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Team news Nov 18, 2003

Mark Pembridge's calf injury looks almost certain to rule him out of the game, there are also some doubts over the fitness of Ryan Giggs, Robbie Savage, Andy Johnson and Robert Page. According to reports Giggs has now been passed fit.

Simon Davies and Adrian Williams are definitely out.

Giggs decision Nov 18, 2003

Ryan Giggs has been cleared to play in tomorrow night’s play-off second leg against Russia at the Millennium Stadium if fit. However he will have to subsequently answer a disciplinary charge by UEFA on December 4th.

click here
for UEFA statment

Earlier
A decision by UEFA on whether Ryan Giggs will miss the game on Wednesday is expected by late morning. Yesterday Russia lodged an official protest, claiming Giggs elbowed Vadim Evseev in Moscow.

Giggs action Nov 17, 2003

UEFA is set to investigate Russian FA claims that Ryan Giggs elbowed Vadim Evseev in the face during the the first leg match on Saturday.

The Russian FA believe Giggs should be suspended for the second leg, and UEFA has admitted it will study video evidence.

"Uefa is to investigate allegations that Ryan Giggs elbowed a Russian opponent in Moscow." a UEFA statement.

FAW to defend Giggs
The FAW have said they will defend Ryan Giggs if there is any attempt by UEFA to ban him from the game on Wednesday. "We would certainly not sit back and just accept a ban. We are very disappointed that the Russians have taken this action, we would certainly mention the terrible tackle on Ryan and the fact the Russian player involved clearly threw himself to the ground feigning injury. We have been told by UEFA that they will be investigating Russia's claims, and if in the unlikely event of him being banned from the second leg, we would appeal immediately." Ceri Stennett, FAW spokesman.

Latest news Nov 17, 2003

Player news
Mark Pembridge's calf injury is almost certain to rule him out of the second-leg match. Defender Robert Page may be available for selection.

Referee
Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez of Spain will be in charge on Wednesday evening.

Entertainment
Ali Yassine will provide the pre-match entertainment for the Russia match on Wednesday. Bryn Terfel will sing the anthem.

Toy horns
Regarding calls for Toy horns to be banned on Wednesday. "Toy horns will be allowed into the stadium at this and future football matches at the stadium." said a Spokesman.

News in brief Nov 16, 2003

Team news
There are no fitness worries ahead of the 2nd leg on Wednesday. Ryan Giggs is fit and looks set to win his 46th cap. "I will be all right to play in Wednesday's second leg." said Giggs. News on Pembridge, Davies and Page to follow

Bookings
Alexander Mostovoi and goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov were booked during last night's game and both will miss the second leg. Four Welsh players were booked (Delaney, Savage, Koumas and Speed) but all four are ok for the second leg.

Odds
Wales are Evens to make it through to the finals in Portugal. Russia 8/11.

Team news Nov 14, 2003

Speed May Revert To Midfield

Gary Speed may revert to his club position in midfield with Mark Pembridge definately out of the game. This might enable Darren Barnard of Grimsby to gain his 20th cap. However Mark Hughes, faced with a highly impressive Russian midfield is playing his cards close to his chest and certainly not letting his plans and tactics slip.

Vaughan - Just Happy To Be Involved

David Vaughan hopes Mark Hughes has seen his recent midfield performances. He says he believes Mark Hughes sees him as a left back but he's hoping Hughes will see he can play at several positions. Vaughan says he is just glad to be involved and would play anywhere he was asked to.

News in brief Nov 14, 2003

Team news

Robbie Savage has recovered from a slight hamstring injury. Speed could partner Savage in midfield, both Earnshaw and Koumas are set to start instead of the injured Bellamy and Davies. Russia have injury concerns over Alexei Smertin, Igor Titov and Andrei Karyaka.

Yellow cards
Three players are on Yellow cards for the first leg in Moscow. Andy Melville, Andy Johnson and Darren Barnard will miss the second leg if they picked up another caution on Saturday.

News in brief Nov 13, 2003

Savage boost
Robbie Savage has been declared fit to start the game in Moscow.

Referee for Saturday
Mr. Lucilio Cardoso Cortez Batisita, from Portugal will be in charge of the Russia v Wales Euro 20004 play off on Saturday. The referee for the 2nd leg match next Wednesday will be confirmed on Monday.

Terfel sings
Bryn Terfel will provide the pre match entertainment ahead of the game on Wednesday. He will also sing the national anthem before kick off.

Injury news Nov 12, 2003

Pembo out
Mark Pembridge is out of the game in Moscow with a calf strain. The team are hopeful that he will be available for the second leg in Cardiff on 19 November. More news on Monday next week regarding the above.

Savage Concern
There is still some concern over Robbie Savage who is yet to train with the squad.However there is still a possibilty that he will be able to play in the first leg of the play-off with Russia as although this is his third day without training it being regarded as a precautionary measure and he will travel with the team tomorrow.

Silver goal Nov 12, 2003

If necessary the second leg of the Euro 2004 play off will be decided by the Silver goal rule. If thirty minutes of extra time has to be played next Wednesday, the team leading at half time in extra time will go through to the finals. If both teams are level at half time the full thirty minutes of extra time will be played. If the result remains deadlocked at the end of the second period of extra time, a penalty shoot-out will determine the winners.

Team news Nov 11, 2003

Mark Pembridge is unlikely to make the trip to Moscow. Pembridge is struggling with a calf problem. "We are trying to get him fit but if he is not right by Thursday he obviously will not travel." said Hughes.

Robbie Savage has declared himself fit. At the moment he has a sore hamstring but he expects to be fit enough to play. "He has a slight problem, but we do not anticipate it will be major threat to whether or not he plays." said Hughes.

News in brief Nov 11, 2003

Savage training
Mark Hughes is hoping Robbie Savage will take part in training today. more to follow

Moscow tickets
The Welsh Football Association have sold around 1,700 tickets of their allocation for the game on Saturday.

Team news Nov 10, 2003

Players out
Simon Davies, Robert Page (ankle) and Adrian Williams (knee) will miss the trip to Moscow. Davies has been out of action with a niggling hip and groin injury since early September. Both Davies and Page may be available for the second leg match in Cardiff. Wales fly out on Thursday for the first leg match.

Should be fit
Both Robbie Savage and Nathan Blake should be fit for selection for the game in Moscow on Saturday.

Pembridge doubt
Mark Pembridge is very doubtful for the trip to Russia because of a calf injury. He is currently receiving treatment at the team hotel.

Squad news Nov 9, 2003

The squad will meet up this evening at around 8pm. Adrian Williams is doubtful for the trip to Moscow with a knee iniuury.

Simon Davies will travel down on Monday to join up with the squad. Mark Pembridge will travel down sometime during the week, both look unlikely to play in Moscow, but might take some part in the second leg on Wednesday week. more to follow

Savage fit Nov 6, 2003

At the moment Robbie Savage looks like being fit for the trip to Moscow.

The midfielder has fully recovered from a recurring Achilles problem and has taken full part in training over the past two days for his club.



 

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