Cymru connections: Who can Wales fans back?

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Cymru connections: Who can Wales fans back at the World Cup? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Wales fans missed out on the chance to support their side at the World Cup after being beaten on penalties by Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-offsByChris WathanBBC Sport WalesPublished18 minutes agoIt is a question Wales fans didn't want to ask themselves. After all, the plan had been to be following Craig Bellamy's side across Canada, Mexico and the US as the country wrapped itself in its second successive bout of World Cup fever.

Instead, it's the return of a conundrum that Welsh football fans had to deal with for 64 years before 2022: Who to support at the World Cup? There are those who might get behind Bosnia-Herzegovina given they were the team who eventually took Wales' potential spot in Group B, although that might be too triggering for some. Others may just pick one of 11 nations with red home kits, squint their eyes and try and pretend it's actually Harry Wilson scoring rather than Switzerland.

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If it sounds far-fetched, you should remember there was a period where Argentina had some Wales fans cheering them at World Cups because of the urban myth Gabriel Batistuta was from Patagonia and spoke Welsh (he wasn't and didn't). Craig Bellamy has tipped Spain or England as teams who could go far, but where is the fun in supporting a favourite? Of course, like everyone, there will be the chance to simply enjoy the spectacle and take in the stories that appear out of every twist of the five-week tournament.

But, if you're looking to reasons backing one team over another, Sport Wales has tried to find some justification for the early alarm calls or the expensive replica shirt purchase. The club connectionsImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Swansea City's Marko Stamenic (New Zealand) and Cameron Burgess (Australia) are two of five players from Welsh EFL clubs at the World CupThe straightforward option for some will be to take club loyalties into account. Wrexham fans will see two of their current squad in action.

Wingback Libby Cacace called up for New Zealand after an injury-hit season, starting their recent warm-up against England. And after impressing in his first season, Dom Hyam's Cae Ras form has been rewarded with a timely recall to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad to take on Brazil, Haiti and Morrocco in Group C. New Zealand's All Whites could also be backed by Swansea fans with midfielder Marko Stamenic in their ranks for Group G games against Belgium, Egypt and Iran, the 24-year-old an international regular who has previously worn the armband.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.