A Nation Holds It's Breath

Normally before a Wales game there is far more hope than expectation amongst the country. In the past we have had players who don't want to play for the nation, players who don't want to risk a big move by getting injured, and a team that doesn't have enough talent to achieve anything. A Wales game used to be a bit of fun, and if we got anything, it was a bonus.
But times have changed. Now we have a squad that is filled with exciting young talent, and every man in the squad wants to make the nation proud. And the country has responded. Never in my lifetime (I'm 11) has there been this amount of belief and expectation before a Wales game. We go into the game against Israel on Saturday with the upmost confidence that we can go there and get something. I feel comfortable in saying that it would be no shock if we went to Haifa and won. That hasn't been said for a while.
Our Team
Anyone who now says that Wales are a one man team is quite frankly living on coo-coo land. Yes, Gareth Bale is still by far the best player in the team, but most of our sqaud now plays for a premier league/championship club at the present time. James Chester, Aaron Ramsey, Ashley Williams, Joe Ledly, Joe Allen, James Collins, Neil Taylor, Sam Vokes... The list is endless. This is a Wales team with an abundance of talent.
But at the moment, we have more than just talent amongst our ranks. Everyone in the squad has proven in the 4 games that we have played so far that they want to be here. I think it showed in the celebrations after the Belgium game that the willingness to work for each other and achieve things together is certainly there.
In previous Wales teams there has not been enough leaders to keep the team ticking when times are tough. That's certainly not a problem this time around. If I could have picked one captain from the premier league to lead my Wales team, Ashley Williams would come pretty high on the list. Maybe he doesn't have the best ability (which isn't entirely true), he's a born leader and carries Wales forward . Gareth Bale could also deputise in the captains role. He leads for the front and his ability cannot be questioned.
The Opposition
Israel come onto this crich game in Group B sitting pretty at the top of the table. I certainly expect a tough test from this game. They don't have many stand-out players, but in the previous 3 games the have played this campaign, they have played some flowing football and have been the surprise package of the group. They have a few familiar faces and will be a very tough test.
My Prediction
I think this will be a very close encounter. I would take a draw in Haifa which would set us up nicely for the rest of the campaign, but u don't think we can afford to play for a draw. If Wales can get the first goal, then the is noting stopping us from claiming all 3 points. Let's hope so!