FT: Cyprus 0-1 Wales

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Quote Message: It's a fantastic result. The performance wasn't really up to the standards we have set ourselves but sometimes you have to come to places like this and grind out a result. It's a phenomenal feeling." from Ben Davies Wales defender

It's a fantastic result. The performance wasn't really up to the standards we have set ourselves but sometimes you have to come to places like this and grind out a result. It's a phenomenal feeling."

Well the big one is Netherlands losing 1-0 at home to Iceland. That shock defeat means they are now eight points behind the group leaders, while Czech Republic, in second, have a six-point cushion on the Dutch after their 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan. 

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was in fine form as Belgium beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 at home - they remain three points behind Wales in second, while Israel hammered Andorra 4-0 to stay third, five points behind Chris Coleman's men. 

And in Group H Italy cut it fine but Southampton's Graziano Pelle got the winner in a 1-0 win over Malta that sees Antonio Conte's men leapfrog Croatia, who could only draw 0-0 in Azerbaijan.

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No wonder Wales are celebrating. They need one more win to make sure of their place at Euro 2016 and two of their remaining three games are at home to Israel - on Sunday - and Group B whipping boys Andorra on 13 October.

They also have one more away trip - against Bosnia Herzegovina on 10 October

How are you feeling now Wales fans? Booked your Eurostar already?

Lines are open for BBC Radio Wales' phone-in if you want to share your stories of celebration...

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Quote Message: The header is an amazing header. It was straight out of John Charles' soccer book, John Charles would have been proud of that." from Chris Coleman Wales manager

The header is an amazing header. It was straight out of John Charles' soccer book, John Charles would have been proud of that."

It's all over at Deepdale, where England's Under-21 side have beaten the United States' Under-23 side.

It was James Wilson's goal that settled it - scored after manager Gareth Southgate made nine second-half changes.

What next for the England youngsters? They begin their qualifying campaign for the 2017 Euros on Monday in a 17:45 BST kick-off in Norway.

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Robbie Savage has been upsetting people on social media this evening - but not for reasons you might expect... 

It's this quote that's got people going: 

"I've said that man  but you could mix that with Batman because Gareth Bale has got superpowers as well."

The science fiction crowd is not one you want to upset, Robbie. Let's call it mitigating circumstances.

Wales manager Chris Coleman speaking to Sky Sports: "It was always going to be difficult, we knew what to expect. The pitch was woeful, it was hot and humid, and the opposition had nothing to lose. 

"Expectations were on us. It wasn’t one of our better performances. But it is a huge three points. There was a lot of pressure on us and the players handled it magnificently."

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Wales goalscorer Gareth Bale speaking to Sky Sports: "I think it was more than tough but we were able to nick a goal that has put us in a great position.

"We knew the task coming into this game, we know what we have to do and we know what our capabilities are."

"There is camaraderie, there is unity, in this Wales team. As they were walking off the pitch there were 20 staff members lined up and as every one of the players went past each one. They were hugging each other and patting each other on the back. 

"It is a unit, and Chris Coleman deserves a massive amount of credit. There is leadership from the back with Ashley Williams."

Wales captain Ashley Williams speaking to Sky Sports: "I don't think we played as well as we have done. We had a game plan to keep it tight.

"It was very hot and Cyprus were bang up for it as we were. It was one of the more difficult games of campaign. We have earned the right to be in this position. Sunday is a chance to get the job done."

"Just looking back to Gareth Bale's goal, he had to generate all the power himself with his neck muscles - there was no pace on the cross at all. To generate that much power, from a tiny run, it was incredible. 

"John Toshack could head a ball, but Gareth Bale's, that beats them all." 

"Get the ice and the champagne ready, and get ready to pop those corks on a wonderful weekend for Welsh football."

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Planning a quiet romantic night in Cardiff on Sunday? Forget it. It's going to be loud and there could be the party of all parties.

Defeat Israel and Wales are going to Euro 2016.

