Wales manager Craig Bellamy summons a player with a single league appearance for World Cup qualifying games.
Young Defender Ronan Kpakio Quickly Promoted to Wales National Squad
Cardiff, Wales — Defender Ronan Kpakio, who only recently turned 18, has received a swift promotion to the Wales national soccer team, despite having started just one league game for Cardiff City.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy announced Kpakio’s inclusion in the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein on June 6 and Belgium on June 9.
Kpakio has featured in six games for Cardiff City in all competitions, making his first league start on May 3. His rapid call-up to the national team reflects his rapid development and high potential, according to coach Craig Bellamy.
The youngster has played in only one Championship game as a starter, following two substitute appearances earlier in the season and matches in the FA Cup and English League Cup.
Wales has collected four points from its first two qualifying matches, aiming to compete in a second successive World Cup for the first time in its history.
[AP News Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer]
- Ronan Kpakio, now with the Wales national soccer team, might be watching the premier-league games in Europe's football leagues with a newfound interest, as he was recently promoted after a single league start for Cardiff City in England's Championship.
- Despite his young age, Kpakio's call-up to the Wales squad for World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium is a testament to his rapid development and potential in the sports arena, setting news buzzing in Toronto to Cardiff.
- As Wales aims to compete in a second successive World Cup for the first time in its history, the rise of a young defender like Kpakio could potentially make a significant impact, with spectators eagerly awaiting his performance in the upcoming matches in the European leagues.
