Wales 3 Italy 0

Wales stormed into a promotion semi final against hosts Austria with a composed and disciplined performance against Italy on Wednesday. While the game stats show that Wales only entered the D 10 times to Italy's 20, Wales made better use of possession and, crucially, demonstrated the passion to succeed with a number of players playing despite stomach upsets.

Wales started the game slowly, unlike previous games, and too their time to get into the game. The Italians had a lot of possession but despite a number of penalty corners failed to capitalise while Wales's defence held firm while the Welsh forwards were busy, threatening the Italian back line. As the first half progressed, it was nip and tuck all the way with both defences neutralising attacks but right at the end of the half, the energetic Dolan-Gray threaded a through ball past the advancing keeper for the diminutive Dafydd Bury to make sure with a tap in with seconds to go before half time.

Wales opened the second half the stronger and acted on the words of coach Phil Gooderham to remain composed and focused. Wales forced a penalty corner on 40 minutes through a run from the ill Lloyd-Penny that forced him off the pitch for the rest of the game. From the PC, Gareth Furlong powered an unstoppable flick past the Italian defence to make the score 2-0 and ease Welsh nerves. Wales continued to hold firm and a number of fine saves from Adam Williams at penalty corners alongside effective defence paid dividends when a fine move involving Prosser, Mugridge and Dolan-GRay saw the ball squared to Rees for the skipper to tap the ball into the unguarded net. At 3-0 with 15 minutes to go, Wales continued to use their bench wisely and defended with aplomb. With three minutes to go, Gowman was yellow carded for not retreating but Wales killed time through conceding a number of penalty corners. The hooter sounded and Wales celebrated a victory that gives them the chance to be promoted into the A division on Friday.

Wales are getting better all the time and developing a robust yet intelligent style of play. Wednesday's game saw the senior players show their class with Prosser, Rees and Dolan Gray all prominent. At the back, Bond and Trem were resolute while Carless had his most effective game of the tournament so far. Effective preparation was key to this success and this will be the key for the game against Austria on Friday. However, Wales still need to retain the ball better and ensure that opponents do not easily penetrate its D.