David Brooks opened the scoring after just three minutes for Wales (Photo: Getty)
Wales have reached the Euro 2024 play-off final after defeating Finland 4-1 in Cardiff on Thursday night.
The Dragons are now just one game away from joining England and Scotland at this summer’s tournament in Germany.
Goals from David Brooks, Neco Williams, Brennan Johnson and Dan James got the job done for Rob Page’s side in the play-off semi-final to set up an all or nothing clash against Poland.
Wales got off to the perfect start when Harry Wilson’s shot was parried away by Lukas Hradecky and David Brooks was the quickest to react, volleying into the roof of the net.
Finland were undeterred however and proceeded to cause issues for the Welsh backline but couldn’t effectively test Danny Ward.
Brennan Johnson was busy creating problems of his own however, winning a free-kick inside the D in the 38th minute – prime territory for Wilson to score.
But the Fulham winger instead laid it off for wingback Neco Williams to fire a curling effort past a bewildered Finnish defence and the hapless Hradecky.
Neco Williams made it 2-0 Wales with a lovely free-kick (Photo: Getty)
The Dragons appeared to have one foot firmly in the play-off final but their celebrations were cut short when, on the stroke of half-time, Teemu Pukki gave the Eagle-owls a lifeline.
Joel Pohjanpalo’s nice pass found its way to the former Norwich striker who calmly slotted the ball past Danny Ward to silence the Cardiff City Stadium.
Teemu Pukki gave Finland hope just before half-time (Photo: Getty)
This goal could have spooked the home nation, but instead they came flying out of the trap after the break, with Johnson restoring their two goal advantage almost instantly.
Wilson’s free-kick from out wide found Ethan Ampadu, who headed down to Brooks, who miss hit an effort into the path of the Tottenham forward who tapped-in from close range.
Brennan Johnson tapped home to restore Wales’ two-goal advantage (Photo: Getty)
Wales had chances to extend their lead, with Wilson firing just wide from inside the box after an excellent counter-attack, before substitute Kieffer Moore wasted a good chance by shooting straight at Hradecky.
Captain Ben Davies thought he had made it four when his headed effort crept over the line but VAR ruled it out for an offside, though there was confusion over why exactly it was disallowed.
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In the end there was a fourth goal for Wales, when sub Dan James nicked the ball off and raced into the box, rounded Hradecky and scored on his 50th appearance for his country.
Wales now face Poland in the play-off final after they thrashed 10-man Estonia 5-1 in Warsaw.
More to follow…
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