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"Cyprus can be proud of their performance - they've played well, but they've been beaten by a good defensive display - and that goal from that man, Gareth Bale. 

"I've said that man but you could mix that with Batman because he has got superpowers as well. What an occasion it could be on Sunday.

"Wales have now got an opportunity to get to a major international tournament for the first time since 1958."     

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Huge result for Chris Coleman and his players. HUGE...

Shaun MacDonald is on for Aaron Ramsey is the dying seconds. Not long now...

Cyprus have really given Wales a game. Georgios Economides tries his luck from distance...it's high and wide and the Wales fans cheer loudly.

"Wayne Hennessey has been the unsung hero of this campaign as well. That save down to his left, from the reaction of the defence it looked like it was going in.

"But now we are seeing the greatest ever player to put on the red shirt of Wales. And Gareth Bale's coming off with a goal that I believe will send Wales to the Euros." 

Goalscorer Gareth Bale gets a standing ovation from the travelling fans as he is replaced by Simon Church moments after Wayne Hennessey produces an excellent diving save to frustrate the hosts. 

Three minutes of time added on.

It's been scrappy, it's been niggly, it's been anything but a cracker. But it's job done as far as Wales are concerned.

Two minutes of normal time and counting...

It's not over yet and Cyprus come close to an equaliser as Ashley Williams's headed clearance deflects off Pieros Sotiriou and flies just wide of Wayne Hennessey's net.

Five minutes and counting. Wales' lead at the top of Group B is up to three points again - and five clear of third place. If the game finishes like this and they defeat Israel on Sunday, Chris Coleman's side have qualified.

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"Gareth Bale has scored six goals in this European campaign  and he's put Wales an awful lot closer to a party on Sunday."

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"That was the punch! What a header from Gareth Bale. He powered it into the top corner. He's not been great but that header - France here we come! It's that man again - Wales' greatest ever player."

Great move by Wales - their best of the match. Neil Taylor sprints down the wing before cutting back for Aaron Ramsey who meets it first time only for the Cyprus keeper to pull off a flying stop. 

It doesn't get any better for the Netherlands as Czech Republic equalise against Kazakhstan.  Milan Skoda's goal makes it 1-1 and as it stands the Netherlands are four points behind Czech Republic, who are second in Group A.

Meanwhile, Southampton's Graziano Pelle has just put Italy 1-0 up against Malta in Group H.

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This has been a gritty, back-to-the-wall performance by Wales. It's not been pretty but this could be a priceless point.

"The two best Cypriot players have both gone off. That's really positve for Wales. 

"If I was Chris Coleman, I'd be thinking with 15 minutes left that Gareth Bale has been crowded out, we're not playing well, let's just not get beat now. Let's not do anything stupid defensively, and if results go our way on Sunday we can qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1958."

Second change for Cyprus. Skipper Constantinos Charalambides is replaced by Nikos Englezou. Will Wales make another change?

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The 10,000 or so fans at Deepdale have had to wait over 70 minutes for it but finally England have made the breakthrough. 

It's far from a classic though - Manchester United striker James Wilson taps in from close range after Duncan Watmore's run is smothered to put Gareth Southgate's side ahead. 

Just under 20 minutes to play in Preston.

Belgium are still winning so Wales's lead at the top of Group B is down to one point as it stands. Plenty of time left in Brussels and Nicosia for that to change.

"It's backs to the wall at the moment for Wales, they are having to grind this out."

Got to admit, I'm not massively up on my Mediterranean vegetable knowledge. Do we believe this?

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Has the sting been taken out of the Cyprus attack? The hosts are struggling for ideas and Wales are seeing a lot more of the ball. Can they make it count?

Sam Vokes is on for the final 20-plus minutes for Hal Robson-Kanu who has run himself into the ground. Chris Coleman certainly has one eye on Sunday's game with Israel. 

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The travelling Welsh fans remain in good voice. Here comes Wales's first change...

"Have Cyprus got one eye on the Belgium game on Sunday? 

