Slow... ARAF! A Wales tale
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Hope you get To the final Following
Cheers!
Second string Wales struggle to defeat
Wales 0-1 Peru
Wales disappointed the thousands that turned out at the millennium stadium hoping to see another victory, losing 1-0 to Peru.Wales 0-1 Peru
A goal from midfielder Rinaldo Cruzado in the 29th minute was the only goal in the pouring rain in a frankly dour match.
Cruzado, who plays for Newells Old Boys, struck from around the penalty spot after a weak header away from Danny Collins.
Ian Rush had this to say, 'Well it wasn't the performance we were looking for but then again we did have an experimental side out in each half, and looking at the big picture it won't make too much difference as we go on to the next qualifiers in September.
Thank you, means lots!
pompey forever99
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Great story and great read love the layout keep it up but that aint the real king Kanu theres only one King Kanu ! But keep up the good work pal
Haha thank you!
Wales soar up rankings!
Up to record 16th
Wales have moved up to a national record 16th place in the new FIFA world rankings, released today.Up to record 16th
In another sign for Ian Rush's continued good work with the team, it also means that Wales will have a chance of being a high seed when the draw for the European Championship qualifiers is made, giving them a better chance of qualifying.
Wales made a huge jump of 21 places to reach 16th, the highest ranking they had been previously was 27th way back in 1993.
Wales crash to another friendly defeat
Belarus 3-1 Wales
Wales continued their awful friendly record under Ian Rush, losing 3-1 to minnows Belarus on a tricky away night.Belarus 3-1 Wales
A superb move between wingers Gareth Bale and Hal Robson Kanu resulted in a Wales consolation goal and that was pretty much the only high point of the night for Wales.
The night started poorly for Wales when Ashley Williams headed into his own net in the 9th minute, multiply the time by 3 and you come to the 27th minute where Verkhovtsov.
Bale pulled one back in the 60th minute, before a goal from Kornilenko in the last minute finished things off.
Wales now have a month to prepare before their crucial game against Belgium, where a win would see them top the group with just 3 games left.
Wales friendly record under Rush:
Played 5
Wins 0
Draws 2
Losses 3
Whipping boys Wales go top!
Wales 2-1 Belgium
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Wales produced a simply spectacular performance to go top of World Cup Qualifying Group 1, beating much fancied Belgium 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium.Wales 2-1 Belgium
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In what was seen by most as the match which would decide whether Wales would have a chance to realise their dreams and qualify for the world cup, they were hit by a blow days before as centre midfielder Joe Ledley was ruled out with a broken toe.
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The game started poorly for Wales as Wayne Hennessey was forced into 2 amazing saves, both from Romelu Lukaku efforts.
However, Wales were ahead after half an hour after a Simon Mignolet headed clearance from the edge of his box was superbly volleyed in by vice captain Aaron Ramsey, scoring his 8th goal for Wales and surely his most important so far.
Unfortunately for Wales, Belgium soon equalised as Dries Mertens ran onto a through ball by Chelsea winger Eden Hazard before running around Hennessey and slotting in.
Belgium almost took the lead after the break after a mix up between the Welsh centre halves allowed Lukaku in only for him to strike an effort against the post.
It was then the turn of Welsh superstar, Gareth Bale, to have a say in the match. Picking the ball up on the halfway line he ran at the Belgium defence, gliding past Gillet, Kompany and Vermaelen with ease before his shot hit the inside of the post, rolled across the goal and snuck in to give Wales the lead in the 65th minute.
Wales did well to keep composed for the rest of the match with Belgium only coming close by the virtue of some missed headers from corners. Large sections of the media noted that it was Joe Allen's passing and calmness that helped Wales through the last section of the game.
Sanchez Watt replaced Hal Robson Kanu in the 75th minute meaning the Arsenal youngster will represent Wales in his international career now, despite being born in London.
Ian Rush had this to say on the win, 'We're very proud of the boys tonight, we went out with a strict game plan and it came off. To have 6 wins from 7 games so far after having such a low level of expectation is outstanding. I just hope the lads can go on to get the job done in the remaining three qualifiers to get us to Brazil.'
The teams Wales have in those 3 qualifiers are Scotland at home, Serbia away before finishing up with Macedonia at home. Serbia away is seen as the trickiest game however they have been having a very poor qualifying campaign.
A hat-trick of headers from Welshmen secured a 7th straight win in their World Cup qualifiers and ensured Wales stayed top of group 1 as they beat Scotland 3-1.
