Wales - Finland predictions and free betting tips [21/03/2024]

On Thursday, 21st March, as part of the Euro 2024 qualifier semi-finals, the Wales national team will square off against the national team of Finland. Both teams finished third in their qualifying groups and are now thirsting to bag a spot in the main league of the tournament in quartet D.

Wales

Wales has qualified for the last two Euros, however, they're yet to secure their ticket to Germany. The Britons managed to secure only the 3rd place in their qualifying group, failing to overtake Turkey and Croatia, but outplaying Armenia and Latvia with 12 points out of 24 possible. "The Dragons" managed to make it to the qualification play-off thanks to a successful performance in the League A of the Nations League in 2022, and the team's current form cannot but please the fans: the red-greens have a streak of six consecutive matches. In October, the hosts defeated Gibraltar (4:0) and, above all, Croatia (2:1), but failed to overcome Armenia (1:1) and Turkey (1:1) in the final round in November. Moreover, the Britons lost only one of the last 15 European Championship qualifying matches at home - however, just recently, in June 2023, to Armenia with a score of 2:4.

It's also worth noting that Rob Page's wards had a disappointing run at the World Cup in Qatar last November, bowing out at the stage of the group stage. The team's backbone still comprises experienced Hennessy (Nottingham Forest), defenders Davis (Tottenham), Roberts (Leeds) and now captain Ramsey (Cardiff City, 84 matches, 21 goals), who is the team's top scorer after Gareth Bale's retirement. Reliable defenders Mepham (Bournemouth), Rodon (Leeds) and Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), midfielders Wilson (Fulham, 8 goals), Ampadu (Leeds) and Brooks (Southampton), forwards James (Leeds, 6 goals) and Moore (Ipswich Town, 12 goals) are also in the squad. Among injuries, the centre-back Lockyer (Luton Town) and midfielder Morrell (Portsmouth) are worth mentioning.

Finland

Finland participated in their first-ever European Championship in 2021 and still hope to secure a ticket to the second consecutive continental championship in June next year. Nevertheless, the Scandinavians did not impress in the qualifying campaign, securing only 3rd place in a fairly equal group, losing to Denmark and Slovenia, but ahead of Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland, and San Marino. However, the white-blues earned the right to play in the qualification play-off by finishing 2nd in their group of League B of the Nations League. After a faltering October, which saw losses to Slovenia (3:0) and Kazakhstan (1:2), in November, the visitors redeemed themselves in the eyes of their supporters, overcoming Northern Ireland (4:0) and San Marino (1:2).

It's important to note that Finland has won three out of their last four away games in the Euroqualifiers. The Finnish squad still features goalkeeper Građevski (Bayer), defenders Soiri (Universitatea Craiova), Uronen (Charlotte) and Jensen (Aberdeen), midfielders Kamara (Leeds), Lod (Minnesota United), Schuller (Djurgården) and Jensen (Augsburg, 7 goals). The visitors will rely on experienced Pukki (Minnesota United, 39 goals) and Pohjanpalo (Venice, 15 goals) on the offensive side. The younger Håkan (4 goals in 6 matches), Antman (5 goals in 8 matches) and Kelman (6 goals in 17 matches) will most likely be given some game time in the second half. Among the team's losses, one should note Galever (Manchester City), defenders Ojala (Paris) and forward Taylor (Inter Miami, 34 matches).

Head-to-Head 

Since Finland twice defeated Wales in the 2010 World Cup qualifying group, the blue-whites have not been able to win a single game out of the last four head-to-head matches against the "dragons", losing both matches of the 2020-21 Nations League.

Wales – Finland match prediction

In home Euro qualifiers, the "dragons" seldom lose, and considering that Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson, and Kieffer Moore are currently in splendid form, it’s logical to back a victory for the hosts. Finland has a much more modest line-up and have just once qualified for a continental championship in their history - without any laurels to show for. I cannot see what might enable the visitors to triumph in Cardiff.