The Football Association of Wales (FAW; Welsh: Cymdeithas Bêl-droed Cymru) is the governing body of association football and futsal in Wales, and controls the Wales national football team.
History[]
Football Association of Wales[]
The FAW was established on February 2, 1876 at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel in Wrexham to formalize the match against Scotland.[1]
The FAW is considering rebranding the Wales national football team as "Cymru" in international events, inspired by Turkey's rebrand to Türkiye. The association already uses the term in its internal and external communications, including its staff in the Vale of Glamorgan. It is in discussions with UEFA.[2][3][4]
Wales national football team[]
On March 25, 1876, Wales played its first competitive match against Scotland in Glasgow, making it the third-oldest international football team globally.[5]
In September 2015, England dropped to tenth in FIFA rankings, making Wales the highest-ranked British team for the first time in its history,[6] and in October 2015, Wales achieved their highest ever ranking.[7]
1958 FIFA World Cup[]
Wales made their first World Cup final appearance in 1958, but their qualification was unusual, as they finished second to Czechoslovakia in qualifying Group 4. Wales' chances of victory against Brazil were hampered by John Charles' injury, leading to a 1–0 loss. 17-year-old Pelé scored his first international goal, making him the youngest World Cup goal scorer,[8] and Brazil won the tournament.[9]
UEFA Euro 2016[]
Wales qualified for Euro 2016 in France, their first European Championship tournament, and were placed in Group B alongside Slovakia, Russia, and England. Wales topped the group, winning against Slovakia 2–1,[10] losing to England 2–1,[11] and winning against Russia 3–0.[12]
Wales secured a 1–0 victory over Northern Ireland in their round of 16 match at the Parc des Princes in Paris after an own goal from Gareth McAuley.[13]
Wales secured a 3-1 victory against Belgium in the quarter-finals, advancing them to their first major tournament semi-final and becoming the first British nation to reach the semi-finals since 1996.[14]
Wales suffered a 2–0 loss in the semi-final against Portugal, thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani in the second half.[15]
Trivia[]
- It is the third-oldest national association globally[16] and one of four International Football Association Board associations responsible for the Laws of the Game, alongside the English, Scottish, and Irish Football Associations.[17]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/heritage/welsh_football/index.htm#y1876
- ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/wales-cymru-world-cup-2022-b2214163.html
- ↑ https://www.espn.co.uk/football/wales-wal/story/4786988/wales-considering-name-change-to-cymru-following-2022-world-cup
- ↑ https://www.thenational.scot/sport/23090235.wales-football-team-looks-change-name-cymru-world-cup/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20220922054521/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/wal-intres.html
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20151003000632/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34135432
- ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34411559
- ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_of_wales/8957288.stm
- ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4849640.stm
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20160620152809/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36450646
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20200618080444/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36486410
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20160623201139/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36514115
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20160628181023/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36566171
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20210524151539/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36613679
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20180116190354/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36658962
- ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business-in-wales/business-news/2012/03/15/football-must-be-run-by-business-people-claims-faw-chief-executive-91466-30539099/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20150924010724/http://www.faw.org.uk/AboutFaw.ink