Wales went in knowing that, with Belgium playing Macedonia, they needed to win to go into the final 2 games top of the table.
A loud Millennium Stadium was forced to wait until the 41st minute for its goal, and then two came along at once. A winding run from Hal Robson Kanu resulted in a cross which Gareth Bale was only too happy to head in at the back post. Just two minutes later James Collins made it 2-0 with a header from Joe Allen's corner.
Wales kept the ball nicely in the 2nd half and their hard work paid off when another Collins header went in to seal the match in the 77th minute.
Youngster Tony Watt grabbed a consolation goal when he went one on one with Wayne Hennessey in the 91st minute, however it was indeed nothing more than a consolation.
MOTM James Collins had this to say, 'Well as a defender it's always nice to score one goal.. let alone two! But to do it in such an important match is brilliant. I thought the team played very well and we can now go back to our clubs and come back in a month looking to send ourselves to the world cup.'
He is right, Wales know that wins against Serbia (away) and Macedonia (home) in October will see them go to Brazil 2014.
Wales went in knowing that, with Belgium playing Macedonia, they needed to win to go into the final 2 games top of the table.
A loud Millennium Stadium was forced to wait until the 41st minute for its goal, and then two came along at once. A winding run from Hal Robson Kanu resulted in a cross which Gareth Bale was only too happy to head in at the back post. Just two minutes later James Collins made it 2-0 with a header from Joe Allen's corner.
Wales kept the ball nicely in the 2nd half and their hard work paid off when another Collins header went in to seal the match in the 77th minute.
Youngster Tony Watt grabbed a consolation goal when he went one on one with Wayne Hennessey in the 91st minute, however it was indeed nothing more than a consolation.
MOTM James Collins had this to say, 'Well as a defender it's always nice to score one goal.. let alone two! But to do it in such an important match is brilliant. I thought the team played very well and we can now go back to our clubs and come back in a month looking to send ourselves to the world cup.'
He is right, Wales know that wins against Serbia (away) and Macedonia (home) in October will see them go to Brazil 2014.
Ian Rush's Wales today moved up to 11th in the world rankings, going higher than the previous record of 16th places the squad set last month.
This news puts Wales alot closer to being confirmed as a number one seed when the draw for the European Championship qualifiers is made. Wales move up 5 places after wins against Belgium and Scotland in their World Cup qualifying group.
This continues to show the remarkable turnaround Ian Rush has brought to the Wales national team, who sit top of group 1 and have won 7 straight competitive games.
This news puts Wales alot closer to being confirmed as a number one seed when the draw for the European Championship qualifiers is made. Wales move up 5 places after wins against Belgium and Scotland in their World Cup qualifying group.
This continues to show the remarkable turnaround Ian Rush has brought to the Wales national team, who sit top of group 1 and have won 7 straight competitive games.
Hello and welcome to BBC Sport's live text coverage of match day 9 in World Cup qualifying group one.
Wales go into it knowing that if they better Belgium's result, then they are definitely through to the World Cup. However, if it is drawn or Belgium to better it will all go down to the final set of games on Tuesday.
3) GOAL! SERBIA 0-1 WALES (MORRISON)Wales take an early lead through Steve Morrison's header! As it stands they are heading for Brazil!
6) So close for Serbia as they hit the bar from a sweetly struck shot by Nikola Zigic.
16) GOAL! SCOTLAND 1-0 BELGIUM (FLETCHER) Steven Fletcher gives Scotland the lead as they look to secure 3rd place in the group, and this helps secure Wales' top spot!
25) Macedonia come close with Pandev's low drive being well saved against Croatia.
26) PENALTY! Scotland have a penalty as Rhodes is dragged down by Defour running into the box.
27) GOAL! SCOTLAND 2-0 BELGIUM (FLETCHER)-Steven Fletcher grabs his 2nd of the match from the penalty spot, is their any way back for Belgium?
32) PENALTY TO WALES! Nastasic handles from a corner, and right back Neil Eardley steps up...
32) GOAL! SERBIA 0-2 WALES (EARDLEY)- Neil Eardley converts the penalty very nicely into the bottom right hand corner.
39) Chance for Serbia as they have a free kick on the edge, but wasted.
42) GOAL! SERBIA 1-2 WALES (Djuricic)- Filip Djuricic taps in from a corner after Vidic's header was well saved by Hennessey.
55) RED CARD! Eduardo sent off for Croatia against Macedonia.
66) GOAL! SCOTLAND 2-1 BELGIUM (MERTENS)- Dries Mertens gets Belgium back in it with a lovely placed header into the corner from a Hazard cross.
