Planet Swans ArchivesWales got the draw that they were probably looking for today when they were paired alongside England in Group 6 of the European qualifiers for the World Cup in 2006. With Northern Ireland in the same group, only the absence of Scotland stops this being the unofficial Home Nations championship.
The game against England will be the first meeting between the two countries since 1984, when Wales triumphed 1-0 in Wrexham. England were winners last time the two sides played outside of the principality when they triumphed 201 at Wembley in 1982.
Poland and Austria also feature in the group alongside one of Wales opponents in the Euro 2004 qualifiers Azerbaijan. Looking at the chances of qualification and you would have to say that Wales need to look for four wins in the two games against both Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan and then look to take the points in some of the remaining six games. The key will definitely be three home games, Wales downfall last time around was dropping points in Cardiff in the last two games and both games against England will be full blooded passionate encounters.
Old Trafford seems almost certain to host the English leg of the game with it’s capacity of over 65,000 while the Millennium Stadium could probably be sold out more than once for the game in Cardiff. After Mark Hughes wanting to start his home campaign last time against Italy, no doubt he will have the same feeling now that his home campaign should start with England who will start as group favourites as top seeds.
I see no reason why Poland and Austria cannot be beaten by Wales although there is no dispute that they will not be easy games. But the group as a whole looks possible for Wales to qualify from but I can safely say I don’t fancy England at home being the last game, Certainly not if we need a result to qualify.
Whatever happens, this is what we wanted – let the fun begin!
