The Welsh national team has certainly found one way to make the headlines, following their opening Euro 2020 encounter against Switzerland, although it wasn’t for the result or the level of performance on display. Instead, the focus of attention online has been surrounding how the players lined up ahead of kick-off, resulting in an atypical team photo.
After what proved to be a challenging first encounter at the tournament, as the Welsh were held to a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, hopes of progress remain alive and well. The latest sports betting odds may have Wales listed at longshot priced 90/1 underdogs to win Euro 2020, but they have consistently proven that they are underrated.
Goalless at half-time, Wales were certainly holding their own against the Swiss, although their powerful striker Breel Embolo was a constant thorn in the side. He eventually broke the deadlock on 49 minutes after the restart, when the side led by Rob Page was experiencing the most pressure.
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Nevertheless, the Welsh players remained calm and resolute, looking for a way to get themselves back into the game. Eventually, their patience was rewarded when Kieffer Moore scored the vital equaliser on 74 minutes, earning his team a precious point and a solid start at the tournament. Progressing deeper into the tournament now seems like a strong possibility for the Welsh.
Team Photo Attracts Attention
While there will be plenty of debate amongst Welsh fans about ideal team selections, it’s actually how the team lines up for photos that has dominated talk online.
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Ahead of the match against Switzerland, the Welsh players caused consternation because of how they lined up for the team photo. Usually, players assemble themselves in a neat and symmetrical group, one row standing with another kneeling, as photographers gather to capture the moment for posterity.
However, much to the surprise of those viewing on television around Europe, along with those who saw the subsequently published pictures online, the Welsh players went for something entirely different. They lined up with five standing, offset to the left and with a huge gap to the right, while a row of six knelt in the next row. Yet this isn’t the first time Wales have produced what looks like a disorganised pre-game team photo. It’s actually planned.
In recent years, the Welsh have lined up with four players behind seven, and even three behind eight. The disorganised looking team photo has continued into Euro 2020, thus reaching a much wider audience and to no surprise, led to all the chatter amongst football fans on social networks and even memes. Even if the players insist it isn’t for superstitious reasons, hopefully, the atypical team photo line-ups will continue to bring fortune.
