Wales football team news

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Wales football news - July 2002.


Bellamy Euro blow Disappointing news regarding Craig Bellamy - it is touch and go at the moment on whether he will be fit to start the new season. At the moment Craig is working on a daily basis on his injured knee with his physio at Newcastle. This could be a big blow to manager Mark Hughes, and has got to put his chances of making the Euro 2004 opener against Finland in doubt. Friday, July 26th 2002.

Cut price tickets The FAW have announced cut-price ticket prices for all four home games in the Euro 2004 campaign. Fans will have to purchase these tickets before August 19 to cash in on the deal. Ticket prices for the North stand will cost Ł36, middle and upper tier will cost Ł54, and it will cost a family four Ł108 for the Family enclosure. Tickets for the first home game against Italy in October are expected to go on sale next week, with a full house expected. "I think it is fantastic value to watch international football in one of the best stadiums in the world. It's in recognition of the magnificent support that the Welsh public as given Mark Hughes and his team." - David Collins (FAW) Wednesday, July 24th 2002.

Croatia - Necessary Wales will travel to Croatia for an international friendly in Varadzin on 21 August. The team is likely to be without Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Gary Speed for the match due to club commitments. A match against Croatia can only be good preparation, and as Mark Hughes has always stressed we need to be tested against quality opposition. With game taking place so early in the domestic season and it being only 2 weeks before the all-important Finland Euro 2004 qualifier this question is it necessary? "The main reason we've arranged this match is because I want to have an away game before we play Finland, I want to see how the team plays away from there. When you play away, you come up against different problems and we've got to learn how to deal with them. We've had four games at home and it's important we play away before going to Finland." - Mark Hughes Sunday, July 21st 2002.

Roll on September Mark Delaney and Gary Speed cannot wait for the Euro 2004 campaign to start. After watching the World Cup both are committed to helping Wales qualify for a major tournament Speed is 33 in September and knows that time is running out for him. He is a major influence as captain and points out that the victory against Germany was just the tonic needed before we start a new campaign. Both Speed and Delaney feel confident that Mark Hughes can guide them to success in the future. He's giving players confidence, is very thorough in what he does, he understands the tactical side of the game and with the players we have and the younger ones coming through we stand a good chance. It's just brilliant to play for your country. - Mark Delaney. Sunday, July 7th 2002.