a tricky affair in Brøndby

Heading into this evenings friendly against Denmark in Brøndby, Wales boss John Toshack has a series of interesting decisions to make. Clearly as a “friendly” this match allows for him to experiment with the extraordinary development younger players and in-essence Dragon supporters are possibly watching a golden-age of Welsh Football to-come. This of-course makes for shaky going with a teen-beat of
Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton), Ched Evans (Manchester City), Gareth Bale (Tottenham) and Chris Gunter (Tottenham) being tipped for the international stage but along with twenty year-old elder statesmen Shaun MacDonald (Swansea City), Neal Eardley (Oldham), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County) and Jack Collison (West Ham), the message is loud and clear that Wales is investing wisely in its future. Whilst the midfield injury crisis has left Simon Davies, Jason Koumas, Joe Ledley, David Vaughan and Carl Fletcher out of the match, this will equally provide a perfect chance to peer into the future.

Over the first three qualifying matches the Danish squad is playing high quality Football with Morten Olsen’s squad leading Group 1, including a 3-2 upset of Portugal. With question their qualification for South Africa will not be an easy one with notable clubs Sweden, Hungary and Portugal in their group but it is one that wouldn’t surprise me. Their squad boasts a mixture of of seasoned veterans such as Ajax sharpshooter Dennis Rommedahl and Arsenal’s young-gun Nicklas Bendtner. Mr. Olsen has wisely chosen this match to introduce a number of younger players including F.C. København’s Mathias Jørgensen and SønderjyskE’s Ken Ilsø, each who are highly sought-after amongst upper-tier European clubs. Like Wales, they are missing a host of regulars including Daniel Jensen, Martin Jørgensen, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Christian Poulsen.

Of the days “friendlies” this will be one of the most exciting and a tremendous look into Wales future as well as the great Footballers of Denmark. I will report on the match as it concludes.