Hello and welcome to LIVE updates of this afternoon’s international match: Wales vs Albania. Today’s game marks Wales’ final international friendly and will be a valuable exercise for The Dragons before they face Switzerland in their opening Euro 2020 match on 12th June. Following a 3-0 defeat to France earlier this week, Manager Page has made it clear he plans to rotate his squad to ensure the players are fit for next week’s opener. KO 17:00 BST.

International friendlies

Cardiff City Stadium / 05.06.2021

Wales

Completed

Albania

Live

Live Updates

ByPete Sharland

Updated 05/06/2021 at 17:51 GMT

46'

WALES SUBSTITUTION: Ampadu makes way for Moore

K. Moore

Wales

Off

E. Ampadu

Wales

End of 1st Half

45'

HT: 0-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium. Fans have been greeted with a competitive match as both teams fought hard to break the deadlock. Albania came closest to an opener after Manaj fired wide within the first twenty minutes. Wales looked best on the ball when the likes of Ramsey or Allen dictated play, but failed to pose any real threat in front of the Albanian goal.

38'

Wales

Chances for Wales! Brooks whips in a teasing first time ball but Ramsey's shot soars wide of the post.

36'

Albania

Things are getting a bit heated. Brooks and Manaj both receive yellow cards after both players were involved in a spat following a late challenge.

Yellow card

D. Brooks

Wales

33'

Wales

Wales boasting some possession but are struggling to find rhythm in the final third.Ampadu wasted a good opportunity after his wayward cross failed to reach a dangerously positioned Ramsey.

28'

Albania

Ismajli is booked for a challenge on Allen as the midfielder attempted to set Wales on the counter attack.

Yellow card

A. Ismajli

Albania

27'

Albania

Corner kick for Albania after a tenacious ball was looped in by Lenjani and cleared by Davies.

20'

Albania

Freekick to Albania in a teasing position after Roberts catches Cekici with a late sliding challenge.

16'

Albania

Chance for Albania! Manaj shrugs off Mepham but his shot fizzes wildly over the bar. Questionable defending from Wales.

13'

Wales

No clear cut chances for either side as of yet but the Welsh fans are in full song.

Wales

Albania are causing Wales problems in this early period. Wales looking slightly sloppy in possession.

Wales

Albania aren't giving Wales much time at all at the back. Ampadu almost fell victim to a high press in his own third but managed to clear the ball.

Wales

A calm start for both teams. Ampadu cleared a looping ball down the line but Brooks' first touch of the game fell short.

1st Half

We're underway..

16:56

Wales

The Welsh flags are out in full force as Wales sing their national anthem to the devoted 6,500 fans gathered in Cardiff today. A beautiful sight for football fans.

16:50

Wales

Ten minutes until this kick off at the Cardiff City Stadium..

16:46

A decision has been made that there will be no VAR in this afternoon’s international friendly.

16:44

Wales and Albania last met in November 2018 in a friendly, with Albania winning 1-0 in Elbasan with a Bekim Balaj penalty.

Image credit: PA Sport

16:40

Wales

Wales are unbeaten in their last 12 home matches in all competitions, their longest ever unbeaten run on home soil. Can they continue that streak in front of their fans today?

16:37

Wales

Today could be an emotional spectacle for the 6,500 fans at the Cardiff City Stadium. Wales will be playing in front of their home crowd for the first time since November 2019, in a match that could potentially be the last time welsh fans see Gareth Bale wearing the red jersey on home soil.

Image credit: Getty Images

16:31

Albania

Despite an encouraging 2016 campaign which saw them reach the group stages, Albania failed to qualify for this summer’s championships after finishing fourth in Group H. But Edoardo Reja’s side have recently boasted a strong run of form, having won five of their last six matches in all competitions. Today is likely to be a worthy test for Wales.

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