Wales moved one step closer to Euro 2024 on Thursday night with an impressive 4-1 victory over Finland in their play-off semi-final.
Rob Page’s side – who are hoping to reach their third successive successive European Championships – were up to the task on a celebratory night in Cardiff.
They will now face Poland on Tuesday, with the winner of that crunch game set to earn a place in Group D alongside Netherlands, Austria and France at the tournament in Germany this summer.
Goals from David Brooks, Neco Williams, Brennan Johnson and Dan James were enough, while former Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki was on the scoresheet for Finland.
But who stood out for Page’s outfit? Mail Sport has rated Wales’ players…
Danny Ward – Showed no signs of rustiness despite having not played a game for Leicester this season. Was composed and commanded his box well. 6.5
Chris Mepham – Beaten to the ball by Joel Pohjanpalo before Pukki’s goal, while he also gave away possession in a dangerous area in the first half. Booked in the second period for dissent. 6
Joe Rodon – Mainly tasked with dealing with the dangerous Pukki and did well for the most part, although he was tested by the Finnish striker. 6.5
Ben Davies – Wales’ Mr Reliable. Davies was calm throughout and put in a captain’s display. 12 years on from his debut, he is still as crucial as ever and was cruelly denied a late goal by VAR. 7.5
Conor Roberts – Had to deal with the dangerous Daniel Hakans, who sometimes got the better of him, but Roberts was generally up to the task and provided an outlet on the right. 6.5
Jordan James – Tidy in the middle of the park, and it’s easy to understand why James is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe. Booked. 7
Ethan Ampadu – Brings that bit of class to Wales’ midfield and outshone his Leeds counterpart Glen Kamara in the middle of the park. Already has 51 caps at the age of 23 and his importance cannot be overstated. 8
Neco Williams – A brilliant performance from Williams, who embodies this new generation of Welsh players. A constant threat down the left, while his deliveries were top notch – plus his goal was stunning and gave his side breathing space. 8
David Brooks – Put Wales on their way with a finish full of class within three minutes. A danger throughout on the right, while he also assisted Johnson’s goal. An in-form Brooks is integral to this Welsh team. 7.5
Brennan Johnson – Worked hard as part of a fluid and pacey front three as Wales continually hit Finland on the break. Poacher’s finish for his goal, which eased any nerves just after half-time. 7.5
Harry Wilson – A brilliant run for the opening goal and Wilson was the best player on the pitch as he continued his fine club form. Brought the extra quality and he was simply too good for Finland. 8.5
Substitutes
Kieffer Moore (on for Brooks, 60 mins) – The in-form Ipswich star did what he need to do, as he added an outlet for Wales in the final half an hour. He should have done better after being played through by Ampadu though. 6
Dan James (on for Johnson, 73 mins) – Full of running as ever, and seized on Miro Tenho’s disastrous error, before rounding Hradecky and slotting home to add the gloss on the victory. 7.5
Nathan Broadhead (on for Wilson, 90 mins) – N/A
Subs not used: Hennessey, Fox, Ramsey, Matondo, Savage, Cullen, Dasilva, King, Sheehan
Scorers : Brooks 3, Williams 38, Johnson 47, D James 86
Booked: J James, Wilson, Mepham, Moore
Finland (4-3-3): Hradecky; Alho, Tenho, Ivanov, Peltola; Kamara, Schuller (Kairinen 73) Pohjanpalo (Kallman 77); Lod (Antman 73), Pukki (Jensen 78), Hakans
Subs not used: Joronen, Sinisalo, Soiri, Suhonen, Uronen, Jensen, Hoskonen
Scorer : Pukki 45
Bookings Lod, Tenho, Hakans
