World Cup quest starts with Azerbaijan

Wales quest for the World Cup as John Toshack’s Wales face an upstart Azerbaijan squad in the start of Group 4 action. While it is difficult to choose which is the most difficult group to get through, this section which includes Russia, Germany and Finland is surely high on the list. Points will be a extreme premium and Wales must be victorious in matches against the two weaker squads of the group, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein. Anything less that three points will sink the Dragons hopes however I wish to stress that Azerbaijan has been playing nothing like a push-over of later and are capable of upsetting the favoured home squad.

Wales will face a difficult challenge give its rather dramatic injury woes in both the attacking and defensive end of the pitch. While facing Azerbaijan without Craig Bellamy, Freddy Eastwood, James Collins, Lewin Nyatanga and Danny Gabbidon is challenge enough, against Russia next week it will be a herculian task to gain points. The good news is that Jason Koumas who was questionable, has successfully went through a match fitness test and has the go-ahead. With Rob Earnshaw healthy, he should pair with Man City’s Ched Evans up-top and they will need to push forget against a swarming Azerbaijan defense.

After bumbling through the Euro qualifiers, Azerbaijan has went through a modest resurgence as ex Nigerian manager Berti Vogts took control of operations in April and imparted a more disciplined style of play.

Azerbaijan recent form
01/06/2008 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1:0 (0:0) Azerbaijan (Friendly)
04/06/2008 Andorra 1:2 (0:2) Azerbaijan (Friendly)
20/08/2008 Iceland 1:1 (0:0) Azerbaijan (Friendly)
27/08/2008 Iran 1:0 (0:0) Azerbaijan (Friendly)

John Toshack will need to attack the visitors heavily or they will sit-back, lock the match down and be more than happy to come out with a nil draw. Equally they will need to watch the counter-attack and make sure the back-line is keenly aware of Red Star Belgrade-man Branimir Subhasic and Leandro Gomes.

This will be an exciting match to watch. I will report on it as it concludes.