Wales: Tough World Cup Draw

Wales have been handed a tough draw as they focus on qualifying for the next major Championships - World Cup 2010.


After struggling during the Euro 2008 campaign, Wales ended with creditable draws against the Republic of Ireland and Germany. Many young players have begun to come to the forfront as John Toshack concentrated on the next generation of Welsh stars.


Gone are the likes of Gary Speed, Ryan Giggs, John Hartson and Andy Melville - for so long the vcrux of the side.


Now emerging stars like Cardiff City pair Joe Ledley and Chris Gunter are showing their class and tremendous potential. With Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and co - hopes are increasing for a bright Welsh future. Add to that the progress made by the Welsh U21s with Aaron Ramsey and Darcy Blake also impressing and there could be good times ahead.




Wales have been drawn alongside Germany, Russia, Finland, Liechtenstein and our old friends Azerbaijan. It's not an impossible group but Germany will be expected to top the group and we will need to oust Russia (remember last time?). Finland are also improving as a nation and have some decent players.



Cardiff City players Gunter, Ledley, Ramsey, Blake and Parry have all represnted their country recently and all could hope to be involved in the 2010 World Cup with only Parry being over the age of 21 from that group.