"Nestor Mytidis has really ruffled the feather of the Wales defence. That is a really strange substitution for me, a really negative one. He's looked really strong tonight."

First change of the game...and it's good news for Wales. Nestor Mytidis, who posed a threat before the break, is replaced by Georgios Kolokoudias.

"This has been one of Gareth Bale's poorer nights for Wales in recent memory but it's all relative and that can all still change. Bale could fire Wales to the Euros yet." 

Still no breakthrough at Deepdale, where England's Under-21s are taking on the United States' Under-23 side. 

Debutants Jordon Ibe and Dele Alli have both had decent chances, but here comes the changes as manager Gareth Southgate brings on all nine of his substitutes.

Could Manchester United's James Wilson be the man to make the difference?

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It's not been Gareth Bale's night so far. He's been caught in possession more than once..and he's struggled to pose a threat.

The home manager is pacing his technical area looking a little bit cheesed off his side are not ahead.

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Cyprus have been pretty relentless since the interval. They have rattled Wales but the visitors are trying to slow the game down. 

"What I am seeing from Gareth Bale tonight is a man desperate to qualify. He's taking too many touches. He desperately wants to win.   

"But as long as Wales don't lose this game they are still in a very strong position. Cyprus are playing much better than I expected."

A period of chaotic defending by Wales as Cyprus come again. Georgios Economides leaves his marker behind and sends a dipping effort narrowly over the Welsh bar.

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Imagine a European Championships without the Netherlands. Well, it is looking increasingly likely that could happen in 2016 as the Dutch are 1-0 down at home to Iceland, Gylfi Sigurdsson putting the visitors ahead.

That means the Netherlands are third in Group A, three points behind second place Czech Republic, who are surprisingly 1-0 down to Kazakhstan.

"Wales are looking for a first win in Cyprus since 1992, one Chris Coleman in the side that night, 1-0. They've had a couple of shockers since then."

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Both sides are refusing to settle for a point. Two fully committed and going for it. Cyprus are seeing plenty of the ball but cannot hurt their opponents.

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"That was the first time Hal Robson-Kanu has had space to run in behind the defence, but the goalkeeper was on the front foot. He came diving out quickly to get both hands on the ball. No penalty. Fantastic goalkeeping."

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It's getting tasty.Hal Robson-Kanu goes flying inside the Cyprus area after keeper Antonis Giorgallides comes rushing off his line to clear Gareth Bale's defence-carving pass. No penalty.

"You've basically got seven defensive players when Wales sit back - there's just Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale and Hal Robson-Kanu who are expressing themselves going forward."

It's approaching 23:00 in Cyprus and the heat is still stifling. But there's no let up in the energy levels of both teams. Gareth Bale delivers a fine ball into the the home area but it's well caught by the keeper.

Bale is taking a real battering. He's just been sent sprawling - not for the first time. He gets up, dusts himself down and goes again.

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Another long range swerving shot. This time Marios Nikolaou lets fly and Wayne Hennessey can't hold it as it cannons off his body. Wales on the back foot.

A huge 45 minutes for Wales. We're back under way...

England's Under-21s are in action tonight - in a home friendly against the United States' Under-23 side. 

Can Gareth Southgate's men move on from the disappointment of their group-stage exit from the European Championship.

They're back under way at Deepdale after a goalless first half.   

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As it stands, Wales have 15 points, Belgium 14 and Israel 12. It's getting a little bit tight in Group B. Can Wales nick a goal? Here come the players...

"It's going to be a mistake tonight that's probably going to cost someone a goal, and it could be either side."

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Austria face Moldova on Saturday in Euro 2016 qualifying and Leicester City defender Christian Fuchs, who is the Austrian captain, has put together a team he thinks is capable of getting victory...

Northern Ireland resume their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a trip to the Faroe Islands tomorrow, a 19:45 BST kick-off. 

We'll be bringing you live text commentary on that one, and there'll also be full coverage on BBC Radio 5 live. 

