How will Wales fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SteTudor123 as he looks at the Dragons in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...
Wales History at the World Cup
Wales have only previously participated in one World Cup campaign and to give an indication as to how long ago that was, they were ultimately undone by a 17-year-old Pele.
What also dates their solitary outing on the global stage is the startling fact that manager Jimmy Murphy did not have a full squad to take with him to Sweden in 1958. This was due to members of the Welsh committee prioritising plane seats for their wives.
Such rank amateurism has at times held Wales back in the past but ill-fortune has also played a part.
On three occasions the Dragons have found themselves just ninety minutes away from securing a second World Cup qualification only to miss out in cruel circumstances.
Just look at what it means to those players! 🎉
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 5, 2022
Wales qualify for their first World Cup since 1958! pic.twitter.com/ofKZeLxp9c
The first and third of these trio of near-misses are acutely recalled to this day.
Against Scotland in 1977 a highly contentious penalty decision cost them so very dearly, while in 1993 a win was needed over Romania to guarantee entry to USA 94. A late missed penalty caused anguish from Aberdare to Wrexham.
In recent years, an infinitely more efficient and prosperous Wales has emerged, a process that began with Gary Speed and is now in the capable hands of Robert Page.
Two Euro adventures have been thoroughly enjoyed and finally their World Cup dream has been realised.
In 1958, John Charles and company advanced to the quarter-finals. If their modern-day peers upset the football betting and match that achievement, they will surely return as heroes.
Wales Nickname
Wales are known as the ‘Dragons’ in homage to the heraldic symbol that graces their national flag and a mystical creature that has represented the country since 655AD.
Why a dragon? The origins are shrouded in legend and mythology as all good national emblems should be.
World Cup 2022 Group
Being drawn alongside one of the tournament favourites England in Group B naturally made headlines, but though unquestionably the underdogs this is a pairing that suits Wales.
With so many of the players sharing Premier League pitches such familiarity can help lessen the gap in class between them.
Elsewhere, Iran possess technically gifted individuals but are definitely beatable while only three FIFA ranking places separate Wales and the USA, who were held to a draw in a friendly just 18 months ago.
Wales Kit World Cup 2022
Adidas must have been tempted to go down the heritage route and evoke 1958 but instead they have produced this stylish and contemporary number, its jagged lines denoting a dragon’s fiery breath.
Wales and Adidas have released their 2022 World Cup shirt 🏴 pic.twitter.com/OAmGnP3ZRU
— Mystery Football (@MysteryFootba11) September 5, 2022
The away shirt is lovely, with a drop-tail hem and decorated with green and red from the national flag.
Who is The Wales Manager?
A former international with 41 caps to his name, Rob Page stepped up from an assistant’s role when Ryan Giggs stood down and as an interim boss he has hugely impressed, forging a togetherness within the squad, and overseeing some notable results.
Popular with the players it was no surprise that the Welsh FA recently rewarded Page with a permanent position and a contract extension that runs to 2026.
Best Wales Player
A five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, unquestionably Gareth Bale is Wales’ superstar and saviour, the player they turn to time and again for inspirational performances and important goals.
It can reasonably be argued that the 33-year-old midfielder is the nation’s greatest ever talent and even if the latter half of his career has been plagued by all manner of injuries, Bale still shows up when it counts and produces for Cymru.
Gareth Bale has released his own beer named 'Bale Ale' to celebrate Wales' first World Cup appearance in 64 years 🏴🍺 pic.twitter.com/lzPQM77xGr
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 4, 2022
Wales Odds at 2022 World Cup
Wales’ World Cup odds for their opening test against USA is a tempting 39/20, a price worth serious consideration given that the American national side have been so inconsistent in 2022.
Stick to match odds over the outright market for the obvious reason that the 150/1 outsiders won’t get within sight of the final. To progress from their group will represent a successful tournament.
Bet on Wales at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!
