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Wales Online
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Ian Mitchelmore

When Wales play next and what one shock result means for their Euro 2020 qualifying group

Wales started their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a bang by beating Slovakia 1-0 at Cardiff City Stadium.

But they have to wait until the summer for their next qualifying matches.

Here's everything you need to know about the next games and how the group currently stands after the opening phase of fixtures.

The shock result that's blown the group wide open

Speaking ahead of the triumph against Slovakia, Gareth Bale said Wales were gunning for top spot in their qualifying group, despite the fact Croatia were overwhelming favourites with bookmakers to top the pool.

"We are going for top spot, I don’t know why we wouldn’t," said the Real Madrid star.

"We are always the underdogs. The bookies aren’t always right.

"We are going to go into this campaign looking to win the group.

Wales' Gareth Bale (Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

"We know both countries (Croatia and Slovakia) got off to a winning start the other day but there is no reason why we can’t. There’s no reason why we can’t go on and win the group."

Following Wales' 1-0 win over Slovakia, Hungary came from behind to secure a stunning 2-1 win over Croatia.

And it's meant four teams are now level on three points, although Wales are in the strongest position of those sides having played just once rather than twice.

For those thinking Wales will/can win the group, Hungary's win against Croatia was a dream result, although for supporters thinking the Croatians will still comfortably finish at the top of the pile, the result was a minor blow for Giggs' side as it brought the Hungarians right into the mix for the all-important second spot.

The spine-tingling national anthem a cappella style ahead of Wales' Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia  

How does the group look at the moment?

1 Slovakia - 3pts

2 Wales - 3pts

3 Hungary - 3pts

4 Croatia - 3pts

5 Azerbaijan - 0pts

Wales players celebrate at the end of the match against Slovakia (Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)

So when do Wales play next?

Wales have back-to-back away games during the next international break in June.

Ryan Giggs' side take on 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia on Saturday, June 8 (2pm kick-off UK time).

And they face Hungary (7:45pm kick-off UK time) three days later.

The selection Ryan Giggs agonised over most as Wales boss lauds Daniel James' for Slovakia display  

Where will the games be played?

Following much deliberation, Wales' clash with Croatia will take place at the 18,856-seater Stadion Gradski in Osijek.

And on Tuesday, June 11, Wales will play Hungary at Budapest's Groupama Arena, which holds 22,000 fans.

Wales boss Ryan Giggs during the match (Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)

What has Ryan Giggs said about those games?

"It's tough. Two away games in June, so we've got a camp in May to bridge that gap because the Championship finishes on the 5th and the Premier League on the 12th (of May)," Ryan Giggs on Ashley Williams' international future, Daniel James and Wales' win over Slovakia

"So we didn't want a month without football, so we've got a camp in May where we can work on stuff and the fitness.

"But it's not going to be easy because it's two away games. We saw the other night, Hungary were unlucky against Slovakia in the first game so it won't be easy.

"Of course, the pedigree of Croatia and what they've shown over the last few years and the quality of players they've got, everyone recognises that they're favourites in the group, so it's tough, but it'll be a tough game for them aswell with the quality that we've got." 

How will Wales prepare for those games?

The Premier League ends on Sunday, May 12 while the final round of Championship fixtures take place a week earlier.

And Wales will have a six-day training camp in Portugal following the conclusion of the domestic season.

Ryan Giggs on Ashley Williams' international future, Daniel James and Wales' win over Slovakia  

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