Club News: Dean Saunders says that the first half by Wales reminded him of Tottenham Hotspur
Former Aston Villa and Wales international striker Dean Saunders has said that the first half by Wales against the USMNT in their opening group-stage game at the FIFA World Cup reminded him of Tottenham Hotspur.
Wales are playing in the tournament for the first time since 1958, but things did not go according to plan for them, at least in the first half.
The European country struggled to get out of their own half and face huge pressure from the United States. American star Timothy Weah broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, giving his side a deserved lead.
However, things changed for Wales in the second half. Former Spurs winger Gareth Bale converted from the spot to equalise the score and the country would then go out to see the game.
Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT, ex-Wales striker Saunders said that the first half by his country reminded him of Tottenham.
“We can’t press, we haven’t pressed once. Out of all the Wales games I’ve watched this is one match where we haven’t pressed. I’m shocked. This first half reminds me of how Spurs play.”
While Saunders can comment on whatever he wants, Spurs arguably do not play like Wales. Antonio Conte’s side have pressed when needed and have amassed decent results this season, both in the Premier League and Champions League.
While Tottenham have gone behind at times in the first half, they have come back better in the second half. The north London club play for a victory till the last minute, unlike Wales who were happy to end the game in a draw.
Then again, he did say that it was the first half that reminded him of the Lilywhites. It’s true that we tend to invite pressure and sit deep at times, but it is a tactic that has other facets and has been tried and tested by Conte to win silverware elsewhere as well.
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It remains to be seen how far Wales can go in this tournament. Ben Davies and Joe Rodon, who is on loan at Stade Rennais, would aim to at least qualify for the knockout rounds and make their nation proud.
If they can bring with them the spirit and passion that Conte’s Spurs side shows, then it would be a big boost for Wales. It’s not a bad thing if you play like a Spurs side that are in the UCL knockout rounds and in the top four of the Premier League.