Some news from the Northern Ireland camp ahead of Friday's qualifier away to the Faroe Islands coming up...

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"Gareth Bale has been on the fringes but he's still looked dangerous. He nearly scored from a free-kick and started confidently but with the surface sometimes his touch has let him down. Wales have to keep getting the ball to him because I'm sure it will come good for him at some point though. 

"Wales had a goal ruled out - wrongly in my opinion - but still Cyprus have looked very dangerous through Constantinos Makridis on the left."

An update that might be of interest to Manchester City fans here. Kevin De Bruyne has just bagged a belter for Belgium - a 25-yarder - and they lead 2-1 against Bosnia-Herzegovina. That means Belgium are back up to second in Group B, behind leaders Wales.

In the other game in that group, Israel are 4-0 up against Andorra and out of sight.

Meanwhile, it is not going great at all for the Netherlands. Soon after going down to 10 men, Dutch captain Arjen Robben has to go off injured. He is replaced by Luciano Narsingh.

The only positive really for the Dutch is that it is still goalless with Iceland. 

The only other score to bring you of note is that Kazakhstan are 1-0 up at Czech Republic.

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It's nervy but so far so good for Wales.

"Hal Robson-Kanu has got to be more positive there! On a surface like this you have to shoot, just get a strike on across the goalkeeper. Instead he looks for a team-mate and the chance is gone as Aaron Ramsey's touch lets him down."

What a waste. Hal Robson-Kanu wins possession and it is three against two in favour as the Wales man powers deep into Cyprus territory. He passes to Aaron Ramsey on the edge of the area but the Arsenal man can't control the ball and the chance is gone.

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"A very nice move - it meant Antreas Makris had a free shot on goal. Georgios Economides and Marios Nikolau have done really well in midfield for Cyprus too, crowding out Gareth Bale. 

"But still Wales have to look for Bale more often. He may be struggling for space but he's still their biggest threat to score."

Wales switch off at a Cyprus free-kick near the corner flag and Antreas Makris is unmarked on the edge of the area with a clear scoring chance but can't keep his shot down. Warning for the men in red.

BBC Sport's Dafydd Pritchard in Nicosia: "Wales’ fans went from delight to fury in the space of a second when referee Szymon Marciniak disallowed a goal from David Edwards.

"The Wales midfielder headed into the bottom corner but his celebrations were quickly curtailed as Marciniak judged Hal Robson-Kanu to have pushed a Cypriot defender.

"It looked debatable at first glance - or plain wrong in the eyes of the vociferous Welsh fans, who are still venting their anger towards the Polish referee."

Gareth Bale sprints forward before a peach of a pass to Aaron Ramsey who...gives the ball straight to a blue shirt. Wales need to improve in the final third.

"It's going OK for Wales, you can't say that their keeper Wayne Hennessey has had too much to do."

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Around 10 minutes to half-time. All going to plan for Wales. Chris Coleman's side have responded well after surviving a couple of early scares. Can they make the breakthough before the interval?

Tottenham's Dele Alli and Liverpool's Joe Gomez and Jordon Ibe were among the starters as Gareth Southgate’s England Under-21 side look to move on from the disappointment of their group-stage exit from the European Championships this summer.

New captain James Ward-Prowse delivered for Eric Dier to head over, while Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow has twice gone close for the home side.  

No breakthrough so far though, with half-time approaching.

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Elsewhere in Group B, Belgium  have hit back quickly after that Bosnia-Herzegovina opener, meaning that game is 1-1. Marouane Fellaini grabbed the equaliser, firing in from a Kevin De Bruyne corner.

Meanwhile, Israel have also added to their advantage against Andorra and now lead 3-0. Could be a big win on the cards.

In Group A,  Netherlands, third in the standings, are at home to leaders Iceland but have been dealt a blow in their hopes of getting a much-needed win with defender Bruno Martins-Indi having just been sent off.

