Nations League: Finland 0-1 Wales - Moore goal gives Wales victory
Follow live text commentary as Wales travel to Finland in the Nations League for their opening game of Division B, Group 4.
Follow live text commentary as Wales travel to Finland in the Nations League for their opening game of Division B, Group 4.
Live Reporting
Michael Pearlman
All times stated are UK
'No special treatment for Bale'
Finland v Wales (19:45 BST)
Gareth Bale's lack of game time at Real Madrid may mean he cannot complete back-to-back matches for Wales, Ryan Giggs says.
Giggs says there will be "no special treatment for anyone" for his future squads but added that Bale is used to not playing for his club.
The 31-year-old only started 14 games in all competitions in 2019-20 and has had his say on his club future, which seems, shall we say, uncertain.
But as for special treatment, isn't he worth it? He's certainly set for a shampoo endorsement or two if a move doesn't materialise.
Bale situation ‘no issue’ for Wales boss Giggs
Finland v Wales (19:45 BST)
Should Gareth Bale's tricky situation concern Wales?
Not according to the manager, Ryan Giggs...
Video content
Bale speaks out on his Real Madrid future
Finland v Wales (19:45 BST)
It's been a turbulent period for Wales' talisman Gareth Bale with his club Real Madrid - and now he's had his say about his future.
Often cutting a frustrated figure on the bench, the 31-year-old started just one game for Real after the 2019-20 season resumed in June.
He came close to a move to China last year, only for that move to collapse, and the former Tottenham has since revealed he would be open to a return to the Premier League.
You can read all about that here.
Robson-Kanu returns to Wales squad
Finland v Wales (19:45 BST)
Look who's back in the Wales squad - it's Euro 2016 hero Hal Robson-Kanu!
The West Brom forward revealed in January he was ready to play for Wales again, having retired from international football in 2018 due to personal reasons.
Now the 31-year-old is in Ryan Giggs' squad for these Nations League matches against Finland and Bulgaria, and is on the bench for this evening's match.
Robson-Kanu says he has no regrets about his time away, and you can read more about that in this interview with him.
Wales team news - debut for Levitt
Finland v Wales (19:45 BST)
Wales manager Ryan Giggs makes three changes from last November’s 2-0 win over Hungary - which secured qualification for the since-delayed Euro 2020 - and he has made some interesting calls.
The headline news is a first cap and a first start for Manchester United’s 19-year-old midfielder Dylan Levitt, who replaces the injured Joe Allen.
Another notable change sees Ethan Ampadu return to the team but switching from holding midfield to central defence, where he takes the place of Chris Mepham.
The third change comes in midfield, where Jonny Williams fills in for the absent Aaron Ramsey. Gareth Bale captains Wales.
Wales XI: Hennessey; C. Roberts, Ampadu, Lockyer, Davies; Morrell, Levitt, J. Williams; Bale, James, Moore.
Substitutes: Ward, Davies, Gunter, N. Williams, Cabango, J. Lawrence, Robson-Kanu, Wilson, Matondo, Smith, Woodburn, Vaulks.
Finland team news - Pukki starts
Finland v Wales (19:45 BST)
Finland boss Markku Kanerva makes seven changes from the 2-1 defeat in Greece last November, though that team was much-changed from the previous victory over Liechtenstein which clinched Euro 2020 qualification.
Centre-back Leo Vaisanen, midfielders Glen Kamara and Joni Kauko and Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki are the players to retain their places from the Greece match, while captain Tim Sparv returns in midfield.
Finland XI: Hradecky; Uronen, L. Vaisanen, Ojala, O’Shaughnessy; Kauko, Sparv, Kamara, Niskanen; Pohjanpalo, Pukki.
Substitutes: Joronen, Jaakkola, Granlund, Hostikka, Taylor, Jensen, Soiri, S. Vaisanen, Lam, Alho, Karjalainen, Hamalainen.
Good evening!
Finland v Wales (19:45 BST)
Evening everyone, hope you are well.
I know the season has just finished and the new one is around the corner, but when it comes to Wales, it really has been a while.
Wales will play their first match since November 2019 when they face Finland in their Nations League opener tonight, that's the longest they've have gone without a fixture since 1924!
Of course, there will be no fans in Helsinki this evening, but I'm sure Wales fans are buzzing to see Ryan Giggs' side back in action for the first time since they qualified for Euro 2020.