Wales are still riding a high after qualifying for the World Cup, but there has been less joy for them in the Nations League as they suffered another defeat to the Netherlands.
Here’s what we learned from the Stadion Feijenoord.
Ampadu’s growing influence
While Ethan Ampadu’s club future remains uncertain, the player’s importance to Rob Page’s squad was underlined by an impressive display in the midfield holding role.
The 21-year-old is back at Chelsea after a season-long loan at Venezia in Serie A and his place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans is not yet clear while the player himself has admitted he is anxious continue to get plenty of game time.
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Ampadu lined up as part of a back three in the World Cup play-off against Ukraine and his versatility in Qatar will be invaluable.
Brennan Johnson impresses once again
The Nottingham Forest forward might be one of the few players wishing the season could continue.
Johnson, who signed off from his club campaign with success in the Championship play-off final, played his part in the victory over Ukraine and followed up his equaliser against Belgium with his second international goal to halve the home side’s lead in the 26th minute.
A nerveless finish beyond Jasper Cillessen suggests he is acclimatising well to this level while a strong second half past a number of Dutch defenders run followed by an powerful low drive underlined Johnson’s threat.
Organisation is key
A gruelling run of games at the end of a long season had taken its toll on Wales with a number of players sidelined – including Joe Allen, Joe Morrell and Neco Williams – while Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey started on the bench.
It came as little surprise that Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands side dominated possession for long periods and it looked as though it might be a long evening for the visitors when they found themselves two goals down after just 23 minutes.
They didn’t help themselves by losing possession in the build-up to Noa Lang’s 17th minute opening goal with Wes Burns the guilty culprit, although Cody Gakpo benefitted from a fortunate deflection before striking the second.
But they stuck to their task and grew in confidence as the game wore on and a combination of defensive resolve and organisation ensured the always retained hope of drawing back level.
Wales player ratings
- Hennessey 6
- Mepham 7
- Rodon 6
- B Davies 8
- Thomas 6
- Smith 6
- Ampadu 8
- Wilson 6
- Burns 5
- Johnson 8
- James 7
Substitutes:
- Gunter 6
- Ramsey 6
- Roberts 6
- Bale 6
Another agonising late show
It seemed as though Wales might be rewarded for their efforts when Gareth Bale, held back on the bench until the 70th minute, slotted home from the penalty spot in added time.
The spot-kick was awarded after Malacia barged into Conor Roberts as the pair challenged for Ampadu’s free-kick.
But moments later, Memphis Depay put Netherlands back in front after Wales failed to deal with a long punt forward. It was an agonising end to the game, and came after Wout Weghorst’s injury time winner had separated the two sides in Cardiff last Wednesday.
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Sights shift to Qatar
The Nations League group table makes for uncomfortable viewing for Page and his players with Wales bottom with just one point from four games.
The priority this month was to qualify for Qatar, however, and Page will believe his younger players have gained valuable experience – particularly in gaining a point against Belgium – since the victory over Ukraine.
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