Wales will feel aggrieved by that disallowed goal. There were not many appeals from the Cyprus players when Dave Edwards headed home. The visitors have upped the tempo and are enjoying a good spell of possession. Wales fans are in good voice.

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"What a challenge! Gareth Bale was away! He had the pace, he looked to be one-on-one with the goalkeeper but Kostas Lafis came in with a real last ditch tackle!" 

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All go now. Wales suddenly rampaging on the break, Gareth Bale closing down on goal, but the Real Madrid man is denied by a brilliant covering tackle from Kostas Laifis.

"That is so harsh. It's a fantastic delivery from Gareth Bale, Dave Edwards wins the header. I'm not being biased but that is a ridiculous decision. The referee's obviously given it for a slight nudge." 

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Wales have the ball in the back of the net. The thousands of travelling fans behind Antonis Giorgallides goal are celebrating as Dave Edwards rises above the defence to meet Gareth Bale's inswinging cross but it is ruled out for a push. It looks a harsh decision from here.

Hal Robson-Kanu is spoken to by the referee after man handling Dossa Junior in an act of frustration after the Cypriot defender shields the ball out for a goal kick.

It's all very stop-start from Wales. The referee has his work cut out with the foul count from both teams through the roof already.

Belgium have not lost a home qualifier in five years, but they are in a bit of trouble at the moment as Edin Dzeko heads  Bosnia-Herzegovina into a 1-0 lead.

Could be a big boost for Wales' qualification hopes. Belgium are currently third in Group B, with Israel second.

Uncomfortable times for Wales.

A sloppy pass by Gareth Bales sparks a Cyprus attack which leaves the visiting defence under pressure.

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"I don't know how fit the Cypriots will be, but the heat will take a lot out of all players, not just the Welsh but the Cypriots as well."  

"It was a straight ball into the striker and Ashley Williams was very close. Has he got his arms round him? Is he backing in? I don't think it was a penalty, but again, Richards has got to concentrate a little more. He doesn't have to do that. 

"I've been really impressed by Cyprus. They've started really positively."

Jeers ring out around the ground as Nestor Mytidis goes down in the area after a challenge by Ashley Williams. The locals are not happy as the referee waves away claims for a penalty.

Suggestions from the commentary box that if that had been 10 yards outside the area a free kick would have been given.

Nervous moments for Wales.

"The first thing on Gareth Bale's mind whenever he gets the ball is to turn and run on goal. He's in that number 10 position, but his touch has let him down a few times so far.

"The left to right diagonal ball is there for Cyprus. Constantinos Makridis has been threatening down that side and Ben Davies has been coming across to help out Ashley Richards at right-back."   

Will Wales pay for Neil Taylor's miss? Make no mistake, if that had fallen to Gareth Bale or Aaron Ramsey, Chris Coleman's side would be ahead.

Cyprus have regrouped and are trying to string some passes together. Not easy on this surface though.

A dreadful pitch, a swerving ball, late challenges everywhere...this is going to be eventful.

Wales' Group B rivals Israel have taken an early lead against Andorra as Eran Zahavi pounces to score after goalkeeper Ferran Pol fails to hold Nir Bitton's effort.

That means Israel are currently third on 12 points, three behind Wales.

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"Too far out for Gareth Bale? No chance - he plays for Real Madrid. Bale hit the top of the ball and it swerved so much that the 'keeper made a right mess of his first stop. Then Neil Taylor has to bury the follow up." 

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Free-kicks galore in these opening exchanges.

Wales win another about 35-yard's out and Gareth Bales fancies it. The Real Madrid man takes a couple of strides before unleashing a tremendous effort which the keepers fumbles. The ball lands at the feet of Neil Taylor whose close-range effort is blocked by the stopper.

Encouraging for Wales.

"The two superstars of this Wales team combine. What a start to an international fixture. We usually see teams sussing each other out but they've gone for each other straight from the start these two. 

"Ashley Williams has been a bit rash in his early challenges though. He needs to start better." 

