Leeds United
Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James with Wales. Credit: Imago
Leeds United may have had a rollercoaster of a season, but on the pitch they have performed very well for large parts. The Whites were expected to be one of the teams at the bottom of the table, but have sprung some surprises.
The early part of their campaign was a struggle, but the team have fought back and turned things around. Daniel Farke’s innovation at the end of last year, allowed his side to slowly climb up the table and now they have a real shot at survival. After an unfortunate result against Brentford last weekend, Leeds now have to make sure they take maximum points from their last games of the season.
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This past week saw some players rewarded for their performances this campaign. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was recalled to the England fold, and Anton Stach was a surprising name in Julian Nagelsmann’s list for the break.
Wales crash out of World Cup qualifying
The usual Leeds United quartet of Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James all featured on Thursday night. Wales played against Bosnia and Herzegovina with a place in the World Cup playoffs on the line. James gave his side the lead in the 51st minute with a thundering effort from long range. The home side thought they did enough, before Edin Dzeko equalized in the final 10 minutes.
The game went to extra time, where it ended without any goals. Wales and Bosnia headed to a penalty shootout, where the home side missed two crucial penalties with the away side scoring four straight spot kicks to advance in the World Cup playoffs.
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Leeds United quartet dealt major blow
The game was a long draining one for Wales, and at the end of the match, the players could be seen in tears. They had blown their last chance of making the FIFA World Cup, and will miss the competition. It was heartbreak for the Leeds United players involved as most of them played their hearts out from the qualification campaign.
When the break ends, Darlow, Rodon, James and Ampadu will return to Thorp Arch after a massive disappointment. Daniel Farke will have to pick his players up and give them motivation for the final eight games of the season, and the FA Cup tie against West Ham.