Wales welcome Czech Republic to the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday in a friendly which aims to raise funds for the people of Ukraine.
The match fills the slot of the World Cup play-off final, which has been postponed until June following the invasion of Ukraine. After beating Austria 2-1, Wales have secured a spot in the final.
Wayne Hennessey looks to make his 100th international appearance for Wales, and will likely captain the side ahead of Gareth Bale to mark his centennial cap.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match tonight!
Match: Wales vs Czech Republic
Tournament: International friendly
Date: Tuesday, March 29th – KO 7:45pm
Location: Cardiff City Stadium
Channel: Sky Sports Premier League and S4C
Summary
Wales enter the fixture in fine form after an exhilarating victory over Austria in the World Cup play-off semi final, securing a spot in the final.
A brace by Gareth Bale, including a spectacular free kick and a second half finisher, gave the Welsh a 2-goal advantage by the 51st minute. The Welshmen eventually won the game 2-1 – with Marcel Sabitzer pulling one back for Austria after his strike deflected off Ben Davies in the 64th minute.
Czech Republic on the other hand lost 1-0 in their World Cup play-off semi final to Sweden, with Robin Quasion putting the nail in the coffin to Czech’s World Cup hopes.
It’s the first time these sides have met since the World Cup qualifying group stage – where the Welsh finished in 2nd and Czech in 3rd – with just one point separating the sides.
In their first meeting of the groups, taking place in March 2021, Wales won 1-0 thanks to an 81st minute Daniel James goal, with both Connor Roberts and Czech’s Patrik Schik picking up red cards.
When they met again in October 2021, the sides were equal and left with a point each following a 2-2 draw with Dan James and Aaron Ramsey getting on the score sheet for Wales. Jakub Pesek scored for the Czech Republic – and a Danny Ward own goal gave them a second.
Overall form:
Last 10 matches
Wales: WDWWDDWLLW – 5 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses
Czech Republic: LWWDLWLWLD – 4 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses
Head 2 Head
| 27 Mar 2002 | Wales v Czech Republic | D | 0-0 | International Friendly |
| 02 Sep 2006 | Czech Republic v Wales | L | 2-1 | UEFA European Championship |
| 02 Jun 2007 | Wales v Czech Republic | D | 0-0 | UEFA European Championship |
| 30 Mar 2021 | Wales v Czech Republic | W | 1-0 | FIFA World Cup |
| 08 Oct 2021 | Czech Republic v Wales | D | 2-2 | FIFA World Cup |
Team news
Wales have no fresh worries following the victory over Austria, and will likely field a very similar team. Rob Page may offer a start to young prospect Brennan Johnson, who came on in the 88th minute against Austria.
Wayne Hennessey is set to make his 100th appearance for Wales – a milestone only matched by two others; Chris Gunter (106) and Gareth Bale (101). It is likely that Bale will hand the captains armband to Hennessey for the occasion.
Czech Republic will be without star Patrik Schick as the Leverkusen striker is currently recovering from a calf-injury. Elsewhere, the team is fresh and Jaroslav Šilhavý has plenty of options for his side.
Prediction
It’s never easy making predictions for a friendly, but if the atmosphere at the CCS last Thursday is anything to go by, the Czech are in for a treat with the blaring and harmonious Red Wall.
The main Welsh starters should still play a vital part, and the likes of Bale and Ramsey are likely to start considering the final isn’t until June – whilst their club game time also isn’t guaranteed.
The back 5 was effective against Austria, and they were extremely lucky to score from the deflection. With Schick also out, I don’t see Czech scoring tonight.
2-0 Wales.
