The result was a very pleasing one, especially considering the cold climate and Russia's excellent home record. Mark Hughes' side will now surely be favourites to go on and qualify for the tournament held in Portugal, but still have their work carved out when the Russians visit the Millennium Stadium.

The Welsh defence did well to absorb the mass amounts of pressure from the Russian attack, who will now need to score in the Welsh capital.

Cardiff City's Daniel Gabbidon was the only Bluebird who took part in the game, with Robert Earnshaw warming the bench throughout. The Record breaking Zambian-born forward might play some part in forthcoming second leg.

The Russians visit Cardiff's showpiece stadium on Wednesday to decide who will be taking part in the Championships' . Wales still have to win the game to go through, and hopefully the media will not hype up this stalemate to much, with the job only half done!

The man of the match for the visitors was Jason Koumas. An inspired display from the West Bromwich Albion midfielder, who had Wales' only shot on target, will put him firmly in contention for a place in the starting line-up mid-week.

Russia: Ovchinnikov, Evseev, Sennikov, Smertin, Alenitchev, Ignashevich, Onopko (capt), Loskov, Boulykin, Mostovoi, Sychev.
Subs: Malafeev, Solomatin, Aldonin, Gusev, Titov, Izmailov, Kerzhakov.

Wales: Jones, Delaney, Gabion, Melville, Barnard, Koumas, Savage, Speed (capt), Johnson, Giggs, Hartson.
Subs: Crossley, Symons, Edwards, Robinson, Oster, Blake, Earnshaw.

 

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