SM
Inter Milan vs. Como: 12 hrs 38 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
HN
Euro Champ Qualifying | Group Stage
Jun 11, 2019 at 7.45pm UK
 
WN

1-0

Patkai (80')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Giggs banking on Bale to end an unhappy season on a high in Hungary

:Headline: Giggs banking on Bale to end an unhappy season on a high in Hungary: ID:361690: from db_amp
The Real Madrid forward has failed to score since mid-March.

Ryan Giggs says Gareth Bale has shaken off his end-of-season rust and is ready to finish the campaign on a high with Wales.

Giggs' side meet Hungary in Budapest on Tuesday, with precious Euro 2020 qualifying points at stake.

Wales hope to claw back the three-point deficit on Group E leaders Hungary and are looking to captain Bale to end his goal drought at the Groupama Arena.

Gareth Bale has not scored in his last nine appearances for club and country (Adam Davy/PA)

The Real Madrid star has gone three months without a goal for club and country, and has suffered huge frustration in Spain after losing his first-team place towards the end of the season.

"I was happy with Gareth's performance in Croatia," Giggs said of the 2-1 defeat in Osijek on Saturday which dropped Wales to third place in the group.

"He had a couple of chances and on another day they go in.

"It was his first game in six weeks, we had a great build-up in Portugal and a great week at Colliers Park (their training facility in Wrexham).

Giggs (right) is convinced Bale will come good in Hungary (David Davies/PA)

"Gareth grew into the game, not playing for six weeks that might be understandable. Hopefully's he's saving it for Hungary."

Some 3,000 seats will be unfilled at the venue after UEFA ordered a partial stadium closure following the behaviour of Hungary supporters in Slovakia in March.

Hungary fans were found guilty of racist behaviour, vandalism and the setting off of fireworks. The Hungarian Football Federation must display a banner with the wording 'EqualGame' on it in the closed sector.

"There will be less fans in the stadium but I understand it's a very good atmosphere," Giggs said when asked about the threat of racism from Hungary fans.

There will be 3,000 fewer fans inside the Groupama Arena due to a partial UEFA ban (Matt McGeehan/PA)

"I've talked before about sanctions on racism not being strong enough. They need to be stronger.

"But for me it's all about concentrating on the game. I've got enough to worry about with winning this game."

Wales are set to carry a potent attacking threat with David Brooks, who scored a consolation goal after coming on as a second-half substitute, expected to prove his fitness after an ankle problem.

Brooks should form a front-three with Bale and Daniel James, Swansea's Manchester United-bound winger who drew high praise from Hungary manager Marco Rossi at the Italian's pre-match press conference.

The pace of Daniel James (pictured) has impressed Hungary manager Marco Rossi (Adam Davy/PA)

Rossi admits he has been astonished by the speed of James, comparing him to former sprint champion Usain Bolt and ex-Brazil striker Ronaldo.

"In the past I played against a very fast player who, according to me, was the best after Maradona – Ronaldo," said Rossi, the former Brescia and Sampdoria defender.

"His acceleration looked like James. He was just not known for speed but for everything. James' speed reminds of Usain Bolt – to be so fast like him is really incredible.

"In the last years I don't remember one player that gave me this sensation."

amp_article__361690 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-06-11 16:00:46:
html db last update - 2019-06-11 16:00:46 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Ryan Giggs

Click here for more stories about Hungary

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .