Robert Page shunning World Cup talk to focus on ‘final’ showdown with Poland

Robert Page insists Wales will neglect concerning the World Cup on Sunday to attempt to keep within the prime tier of the Nations League.

Wales stay backside of League A4 after shedding 2-1 to Belgium on Thursday.

But Poland’s 2-0 house defeat to Holland means Wales can climb off the underside by beating the Poles in Cardiff on Sunday.

Wales boss Page mentioned: “It’s a final. Forget the World Cup, this is the game we want to win on Sunday.

“We’ve just got to recover the lads. There’ll be some changes made and we’ll go and put a team out to win the game.”

Captain Gareth Bale is probably going to begin on Sunday after coming on as a second-half substitute in Brussels.

Bale solely had one coaching session after becoming a member of the camp late from the United States on Tuesday after enjoying for Los Angeles FC yesterday.

Asked why Bale had not began, Page mentioned: “All the travelling. The time difference coming back is hard work for the players to adapt to.

“To throw him straight into a game against Belgium away would be crazy.

“It was good for him to get some minutes after the jet lag

“A wise decision not to play from the start, but I was keen to get on as soon as possible and help the team.

“It’s a great lesson for us. We were without five players that would make us stronger.

“There’s been lessons learnt here to take into the World Cup. I said to them in the changing room, we’ve asked for this.

“By qualifying for the World Cup, we’re asking to compete against nations like Belgium, like Holland, and we’ve been in the games right up until the end. It speaks volumes about that group of players.”

Page hailed Brennan Johnson after the Nottingham Forest ahead gave a glimpse of his expertise by establishing Kieffer Moore’ second-half header.

After the majestic Kevin De Bruyne and Michy Batshuayi had put Belgium in command, Johnson embarked on a mazy 40-yard earlier than delivering an excellent cross to the far submit.

“Brennan has been superb, he has come on so much in such a short time,” Page mentioned.

“I asked something different of him, in midfield.

“When you see him run with the ball it is brilliant, that is his game, that is his strength.”

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez was despatched off within the closing seconds for holding on to the ball.

Martinez mentioned: “First time I’ve been sent off. A new experience.

“I was surprised. I probably should have let the ball go.

“We will see what that means but I will respect the referee’s decision.”

Belgium go to group leaders Holland on Sunday and Martinez mentioned: “It is the perfect game to prepare for the World Cup.

“This World Cup could be the best in terms of the performances of individuals and mental freshness.”