opponent review: Wales part 1

September 7th, 2008 | By: j | 1 Comment »

Russia’s World Cup qualifying begins with an important match against Wales on Wednesday in Moscow. As we head into each match I will be reviewing the opposition as well as tactical decisions Guus Hiddink will employ.

In quick commentary of Group 4, clearly Russia’s main competition is Germany which demolished Liechtenstein 6-0 yesterday. The score of this match is an important consideration as the battle for automatic promotion could come down to goal differential. Clearly with Germany’s outpouring of goals, the typical practice of letting-up once victory is assured must be let go now and it could make for some very lop-sided matches.

As Wales heads into Moscow, tired from an exhausting 1-0 victory Azerbaijan they are also dealing with an enormous injury problem. In yesterdays match they were missing five of their normal starters (Craig Bellamy, Freddy Eastwood, James Collins, Lewin Nyatanga and Danny Gabbidon) but did receive a last minute entry of play-maker Jason Koumas.

After the Wales match, Jason Koumas commented: “I needed three different injections before the Azerbaijan game and I’m definitely struggling for Russia.”

Additionally for Wales, Gareth Bale suffered a modest injury and while he notes he will be available, clearly this will be fielding a squad made up of there very talented U-21 members.

I will provide a complete review of match one opponent Wales as well as Russia’s approach shortly.

P W D L GS GA GD Pts
Germany 1 1 0 0 6 0 6 3
Wales 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3
Finland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Russia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Azerbaijan 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
Liechtenstein 1 0 0 1 0 6 -6 0


Related Posts



Subscribe
 

rss icon Russia World Cup RSS Feed

Print
Print this article
Share
del.icio.us:opponent review: Wales part 1 digg:opponent review: Wales part 1 newsvine:opponent review: Wales part 1 reddit:opponent review: Wales part 1 fark:opponent review: Wales part 1 Y!:opponent review: Wales part 1 stumbleupon:opponent review: Wales part 1

Comments
Username By yevy | September 8th, 2008 at 3:51 am
top comment
cornercorner

Russia’s experience and fitness should be too much for Wales to overcome in Moscow. I anticipate a comfortable victory on Wednesday for Guus’s crew.

Posted from United States United States

cornercorner


Comments are closed


 
Go to WCB Homepage




Send Your Tips!

Found a great story, photo or video that's perfect for World Cup Blog?
Email tips[at]worldcupblog[dot]org

Russia Club Football News

More Europe Blogs

Monthly Archives

closer
World Cup Blog