It may not feel like 2016, and the mixed messages from the EU which some people find hard to decipher, even when it is spelled out to them - may well have prevented hundreds more Wales supporters being present at the game, but today is the day. Some Wales supporters from EU countries have made it, others haven’t, and the fact that’s an issue is pitiful and a shocking indictment of this whole competition, and the so called Welsh government who I unequivocally support 99% of the time. However, this is the toughest test for Wales in the Euros since that Portugal semi final five years ago.
The Wales squad have been low key this week, not a lot has come out of the solid unit that has once again defied the odds to get in to the round of last sixteen. Having travelled to Azerbaijan for two games, then to Italy, and now to Amsterdam it’s hardly been a fanir draw for Wales. However, overcoming adversity is what the players who represent our country do so well. And today isn’t any different. "It's going to be really tough but hopefully we can win," said Swansea City’s Conner Roberts to BBC Sport Wales. "I think 99% of the world are going to be supporting Denmark."It's going to be tough but we're a good team," he added. "We've got good players and we've got a little bit of momentum with good performances under our belts. They're a really good team and they're going to have a lot of support but, when we cross that white line, we just have to give everything. We weren't expected to get out of the group and we managed to do that. We're always underestimated I think. You look at our squad, we've got really good players all over the field. We were in a group with three really good teams."
Swansea City’s Conner Roberts seals the deal in Baku
Robert Page clearly has a game plan and Keifer Moore is probably a big part of that plan. "We've watched a lot of clips on Denmark," said Moore."We know what we're going to do in the game and we've worked on it all week. Now it's about implementing that in the game. Everything's riding on his game, we know what we have to do. It's about showing everyone what, as a nation, we're about." Brave words from Moore who hasn’t had the best of times with the refereeing in the Euros, his brash and aggressive approach isn’t sitting too well with match officials.
Wales coach Robert Page has maybe surprised one or two people including my good self with his game plans and strategies. Especially going in to those crucial must win games since he took over from Ryan Giggs on a temporary basis. There’s little to criticise. "I'm extremely proud," said Page. "I have been now for the last few months since I stepped up as head coach. I'm proud of myself and proud of the players. A lot in that group deserve a lot of credit for the performances they've given. "It was a big ask to get out of the group and get through to the knockout stages. We've done that, and like I said, they deserve all the plaudits they're getting at the moment. I think I trust myself a little bit more. I'm working with a great group of players, and that helps, that makes it easier when you have a great group of players around you. We've certainly got that, and the biggest thing for us is the team spirit."
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand on the other hand continues to play his best trump card as much as he can - and that’s the Eriksen factor "I must admit that I have never worn jewellery in my life,” he told TV3+. Hjulmand was commenting on a gold football he wore during the 4-1 defeat of the Russians. There is a little football there in the middle and it is Christian who is here with me. I had him with me all the way. I think about him a lot and he is — as I have always said — the heart of our team and we were fighting on for him today. He is a great inspiration to us.”
The Danish media are full of patriotism, "Wales are next” scream the headlines " They have no chance with Christian in our hearts " And apparently Wales will be the bad guys today in the Johan Cruyff arena in Amsterdam. About time too, hopefully we play and behave like the bad guys too, it’s required if Wales are to beat Denmark this evening. Ampadu is out due to his red card against Italy but other than that Page has a full squad to choose from. We can expect a side not too dissimilar to the opening two games in Baku, but to get in to the quarter finals Wales will need to be at their best against a flying Danish side.
What is ahead at the Euros in the coming days ?
Saturday 26 June
17:00 Wales v Denmark
20:00 Italy v Austria
Sunday 27 June
17:00 The Netherlands v Czech Republic
20:00 Belgium v Portugal
Monday 28 June
17:00 Croatia v Spain
20:00 France v Switzerland
Tuesday 29 June
17:00 England v Germany
20:00 Sweden v Ukraine
Pre match trivia. If Wales get through today they will return to Baku which will mean they will have played more games in Azerbaijan than in either Swansea or Wrexham in the last ten years !
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