TIGHT FIT

Short World Cup Build-Up Poses Challenges And Tests Coaches

Doha: “We fly to Qatar on the 15th, arrive on the 16th, then we have five days to prepare for the first game,” said Tony Strudwick, head of performance for Wales’ national team. “It’s a challenge how we bring that all together.”

Strudwick has the crucial job of getting Wales’ players in prime shape — physically, but also mentally — for the nation’s first World Cup game in 64 years, which will be against the United States on Nov. 21.

On one hand, he is excited about welcoming players who are in what he describes as a “good rhythm” midway through a season.

On the other, he and the rest of Wales’ backroom staff have no control over what shape the squad will arrive for the tournament. “We can’t phone up the clubs and say, ’We need X, Y and Z players to be playing these minutes,’” Strudwick said.