Spurs attacker Gareth Bale training with Wales ahead of Finland Nations League clash – in pictures


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Caretaker manager Robert Page says every Wales player has returned a negative Covid-19 test ahead of the Nations League promotion decider against Finland in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Republic of Ireland pair Matt Doherty and James McClean, who both started Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Wales, have tested positive and are now in self-isolation.

"The Republic of Ireland have had a tough time of it with the amount of people that have tested positive, and of course it's been a concern for us," Page said at his pre-match press conference.

"But we've tested the players and all have come back negative thankfully. The medical team have looked at the game back and there's no concerns at all."

Asked about testing procedures and the positive Ireland tests, Page said: "Some associations will use different testing companies.

"All I can speak for is ourselves, I can't speak for Ireland. But we feel what we have done is good planning.

"If there's absolutely any risk we will not take the chance. But our medical protocols have been second to none and we've had consistent negative tests so that goes to show we're doing something right."

Captain Gareth Bale was pictured hugging his Tottenham team-mate Doherty at the end of Sunday's game against Ireland.

"It's a slight concern for everybody when you've been playing someone and you're in close contact with them on the field," Bale said. "Maybe you're not long enough with them to catch it, but you're a bit wary."

Bale said he has spoken to Doherty since the Ireland defender had tested positive for coronavirus.

"Me and Ben [Davies] have spoke to him briefly and he's doing fine, he's just got mild symptoms," Bale said.

"Hopefully he recovers fine, doesn't have any problems and will be back playing as soon as possible."

Wales need a point against Finland to guarantee promotion to the top tier of the Nations League. Bale says making the step up to League A is key to gauging the progress the team is making. Wales are a point clear of the second-placed Fins going into the game.

"It's a massive game for us," said Bale. "To win the group and get promoted is something we set out to do at the start.

"It's important for us as a country to get that winning mentality and that feeling going into the Euros in the summer.

"We want to get better and improve and the only way we'll do that is by playing better teams."

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Spain – $110 million

France – $103 million

Ukraine – $100 million

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

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Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
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Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye. 
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength. 
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