Yes, we let David Collins call this piece “Finns and Arias”

David Collins reviews an unexpected night of expectation in the Welsh capital.

Finns & Arias

So, we have a proper match at last.

Wales’ recent form had elevated the status of their final Nations League encounter against Finland from that of uninteresting friendly to something of a Shoot-Out.

The winner could anticipate significant opportunities of progress. Glamour ties against proper teams.

They would finish top of something called Group B4 and secure promotion to League A.

Think of the Championship being divided into four divisions with the best teams progressing to the Premier League and you pretty much have it.

There was even a chance that Wales could progress to some sort of World Cup play-off if France, Italy or Belgium won their group and “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here” was switched to North Wales from the Australian jungle.

Like that’s gonna happen.

Amazingly, Wales stood a genuine chance of pulling all this off. Bale was fit. Players from Cardiff City appeared in the squad. Newport & Swansea also represented. Heavens above.

Wales made changes for this game.

Ben Davies was out due to suspension. Connor Roberts of Swansea City came in. Harry Wilson of Cardiff City also started, along with James Lawrence.

Liverpool’s Nico Williams was on the bench perhaps surprisingly so after his MOTM display against the Irish. Someone called Robert Taylor was in for Finland.

There were far fewer media  present tonight as the FAW’s PA system played the usual favourites to an empty arena.

Finland kicked off, in that marvellous kit of theirs. Wales almost playing 4-4-2 although it could have been a 5-3-2.

Wales were on top in the early exchanges. Bale went close, then suddenly, Wilson was through and was bundled down by Uronen who was shown a red card with less than 15 minutes played.

Wales now just needed to keep a clean sheet against 10 men to win the group. With Ampadu seeking to orchestrate proceedings, Wales tried hard to play it about against 10 plucky Finns. Wales shaved the bar and won a corner.

Bale was denied at point blank range on around 25 minutes. It was all Cymru now. A goal was coming. Then a goal came, Harry Wilson finishing off a neat move with a rasping shot.

Wales were playing for fun now.

A second looked likely, even a third but the game entered a more tepid phase though, as Finland worked hard to establish a foothold on proceedings.

However Wales knew that time and tide were on their side, so something of a stalemate emerged.

The Welsh began the second half with Kieffer Moore on for Lawrence. They also started with a second goal, as Dan James smashed one home immediately.

With the red shirts on top, a tame shot from Pukki seemed to sum up Finnish woe. The impressive James slotted an effort inches wide. Wales even took Captain Bale off after an hour, the armband passing to the impressive Joe Rodon.

Suddenly though, the Finns found a break and Pukki fired home with gusto. With the lead cut to 2-1, the Welsh mood dropped.

Wales tried to up the tempo but Finland now sensed that they may grab something from the tie. Suddenly we had a proper game. Ward made a point blank save on 69 minutes. A foul on Wilson brought a free kick. 20 yards out.

Wilson planted it wide. Tovio drove a shot inches wide at the other end. These were now nervous times for the men in red, who remained steadfast though. If ever they needed the backing of a passionate home crowd, this was it. It was nervous chess.

Then Kieffer scored with a rasping header from an inch perfect cross.

But still Finland weren’t having it, as Pukki rattled the post with a screaming drive. Moore curled one wide as Welsh substitutions sought to interrupt the Finnish Flow.

Four minutes of added time were signalled. Kill the game Wales. Kill it!

Wales brought on Chris Gunter on 92 minutes. 99 caps now. I’m not sure he touched the ball before the ref blew for time.

Wales had done it with Manchester United and Cardiff City men providing the Welsh scorers. Words I never thought I would hear myself say.

Wales could look forward to games against Spain and France, trips to Lisbon and Rome.

Football was back…..up to a point.

A Zombie Nation could stir once more.

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