Failing to qualify for a major tournament since 1958, Wales celebrated their soccer renaissance when they successfully reached the finals of Euro 2016. Led by superstar Gareth Bale, Wales pose a difficult proposition for any team they face. Their players work hard and grind out results, which are important qualities on the international stage. We may not back them to necessarily win a major tournament, but they could enjoy a memorable run if things fall into place.
In November 2011, the soccer world and Wales mourned the loss of their manager at the time, Gary Speed, who tragically took his own life following a private battle with depression. Their recent success marks a fitting tribute to Gary Speed’s memory and is one reason so many neutral supporters back Wales. They head to the World Cup to once again push Wales football forward, as Speed tried to do throughout his life.
Often utilizing Gareth Bale as a striker, Wales backs up his goalscoring prowess with a strong supporting cast of midfielders, including Harry Wilson, Aaron Ramsey, and Joe Allen. Captain Gareth Bale provides strong leadership up top whilst Ben Davies, Joe Rodon, and Chris Mepham provide cover at the back.
Best Wales Football Team Betting Lines
Here are some odds for Wales’s next match. There are lots of different markets to choose from so do your research carefully and pick out the bet that offers you the value you need.
Wales Football Team Season Schedule
Have a look below to see where and who Wales match up with this season. The below schedule will show all of Wales’ fixtures, both friendlies and competitive.
Is Gareth Bale playing? Is it a competitive match or a merely a chance for some other squad members to stake their place in the starting eleven? These are just some of the key questions to ask yourself as you research your betting options.
Wales Football Team League Standings
Expect Wales, no matter the tournament, to be in the upper half of the standings. They’re more than competent and have star power to propel the to the top two or three places of any group.
How To Win At Wales Football Team Betting
Against an international side ranked in the top 10 you should express caution as Wales have the ability to test them but lack the strength in depth to win. A bet on the draw, however, certainly has a chance as Wales have shown their ability to get results against stronger teams in recent years.
Obviously, the major consideration as you plan your bets on Wales is whether or not Gareth Bale is playing. Bale makes such a huge difference to Wales that your decision to bet on them can be decided almost by his presence on the pitch alone. Like Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale scares the opposition and gives his own team and fans a huge lift.
Look carefully at the odds for Bale to score first in any match. Bale has a lifetime international average of around 1 goal in 3 games and he is approaching his peak as a footballer. Bale has achieved this impressive record despite often starting on the left wing and having to cut inside to score. If he is selected as a striker, this greatly increases his goalscoring threat. Bale looks to have topped Ian Rush's 28 goals as Wales's highest-ever goalscorer, scoring a total of 40 going into the WC. If Wales scores goals in a match, you can be pretty certain Bale will score at least one of them.
Wales tends to keep most fixtures very close. You should look carefully at the 'under' goals market for total goals scored in a match. Most of Wales' games, regardless of the eventual result, are decided by three goals or less. With their world ranking quite stable at around 20 - 30, we suggest first looking at whether Wales are favorites for the match itself as they, like most teams, are more vulnerable when facing top squads. Against teams of equal strength, however, we usually favor Wales.
During their Euro 2016 campaign, Wales kept seven out of 10 clean sheets. We recommend betting on Wales to keep a clean sheet when playing slightly weaker opponents.
