Latest news - April 1999.

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FAW still optimistic of final Euro 2000 qualifier.

The FAW are still optimistic that the final Euro 2000 qualifier against Switzerland will be played at Cardiff's City, Ninian Park in October as originally scheduled.

The plan to play in Cardiff had been put in jeopardy by the fact that the Welsh rugby team will be in action against Japan in the Rugby World Cup at the city's Millennium Stadium on the same day.

Italy are in Belarus in their final match of Group One that same day and unless Italy have already qualified and Belarus are no longer in contention it is likely that UEFA will decide on the dates and kick-off times of the two games.

What FAW secretary general David Collins said:

"South Wales Constabulary have told us it would not be possible to police both matches on the same day but, according to the international calendar, our match can be played on the Saturday or on Sunday, October 10,"

"But, after further meetings with the police and various other parties, we remain hopeful of implementing plans to play Switzerland in Cardiff that weekend."

Wednesday, April 14 1999.

All is not lost.

Bobby Gould surveyed the wreckage of Wales' Euro 2000 trip to Switzerland that had started with such high hopes, and declared: "All is not lost."

The Wales chief was a frustrated spectator as Wales slumped to a 2-0 defeat in Zurich and lost second spot in group one to their hosts.

What Bobby Gould said:

"It was very disappointing. We had so much of the possession but failed to use it to good effect."

"We gave away too many free-kicks that put us under pressure, gave possession away and let a class striker like Stephane Chapuisat have the space to score two gift goals. You can't do that."

"You only have to look at the group table to know it is still wide open, nothing is impossible and any one of the countries could clinch at least a play-off spot."

"It's all to play for in June when we face Italy away and then Denmark at home in five days. Who's to say we can't repeat the back to back wins we managed in October."

Friday, April 2 1999.

Dean Saunders underlines how Wales struggled against the Swiss.

What Dean Saunders said:
"We just seemed a yard off the pace, everywhere the ball went we were a yard short. We rarely got to the ball first."

"I don't think they were that good a side and the two goals we conceded were real rubbish goals. I think if you asked any of our lads they would say that if we'd played them at home, we'd have won."

"Now we have that game as the last match in the group and we would all be very confident against them in Wales."

"They played two wide men and one down the middle and it messed us about a bit."

"We had people, square pegs in round holes, doing their best but we couldn't get to grips with them at times."

"The result is a big blow because we had a great chance of cementing ourselves into second place. But we have got to keep going, it's not over by a long way."

Friday, April 2 1999.