Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The fixture may well be swiftly forgotten but, should Wales avoid defeat against Bosnia in Cardiff tonight, the achievement will not. Mark Hughes' side will become the most successful side in their nation's football history, going nine games without defeat.
Hughes' team would break the record set by the side of Ivor Allchurch and John Charles which reached the World Cup quarter-finals of 1958 and by Mike England's team, whose run of eight undefeated matches was not enough to send Wales to the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
"Much as I respect the team of the 1980s, I want their record," Hughes said yesterday. "We achieved such a lot in the past year or so and it would be a great reward for the players. I want us to be regarded as the best team in Welsh history."
Since Hughes' men were on the point of being labelled the Principality's worst-ever side a year ago, having gone a dozen matches without victory, the turnaround has been spectacular.
Unlike Mike England, Hughes is determined to crown a run of success with qualification for a major tournament and Portugal 2004 is firmly in his sights. Bosnia, who have lost both their European Championship qualifiers without scoring a goal, are reckoned to be good preparation for the Euro 2004 qualifiers with Azerbaijan and Yugoslavia, newly renamed Serbia-Montenegro, which follow tonight's friendly.
A sizeable crowd of 35,000 is expected at the Millennium Stadium, although their idol, Ryan Giggs, who picked up a calf injury in the Manchester derby, may not be risked, especially in view of United's FA Cup tie with Arsenal on Saturday.
WALES (4-4-2; probable): Jones (Southampton), Delaney (Aston Villa), Melville (Fulham), Page (Sheffield Utd), Speed (Newcastle), Davies (Tottenham), Savage (Birmingham), Earnshaw (Cardiff), Pembridge (Everton), Hartson (Celtic), Bellamy (Newcastle).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments