Wales to face Finland in Euro 2024 play-offs
Wales have been handed a favourable draw in the semi-finals of the Euro 2024 play-offs, with Rob Page’s side set to face Finland at home on March 21.
The winner of that tie will then host either Poland or Estonia in the final five days later, with a place at the tournament in Germany up for grabs.
The draw for the play-offs was made in Nyon, Switzerland on Thursday.
The other semi-finals will see Israel face Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina take on Ukraine, and Georgia play Luxembourg.
Page was relieved to avoid a rematch with Ukraine, who Wales beat in a play-off to qualify for last year’s World Cup, and insists his side fear no-one in Cardiff.
“We tried to forecast the draw beforehand and we weren’t too far away,” said Page.
“What’s important to us is that home draw in the final – we’ve got to get the job done (against Finland) first and foremost, of course we have.
“We were probably wanting to avoid Ukraine as well so I think it’s gone to plan for us. I don’t think any team in that group (Ukraine, Finland and Iceland) would have been wanting to play us. I was more nervous for the draw for the home tie for the final.
“The form we’re in at the minute and with the ‘Red Wall’ at home, we’ll take anyone on in Cardiff. It’s a great opportunity for us: we’re two wins at home away from another qualification to a major tournament. We’re hoping now for two big efforts.”
Ukraine, who were third in England’s qualifying group, would have presented the toughest test on paper.
Finland won six of their 10 qualifiers and finished four points behind Denmark and Slovenia, while Iceland won only three times in 10 games and were a distant fourth to Portugal, Slovakia and Luxembourg.
Page believes Wales have a “great opportunity” to reach Euro 2024 after being handed two possible home ties in the qualification play-offs.
“We’re very happy with the draw,” said Page.
“We’ve got two home games and we’re confident that we can beat both Finland and Poland or Estonia. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Wales will be looking to reach their fourth major tournament out of the last five, having qualified for the 2016 and 2020 European Championships as well as the 2022 World Cup.