Good response from Wales. Gareth Bale is on the charge. He powers forward to within shooting range before playing in Aaron Ramsey.The Arsenal man then curls an effort just over the bar.

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There are loads of white empty seats in the home ends of the ground. But the Cyprus fans who have turned up have seen an encouraging start by their side.

Wales are nervous. They concede an early corner, Constantinos Charalambides swings it in and Dossa Junior fails to connect with a swinging boot.

"When Gareth Bale was warming up he was given a massive round of applause by the Cyprus fans. And last night at the team hotel there were loads of Cypriot children getting his autograph - the guy is a superstar. 

"Bale isn't the captain though, Ashley Williams is and he's a great leader. They must not buckle now, Wales."

Niggly start on a bobbly and poor pitch. Wales skipper Ashley Williams concedes a very early foul after flattening his opponent. This is going to be physical.

We're under way...

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Read more from John Hartson.

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Passionate and heart-pumping stuff from the Wales players during the national anthem. Let's hope they are just as enthusiastic after kick-off. We're ready to go...

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Both teams are in the tunnel. The travelling fans from Wales are in tremendous voice. It's sweltering hot in Nicosia. Can Chris Coleman's side handle the heat? Here come the sides...

Win. Draw. Win. Draw. Win. Win.

Hands up those who thought Wales would still be unbeaten six games into their qualifying campaign having played Belgium home and away? Be honest...

Their remaining games after this are: 6 September - Israel (home), 10 October - Bosnia Herzegovina (away), 13 October - Andorra (home).

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"Gareth Bale is on fine form – he scored two goals for Real Madrid at the weekend and I think he is the greatest ever Wales player. His performances for his country have been incredible.

"John Charles wasn't really my era, people might say it should be Ryan Giggs, but he never got us over the line. Bale will pull Wales over the line, to qualify for a major tournament. That’s why it should be him.

"Chris Coleman too, deserves a lot of credit because after he took over he got a lot of stick. I was one of them when they almost lost to Andorra. But it’s ridiculous what Coleman has achieved. At times Wales have been a laughing stock, now they are ninth in the Fifa rankings."

New Manchester City signing Kevin De Bruyne will be hoping to make an impact for Belgium, who start the latest round of games three points and one place behind leaders Wales.

Bosnia Herzegovina are the visitors to Brussels but if Belgium slip up then third-placed Israel, who host bottom team Andorra, could end the day second in the table with three games to play.

Adnan Januzaj, by the way, is on the bench.

Wales manager Chris Coleman, speaking to Sky Sports:  "We have made changes, some because of injury and others not. We have more than enough to put in a performance that is for sure. This is a big challenge for us. We are not looking at what is happenign elsewhere, or the possibilities if this or that happens. We are just focusing on Cyprus v Wales.

"All we want is a referee tonight who will be competent. We know the pitch is not great, it is hot but we knew that before we arrived."

Quote Message: I think four points will do it. One thing is certain - over the next two games we have the chance to definitely qualify." from Kevin Ratcliffe Former Wales captain

I think four points will do it. One thing is certain - over the next two games we have the chance to definitely qualify."

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What's happening with theNetherlandsright now? Since Louis van Gaal left to take on the Manchester United job they've won just three of six Euro 2016 qualifiers and trail Group A leaders Icelandby five points. 

The Dutch can narrow that gap to two points with victory in Amsterdam tonight, but second-placed Czech Republic will be expecting to take three points from a home fixture against Kazakhstan, too. 

Earlier today, Azerbaijan coach Robert Prosinecki (the former Real Madrid, Barcelona and, erm, Portsmouth midfielder) held his native Croatia to a 0-0 draw in Group H.

The result means Italy can leapfrog group leaders Croatia with a win at home to Malta.

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"There are about three or four thousand Wales fans congregating behind one of the goals here now, and the air of optimism is astonishing. The atmosphere here in Cyprus has been incredible. 

"You can really see how much being so close to qualification means to all of them, and the players too. They've got a different mentality now, to us failures - you can see it in the way they walk around."

