High temperatures no sweat for Wales
ETHAN Ampadu is confident Wales will handle the searing temperatures in Qatar.
Boss Rob Page has pushed back the start of their daily training sessions from 1.30pm to 4pm local time after being taken aback by the excessive winter temperatures in the Gulf state.
Early-afternoon temperatures have been well above average at over 30 degrees Celsius.
“Of course it’s hot but it’s going to be hot for everyone,” said Chelsea defender Ampadu, who is on loan at Italian Serie A club
Spezia. “It’s something we’ll have to deal with.”
Cardiff forward Mark Harris is delighted Wales have arranged later training sessions ahead of Monday’s World Cup opener against the United States.
He said: “We went out for a walk about 11am and it was very warm.
“We were sweating just walking around the hotel. Obviously, we are not too used to heat like this.
“But I wouldn’t say it’s daunting. I am not sure if there will be drinks breaks or not. That would help.”
Wales will be thankful games against the USA and England kick-off at 10pm local time when the temperature will be significantly cooler.
Their second match with Iran on November 25 kicks-off at 1pm.
The Wales squad have eased into their hotel surroundings just off the Corniche, the city’s waterfront promenade that extends for seven kilometres along Doha Bay.
Gareth Bale attracted a lot of interest from the local population during the squad’s morning stroll, with some eyewitnesses saying motorists had stopped their cars to see the Wales captain.
Bale, who has made no secret of his love of golf, has been able to spend some of his spare time using a golf simulator at the team hotel.
Harris said: “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.”
Asked if Bale was the best player on the simulator, Harris said: “Yes, I think so.”
Joe Allen joined his team-mates at their opening training session in Doha after missing the squad’s final workout in Cardiff on Tuesday.
Allen has not played since September 17 because of a hamstring problem.