Giggs Starts as Wales Battle to Moscow Stalemate
Welsh Wizard
By Chris O'Brien
November 15 2003
Ryan Giggs was in action, as Wales battled hard to earn an impressive 0-0 stalemate in Moscow. The result means Wales have an excellent chance of qualifying for their first major championships' since 1958, with Russia visiting the Millennium Stadium for the return leg on Wednesday.
| Giggs in Action as Wales Battle for Moscow Stalemate |
| Ryan Giggs was in action, as Wales
battled hard to earn an impressive 0-0 draw in the first-leg of their
European Championships' Play-Off against Russia in Moscow. In a game where Wales spent most of the game defending, Giggs showed some good runs down the left flank, and as always looked a threat. 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. 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.
Wales: Jones, Delaney, Gabion, Melville,
Barnard, Koumas, Savage, Speed (capt), Johnson, Giggs, Hartson. |
