“We’ll have to start well in the first 10 minutes, keep our heads and stay calm.
“We’ll need to relax as much as we can beforehand, then raise our game.”