We all know football throws up surprises, it already has during this World Cup so far. Saudi Arabia and Japan both upsetting the odds against Argentina and Germany. However, both of those countries displayed an enthusiasm we are yet to see from Wales in this World Cup.

The scene is set for Tuesdays deciding games in Group B of this years World Cup. The simple maths are a draw for the USA against Iran and a win for Wales, and surprisingly Wales will make it through to the round of sixteen. It’s not behind a possibility but the performances from Wales over two games, especially against Iran were nothing short of awful. And there’s nothing to say that won’t happen again. England are never going to be at their best with their current manager at the helm, a solid coach with a defensive ethic yes, but they are not World Cup contenders that’s for sure.

But then have you seen one country who are so far ?

It’s a topsy turvy competition to date, and possibly England’s only win against Iran 6-2 was the most expected victory, maybe bar France and their demolition of Australia. To qualify their has to be only one outcome for Wales on Tuesday. A win and hope the USA and Iran draw, there can really be no other reasonable expectation for Wales to qualify out of this group.

To expect Wales to take England by the smallest of margins seems doubtful if not impossible. Gareth Bale hasn’t performed over two games, Aaron Ramsey most certainly hasn’t and Connor Roberts seemed doomed to fail every time he passed a ball against the Iranians. The defence is rocky, the midfield is weak and even now it looks like Rob Page still can’t decide upon his best attacking selection.

Without his key players performing it’s an impossible task come Tuesday. Every man has to click and every sinew strained to get even close to England. As it stands every Welsh player will look back on this competition with regret. Bar Ethan Ampadu, and I’m struggling to find another contender there will be some very unhappy Wales players come Wednesday morning. Okay, possibly Neco Williams. The bonus is Joe Allen is fit, he looked decent for the ten minutes or so he had against Iran. That’s a definite plus but Swansea City fans will be hoping he gets through this game because he most certainly will now start.

Being able to pass a football accurately and then hold the ball up and look for support is a key asset in any team. Wales couldn’t even do that on Friday afternoon, let alone combine to distribute threatening and promising moves on the Iranian goal. Oh, Kieffer Moore aside. So much has to change for Tuesday to become a reality. It probably won’t but we can hope, or maybe it will be just a dream ?

Wales actually entered this World Cup with one dream, to be there, then the occasion overtook them in their first two games. To gain only one point is disappointing, and that now see’s them at the foot of their group going in to the last game next week. It’s always been a dream following Wales, every game. every tournament and every belief is just a dream. It has never changed, always the underdog, that’s how we like it. And that is most certainly the case come this England game.

Nothing to lose and everything to gain, those are the facts, and that’s when it all becomes uncertain because Wales have to step in to territory now they’ve never been in before. And that’s the real test. We can talk about all the hwyl needed to win, we can sing as many songs as you like to inspire, but it’s the physical that needs to be right. The players Rob Page entrusted with our countries shirt need to be the deciding factor.

Yes, we can only dream.

Artwork by Swansea Independent

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