67) GOAL! SCOTLAND 2-2 BELGIUM (HAZARD)- Scotland can't quite believe it but they have thrown away their 2 goal lead within the space of two minutes as Eden Hazard receives the ball of Fellaini before jinking past two players and curling in. Shocking for Scotland, and if Belgium score another Wales will get nervous.
68) GOAL! MACEDONIA 1-0 CROATIA (IBRAIMI)- Despite this being qualification, beating Croatia would be a huge result for Macedonia as Ibraimi puts them ahead!
70) GOAL! SCOTLAND 3-2 BELGIUM (WALLACE)- Goals flying in at Hampden Park as Lee Wallace scores a perfect free kick to put Scotland back ahead.
73) Bellamy comes on for Wales and has an instant impact, hitting the post with his first touch after a great ball by Gareth Bale into the area.
76) GOAL! SCOTLAND 3-3 BELGIUM (GILLET)- Another goal here as the Belgium right back pops up out of absolutely nowhere to hammer home from around 25 yards out! Can Belgium yet go on and win this, taking the group to a final game?
79) GOAL! SCOTLAND 4-3 BELGIUM (MACKIE)- 5 goals in a mad 13 minutes here in Scotland as Jamie Mackie surely must now seal the win with a left footed shot which Courtois will feel he should of done better with. Can there be one final twist?
83) GOAL! MACEDONIA 2-0 CROATIA (PANDEV)- It won't mean much to the world but this is brilliant for Macedonia as their star man Pandev makes it 2-0 v Croatia.
FT) SERBIA 1-2 WALES
FT) MACEDONIA 2-0 CROATIA
Wales have done their bit but it's whether Scotland can hold on. There are 5 minutes of injury time in Scotland. Macedonia finish off their win.
90+4) GOAL DISALLOWED! But not too much drama, as it was a Scotland goal ruled out for offside.
FT) SCOTLAND 4-3 BELGIUM
Wales are going to the World Cup!
Wales go into it knowing that if they better Belgium's result, then they are definitely through to the World Cup. However, if it is drawn or Belgium to better it will all go down to the final set of games on Tuesday.
3) GOAL! SERBIA 0-1 WALES (MORRISON)Wales take an early lead through Steve Morrison's header! As it stands they are heading for Brazil!
6) So close for Serbia as they hit the bar from a sweetly struck shot by Nikola Zigic.
16) GOAL! SCOTLAND 1-0 BELGIUM (FLETCHER) Steven Fletcher gives Scotland the lead as they look to secure 3rd place in the group, and this helps secure Wales' top spot!
25) Macedonia come close with Pandev's low drive being well saved against Croatia.
26) PENALTY! Scotland have a penalty as Rhodes is dragged down by Defour running into the box.
27) GOAL! SCOTLAND 2-0 BELGIUM (FLETCHER)-Steven Fletcher grabs his 2nd of the match from the penalty spot, is their any way back for Belgium?
32) PENALTY TO WALES! Nastasic handles from a corner, and right back Neil Eardley steps up...
32) GOAL! SERBIA 0-2 WALES (EARDLEY)- Neil Eardley converts the penalty very nicely into the bottom right hand corner.
39) Chance for Serbia as they have a free kick on the edge, but wasted.
42) GOAL! SERBIA 1-2 WALES (Djuricic)- Filip Djuricic taps in from a corner after Vidic's header was well saved by Hennessey.
55) RED CARD! Eduardo sent off for Croatia against Macedonia.
66) GOAL! SCOTLAND 2-1 BELGIUM (MERTENS)- Dries Mertens gets Belgium back in it with a lovely placed header into the corner from a Hazard cross.
67) GOAL! SCOTLAND 2-2 BELGIUM (HAZARD)- Scotland can't quite believe it but they have thrown away their 2 goal lead within the space of two minutes as Eden Hazard receives the ball of Fellaini before jinking past two players and curling in. Shocking for Scotland, and if Belgium score another Wales will get nervous.
68) GOAL! MACEDONIA 1-0 CROATIA (IBRAIMI)- Despite this being qualification, beating Croatia would be a huge result for Macedonia as Ibraimi puts them ahead!
70) GOAL! SCOTLAND 3-2 BELGIUM (WALLACE)- Goals flying in at Hampden Park as Lee Wallace scores a perfect free kick to put Scotland back ahead.
73) Bellamy comes on for Wales and has an instant impact, hitting the post with his first touch after a great ball by Gareth Bale into the area.
