Moscow, Nov 16: Welsh and Russian soccer coaches speak about 0-0 Euro 2004 qualifier.
Wales gave themselves a great chance of reaching their first major finals since the 1958 World Cup when they held a nervous-looking Russia to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Euro 2004 playoff on Saturday (November 15). The Russians dominated for much of the game, played on a cold Moscow night at Lokomotiv stadium, but could not break down a well-organised Welsh defence.
The visitors were content to stay back and play for a draw before the second leg in Cardiff next Wednesday, but without an away goal to their credit a scoring draw in Wales would be enough for Russia to qualify on the away goals rule. Wales coach Mark Hughes told a news conference that he was pleased with his players.


"Our levels of energy were very high and we were able to maintain those levels for the whole of the 94 minutes," he said. "We withstood pressure in the first half and the second half, but we restricted Russia to few scoring chances, so I am very pleased at the level of professionalism of the footballers."


Russia goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov and playmaker Alexander Mostovoi will both miss the Cardiff match after picking up their second bookings of the qualifying competition.


Russia coach Georgy Yartsev said afterwards: "We don't have a pessimistic mood in our team. We are leaving for training sessions, we have three days more to get prepared, but you are right, we have lost our main goalkeeper (Sergei Ovchinnikov) and (Alexander) Mostovoi and also I can say -- ahead of your question about Titov -- that he will not be playing while getting medical treatment (injections) and indeed he has traumas, but I think he will be all right on November 19 and will appear on the field."


Before the match, some 400 Russian supporters clashed with Welsh fans outside Rossiya hotel near the Kremlin. Police arrested 10 Russian hooligans, who had started the trouble. The Russian FA could also be in trouble with UEFA after a number of missiles, including firecrackers were thrown on the pitch during the second half.


Bureau Report