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Wales took a huge stride towards a summer in Germany at a boisterous Cardiff City Stadium, inflicting four goals on a Finnish side who were simply outclassed. Wales now look forward to a shoot-out in Cardiff against Poland for the right to a place at the Euros.
Wales made a fantastic start as Dai Brooks tucked home a rebound after Harry Wilson’s shot had been parried into his path by visiting skipper Lukas Hradecky in the visiting goal. Two minutes on the clock. Wales were rampant. Wilson was pulling the strings and Brooks a constant threat alongside Brennan Johnson.
The Finns did began to establish a foothold in the tie with Joel Pohjanpalo prominent, but this was a composed and determined display from Rob Page’s men. Wilson tested Hradecky again on 33 minutes from distance.
This night was all about the Welsh, as Neco Williams fired home a second on 37 minutes. A great strike from the Forest ace.
With seconds to go the interval though, former Norwich City man Teemu Pukki tucked away a neat finish to dampen the home fans’ enthusiasm. Onside, but only just.
The downcast mood did not last long though, as Spurs star Johnson tapped home barely seconds after the restart to restore the Welsh two-goal advantage. Wilson (again) fired wide after half an hour.
Despite lacking some of the flair produced in their first half display, the home side looked at ease. Substitute Kieffer Moore of Ipswich Town should have done more with a clear chance on 70 minutes.
Wales thought they had grabbed a fourth goal on 80 minutes but skipper Ben Davies’ header was ruled out. Opinions vary as to the cause. Disappointment for the bulk of the 32,162 crowd, but this night was not yet done.
Dan James, who has been in fine form for Leeds United, caused the Finns many headaches, racing into the spaces as the visitors left spaces at the gap. He was just too hot to handle, eventually racing clear to score and add the icing on the cake as the game drew towards a close.
A fine fourth to finish the Finns.
DAVID COLLINS
WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT
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