76) GOAL! SCOTLAND 3-3 BELGIUM (GILLET)- Another goal here as the Belgium right back pops up out of absolutely nowhere to hammer home from around 25 yards out! Can Belgium yet go on and win this, taking the group to a final game?
79) GOAL! SCOTLAND 4-3 BELGIUM (MACKIE)- 5 goals in a mad 13 minutes here in Scotland as Jamie Mackie surely must now seal the win with a left footed shot which Courtois will feel he should of done better with. Can there be one final twist?
83) GOAL! MACEDONIA 2-0 CROATIA (PANDEV)- It won't mean much to the world but this is brilliant for Macedonia as their star man Pandev makes it 2-0 v Croatia.
FT) SERBIA 1-2 WALES
FT) MACEDONIA 2-0 CROATIA
Wales have done their bit but it's whether Scotland can hold on. There are 5 minutes of injury time in Scotland. Macedonia finish off their win.
90+4) GOAL DISALLOWED! But not too much drama, as it was a Scotland goal ruled out for offside.
FT) SCOTLAND 4-3 BELGIUM
Wales are going to the World Cup!
Wales have confirmed that they will play a high profile friendly against Spain in November along with a game against San Marino as they begin their World Cup preparations.
Wales, who qualified on Friday when they beat Serbia 2-1, couldn't confirm the friendlies before hand as their was a real possibility that they could of had play off games instead.
Ian Rush didn't have much to say in his pre match press conference before the Macedonia game, apart from that he was viewing it as a friendly and would try out some new faces.
Wales, who qualified on Friday when they beat Serbia 2-1, couldn't confirm the friendlies before hand as their was a real possibility that they could of had play off games instead.
Ian Rush didn't have much to say in his pre match press conference before the Macedonia game, apart from that he was viewing it as a friendly and would try out some new faces.
Wales second string grind out win
Wales 3-2 Macedonia
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A young and inexperienced Wales side triumphed in a dramatic match against Macedonia to make it 9 straight wins and finish up their World Cup qualifying campaign in fine style. Wales 3-2 Macedonia
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Wales fielded names such as Boaz Myhill, Sam Vokes and Bournemouth midfielder, Shaun MacDonald and struggled to start with. They went into the break 1-0 down due to a Agim Ibarimi goal.
Bellamy, Bale and Robson Kanu came on at the break and all had impacts.
Ben Davies smashed home the rebound of a Gareth Bale free kick in the 65th minute before Craig Bellamy neatly converted a through ball from Andy King to make it 2-1 after 79th minute.
Wales' lead only lasted for 6 minutes as Ilco Naumoski levelled things up with a header. But then it was all down to Hal Robson Kanu as he smashed in a lethal left footed shot in the 89th minute, ending a superb campaign for Wales on another magical high.
European World Cup qualifying ends
Europe's World Cup qualifying group stages have finished and it is the performances of Wales, Italy and Portugal that have shocked the world.
Wales won 9 of their 10 games in group 1 to send them to their 2nd ever World Cup, in a tough group that featured the likes of Belgium and Croatia. They gained more points than any other team in the whole of Europe.
Whilst Italy and Portugal both came 3rd in their groups, meaning they don't even have the safety net of a play off and will definitely not be going to Brazil.
France topped Spain in their group forcing Spain, reigning champions, into the play off's meaning their friendly with Wales next month is cancelled. Wales have revealed that instead of the Spain match, they will now play Argentina at home. They have also confirmed they will play Scotland and #1 ranked Uruguay in the build up to next years World Cup.
The European qualifiers play off draw was also made today, here it is.
Czech Republic v Northern Ireland
Sweden v England
Bosnia & Herzegovina v Holland
Belgium v Spain
We expect Czech Republic, England, Holland and Spain to come out on top of these fixtures. Which would mean world class players like Hazard, Dzeko and Ibrahimovic would all miss out on the World Cup.
However if our predictions were the other way around, Wayne Rooney, Andres Iniesta, Petr Cech and Robin Van Persie wouldn't go to the World Cup.
YOU DECIDE
I've been offered the Sunderland job, it interests me but I'm not sure whether it would detract from the Wales story. They're 13th in the championship (in october) and I'd have a 5m budget.
Please comment below
a) Don't take it
b) Take it and make it part of the story
c) Take it and just do small monthly updates of results/transfers.
Rush rejects Sunderland
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Wales manager Ian Rush has confirmed that he has rejected the chance to manage Sunderland.View attachment 398328
It followed widespread reports that he had been offered it, and Wales fans will be glad to hear of the news as he has been doing so well with them.