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A reminder of the team news...

Wales manager Chris Coleman makes three changes from the team which beat Belgium 1-0 in June. 

Suspended and injured Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is replaced by Andy King, while David Edwards comes in for fellow midfielder Joe Ledley, a late withdrawal with a hamstring injury. 

Tottenham’s Ben Davies returns from injury as one of three centre-backs, taking the place of James Chester who is ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Wales XI: Hennessey; Richards, Gunter, Williams, Davies, Taylor; Edwards, King, Ramsey; Bale, Robson-Kanu.

Cyprus XI: Giorgallides; Dossa Júnior, Demetriou, Antoniades, Laifis; Economides, Charalambides, Makridis, Nikolaou; Mytidis.

Quote Message: This is possibly the best squad Wales have had - certainly in my lifetime. This team has more Premier League players than we have ever had playing and we have a couple of world class players too which makes a massive difference." from Kevin Ratcliffe Former Wales captain

This is possibly the best squad Wales have had - certainly in my lifetime. This team has more Premier League players than we have ever had playing and we have a couple of world class players too which makes a massive difference."

Seemingly sticking a flag in your car window is no longer enough. 

What better way to show support for your country than to cut out a paper beard and stick it on your face?

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Gareth's got a way to go if he's trying to catch up. Not sure if Cristiano Ronaldo would approve though.

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BBC Sport's Dafydd Pritchard in Nicosia: "Joe Ledley was a late withdrawal for tonight’s game with a hamstring injury, but the Crystal Palace midfielder is at the GSP Stadium with the rest of the Wales squad and he has been prominent around Nicosia today.

"That’s because the 28-year-old’s beard has developed quite a cult following, with fans sporting cut-out copies of his facial furniture and using the hashtag #JoeLedleysBeard on social media.

"Ledley will be missed in Wales’ midfield, but it would have been tough for the former Cardiff City man to play in this heat with such an impressive beard."

Quote Message: This group of players have grown up watching the Wales team play and fail. This group does not want to fail. They want to be different. They want to take it to the next level." from John Hartson Former Wales striker

This group of players have grown up watching the Wales team play and fail. This group does not want to fail. They want to be different. They want to take it to the next level."

Listen to more from John Harston

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Fans of Walsall, Leyton Orient and Anorthosis Famagusta will know all about Cyprus right-back Jason Demetriou, who starts tonight. 

The 27-year-old east London-born defender began his career with Orient, before moving to Cyprus in 2010 with his international career in mind. 

He's since made the journey back to the UK - signing up with Walsall before the start of this year's League One campaign. 

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So just how good are Cyprus? Well, they are nowhere near Wales, who are ninth in the Fifa rankings - lying 82nd below Estonia and the Faroe Islands. 

They opened this campaign with a fine 2-1 win away to Bosnia-Herzegovina before losing by the same scoreline at home to Israel.

Six of their nine points have come by defeating whipping boys Andorra home and away while they are the last team to score against Wales in this qualifying campaign after Vincent Laban found the net in Cardiff last October.

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You can listen to full match commentary of tonight's game on BBC Radio 5 live, the build-up began at 19:00 BST. 

And in fact, Wales' match against Cyprus kicks off six days of European Championship qualifying on the station. Here's what's coming up:

Friday: (All kick-off times BST)

Georgia v Scotland (17:00)

Faroe Islands v Northern Ireland (19:45)

Saturday:

San Marino v England (17:00)

Sunday:

Wales v Israel (17:00)

Monday:

Scotland v Germany (19:45)

OR

Northern Ireland v Hungary (19:45)

Tuesday:

England v Switzerland (19:45)

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England's Under-21s are in action for the first time since their disappointing group-stage exit from this summer's European Championship in a friendly match against the United States' Under-23 side at Deepdale tonight. 

