Wales advanced to the round of 16 of Euro 2020 on goal difference, despite losing 1-0 to Italy.
Their resistance was shattered just before half-time when a smart free kick from the Italians saw Matteo Pessina put the player at home.
The pressure on Wales increased as group rival Switzerland, playing at the same time, finished the first half 2-0 against Turkey.
Ethan Ampadu of Wales received a straight red in the 55th minute
The Swiss were looking to replace Wales in second place, but knew they had to win to tie Wales’ four points – and also hope for a big change in goal difference
Wales, meanwhile, needed to draw or win to secure progress.
This task became more difficult for Wales when Ethan Ampadu received a red card in the 55th minute for a late lunge on Federico Bernardeschi.
A small number of Welsh supporters were in the stadium
Cardiff Battle Bar fans celebrated their move to the next round
Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale missed good chances in the second half – Bale landed a point blank volley over the bar in the 75th minute – but the team hung on.
Fortunately for Wales, the Swiss couldn’t score enough in their match in Baku – goals from Shaqiri and Kahveci made it 3-1 at the whistle.
Italy, impressive in the tournament so far, have dominated the group after winning all three games on clean sheets.
Wales’ next game is on Saturday in Amsterdam, with their opponents yet to be determined.
Italy topped the group with three wins and three clean sheets
Meanwhile, England and Scotland will play their final group matches on Tuesday.
Gareth Southgate’s side are in a good position to qualify but will be …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-06-20 16:10:00
