Strapped-Up Bale Starts In Tricky Cyprus Tie

Chris Coleman`s Wales side will be looking to go three matches unbeaten tonight (13th October, 19:45PM) as the Dragons welcome Cyprus to the Cardiff City Stadium. A win for the home nation will see them accrue seven points from their initial games whilst a loss to the island side could see Wales relegated to as low as fourth in the Euro 2016 Qualifying Group B.

Both teams got their qualifying campaigns off to a solid start with 2-1 respective wins away from home. Wales came from behind to dispatch minnows Andorra, whilst Cyprus pulled off an upset in Zenica fighting back from 1-0 down to see off World Cup qualifiers and group favourites Bosnia-Hercegovina. A brace from Cyprus` Demetris Christofi cancelled out Vedad Ibisevic`s sixth minute opener. Meanwhile, it took two goals from Gareth Bale to overturn Andorra`s lead after an early converted penalty from Ildefons Lima.

Last time out, Wales failed to score past an equally profligate Bosnia side, with Cyprus unable to make up a two goal deficit with experienced midfielder Constantinos Makrides grabbing the second-half consolation for Pambos Christodoulou`s men. The match ended 2-1 as Omer Damari and Tal Ben Haim took their first-half opportunities to give the side their first win of the competition in Nicosia.

Perhaps surprisingly, home side Wales are the comfortable 8/15 (boylesports, Matchbook, paddy Power, Skybet) favourites for the Cardiff spectacular. Whilst there`s no doubt that fans will travel all across Cymru to support their boys, the Reds` performances still leave a lot to be desired. There was a lot made of the artificial playing surface affecting the style of Coleman`s play in Andorra before being unable to hit the back of the net against Bosnia on Friday, something Cyprus have done in their last two games. The team is evens with william hill to score for the third match in succession.

Could the away contingent be good vale for the win at 6/1 (betfair)? It was seven minutes of madness that saw the double conceded in the first half against Israel and the Cypriots made a good fist of getting back into the match in the second 45. Midfielder Vincent Laban told press that he and his team-mates would endeavour to play in the same style in their up-coming qualification fixtures.

`We need to make sure we carry on playing this way and maintain this team spirit,` the 30 year old said. `I`m sure it is going to pay off.`

A closely-fought tie can be backed at 7/2 with bet365 and betfair. Cypriot goalkeeper Antonis Giorgallides is a doubt ahead of tonight`s clash after the man between the sticks continued to play on against Israel despite picking up an injury 15 minutes into the encounter. Twenty-six-year-old APOEL keeper Tasos Kissas or the inexperienced Giorgos Loizou could be handed the gloves should their first-choice not be available. The team are 9/2 (betfair, Spreadex) to keep their first clean sheet since a 0-0 draw at home to Northern Ireland back in March.

Perhaps the key threat to this hope is potent Real Madrid man Gareth Bale. The winger is expected to start despite receiving treatment for a back injury endured in their match-up against Safet Susic`s Bosnia. Bale is the 3/1 (ladbrokes) favourite to score first as well as being available at 7/2 (bet365, william hill) to score two or more goals for the second time in three international games.

Youngster Jonny Williams will not be fit to play after coming off worse for wear on Friday. The Ipswich Town midfielder sustained an ankle injury after a number of heavy challenges.

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13/10/2014     © Frixo 2024