James Ward-Prowse is Jack Butland's replacement as captain, while Joe Gomez, Jordon Ibe and Dele Alli could all make their debuts before Gareth Southgate's side begin their qualifying campaign for the 2017 Euros on Monday in a 17:45 BST kick-off in Norway.

How will the new generation shape up? We'll have updates for you here throughout the evening.

And don't forget you can also catch build up to tonight's European Championship qualifier starting in just a few moments at 19:00 BST.

Quote Message: It's about time we got rid of the 1958 tag. We're just about there and if we mess up this time it will be the mother of all mess ups. Wales don't need to win tonight. A draw will be enough with Israel and Andorra still to visit Cardiff." from Barry Horne Former Wales captain

It's about time we got rid of the 1958 tag. We're just about there and if we mess up this time it will be the mother of all mess ups. Wales don't need to win tonight. A draw will be enough with Israel and Andorra still to visit Cardiff."

With about 55 minutes to go before kick-off, the GSP Stadium in Nicosia is filling up...

Three changes to the Wales side that defeated Belgium last time out in the qualifying campaign.

Defender Ben Davies and midfielder Dave Edwards and Andy King start in place of the injured James Chester, Joe Allen and Joe Ledley  

Wales XI: Hennessey; Richards, Gunter, Williams, Davies, Taylor; Edwards, King, Ramsey; Bale, Robson-Kanu.

Cyprus XI: Giorgallides; Dossa Júnior, Demetriou, Antoniades, Laifis; Economides, Charalambides, Makridis, Nikolaou; Mytidis.

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BBC Sport's Dafydd Pritchard in Nicosia: "Wales fans have followed their team in their droves during this Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, and tonight’s match in Cyprus might well be the best trip of all for the travelling contingent.

"Buses have been ferrying fans from the clubbing resort of Ayia Napa to Nicosia, and the revellers have brought the party atmosphere with them.

"The streets of Cyprus’ capital city are sprawling with Welsh shirts and flags, the bustling cafes and bars a sea of red.

"The fans will need to pace themselves, though, because it is baking hot here. Having reached 36 degrees celsius earlier, the temperature will only be dropping to 26 when the match kicks off."

Passionate words from John Hartson but Wales have lost their last two games in Cyprus. Will they blow it again? Or are Chris Coleman's side heading for Euro 2016 next summer? If they do get there how big an achievement will it be for sport in Wales?

Tweet #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only) or post a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Quote Message: To think where Wales have come in the last 18 months. They are top of a group that contains Belgium who have the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Christian Benteke, Vincent Kompany and Eden Hazard. Wales have no right to take four points off Belgium. You think they are going to mess it up now? Absolutely no chance. Wales fans book your trains, book your flights...we're off to France." from John Hartson Former Wales striker

To think where Wales have come in the last 18 months. They are top of a group that contains Belgium who have the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Christian Benteke, Vincent Kompany and Eden Hazard. Wales have no right to take four points off Belgium. You think they are going to mess it up now? Absolutely no chance. Wales fans book your trains, book your flights...we're off to France."

Listen to more from John Hartson.

Some huge news emerging from the Wales dressing room. Official team news out in a few minutes but here's BBC Wales football correspondent Rob Phillips... 

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Let's get one thing clear from the start. Wales cannot qualify today for next summer's tournament whatever happens in the next three hours.

Seeing as they have not reached a major tournament since 1958, I'm sure they won't mind waiting a few more days to book their spot.

Even with three points in Nicosia and an unlikely defeat for third-placed Israel at home to rock bottom and point-less Andorra, the Dragons can still mathematically be caught.

But Wales can make absolute sure by following up victory over Cyprus with another against Israel in Cardiff on Sunday.

Ryan Giggs missed out. So too Ian Rush and Mark Hughes.

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The likes of Craig Bellamy, John Hartson and Robbie Savage also failed to play for Wales at a major tournament.

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But Chris Coleman's class of 2015 are well on their way to making history. Defeat Cyprus in Nicosia and Wales fans can start thinking about brushing up on their French ahead of Euro 2016.  

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