Wales keep Euro 2024 hopes alive with three players the heroes in huge Finland win

Wales keep Euro 2024 hopes alive with three players the heroes in huge Finland win

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Wales play Finland

Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 21/03/2024

- 21:41

Updated: 21/03/2024

- 22:30

Rob Page's team will now play Poland for a place at this summer's tournament

Wales have kept their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 alive with a vital 4-1 win over Finland in the play-off semi-final.

Rob Page's side will now face Poland next Tuesday, with the winner of that match securing a spot at this summer's tournament in Germany.


Wales missed out on automatic qualification for the Euros last November when they drew with Turkey and could only finish third in their group.

They won just three of their eight matches and were drawn against Finland, who claimed six wins despite finishing third in Group H.

Wales vs Finland

Wales beat Finland to keep their Euro 2024 hopes alive

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Wales were handed home advantage in the draw and got off to the perfect start at the Cardiff City Stadium.

David Brooks, the Bournemouth star who overcame cancer, scored inside the first three minutes.

He was on hand to smash in a rebound after a Harry Wilson shot was parried by Finland keeper Lukas Hradecky.

The hosts were in dreamland when a stunning long-range strike from Neco Williams left Hradecky helpless.

Finland had looked dangerous before Williams' goal and proved they were no pushovers just before half-time.

Former Norwich striker Teemu Pukki pulled his side back into the game, narrowly beating the offside trap before cooly finishing.

The tension inside the stadium grew as Wales looked increasingly shaky at the back throughout the first half.

But Brennan Johnson was on hand to calm some of the nerves straight after the break.

The Tottenham star netted from inside the Finland six-yard box, turning in Brooks' attempted shot.

It was the goal Wales needed and the worst possible start to the second half for Finland.

Wales kept Finland at bay and secured victory when Dan James netted his side's fourth in the closing stages.

Brooks was substituted after an hour but was one of three heroes on the night for the Welsh.

The 26-year-old returned to competitive action a year ago following his recovery from cancer.

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David Brooks and Brennan Johnson

David Brooks and Brennan Johnson were key to Wales' win over Finland

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Thursday's goal was his second for Wales since his return having netted in the 2-0 win in Latvia last September.

Wilson didn't get on the scoresheet himself but he played a big part in all three goals.

The Fulham star laid off the ball at the free kick for Williams' goal and also put the ball in the box which led to Johnson's goal.

Johnson proved his importance up front yet again, with the third goal really making the difference.

Harry Wilson

Harry Wilson showed his importance to the Wales team on Thursday

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Finland will have hoped to build on Pukki's late first-half strike but Johnson's goal was a real killer blow to the visitors.

Wales will now play Poland in Cardiff after they smashed Estonia 5-1 in the other League A play-off.

Poland took the lead early through Przemyslaw Frankowski before Estonia had Maksim Paskotsi sent off.

They were unable to add to the score before half-time but made the extra man count in the second half.

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