October 2008 Archives

CRAIG BELLAMY said it was the same old story for Wales after they were yet again the plucky losers in Germany on Tuesday - but this time there is hope.
The narrow 1-0 defeat means Wales have played both of their rivals for first or second place - Germany and Russia - without taking a point off either of them. It leaves the players and fans in the same position they were at this stage of the last qualifying campiagn - wondering what might have been had Wales taken points off one of the group favourites.
But things aren't as bleak as they were after Wales had victory snatched from them in the Czech Republic two years ago. After defeat in Moscow in a game which Wales arguably deserved to win, Wales are still level on points with the Russians, although admittedly having played a game more.
Next up are two home games - Finland and Germany. A win over Finland is must, and after holding the Germans for 72 minutes John Toshack's side have to believe they have a chance of sneaking something.
After that, Wales have to hope Russia slip up - perhaps against Finland next June - before they visit the Millennium Stadium next September, when hopefully the home side will still be in with a chance of second place.
By that time, Wales will have Aaron Ramsey and possibly the likes of Jack Collison and Simon Church in their squad. Anybody who saw those three and the rest of the under-21s run England close over two legs this last week will know there is definitely hope for the future.