Wales v Slovakia Match of the Day Live

It is 58 years since Wales last featured in a major tournament, but

that long wait is about to come to an end in just under one are's time

when Chris Coleman's sidekick off Slovakia.

It could be quite a party down in Bordeaux. -- one hour's time. Let's

enjoy the ride. Together, stronger. Come on, Wales. Chris Coleman's men

have freed Wales from the shackles of their history. Have a century of

heartache and last gasp failure. Now they know. Now they have done it.

MUSC: "Together Stronger (C'mon Wales)" by Manic Street Preachers.

Gareth Bale strikes again. Wales have arrived at the Stade de

Bordeaux. The likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have achieved

something that proved beyond legends like Marcus, Ian Rush and Ryan

Giggs. It has been some journeys since Wales's first and until now

only appearance at a major tournament. The 1958 World Cup. Long

before a Gareth Bale and the class of 2016, the hopes of Wales rested

on the shoulders of another superstar.

# Some people say that man is made out of the mud.

John Charles was a superstar of world football, and the shining

light of the Welsh football team. In 1958, spirits were at an all-time

high. Wales were on their way to their first-ever major football

tournament, the World in Sweden. -- World Cup.

After drawing game against Hungary, Mexico and Sweden in the group

stages, Wales beat hungry again in a play-off. -- Hungary. They had made

it to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. They would face Brazil, but

would have to do it without John Charles, who was injured. They are

without John Charles. If that is not enough, they face the favourites,

Brazil. What's more, Brazil were about to unleash their own

superstar. Pele. We are making a change in the programme note to

bring you News of the World Cup game between Wales and Brazil. Wales were

not given a chance but fought all the way. It was a close match, but

the Brazilian superstar proved to be the difference, scoring the only

goal of the game. All credit to gallant Wales for holding Brazil to

a single goal. Wales are out of the World Cup competition but they can

go home with their heads held high. Wales were heroes, they had made it

to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. It should have been the start

of something. Was not. Years would pass, major competitions would come

and go. A man would go to the moon. A man would have enough of the men.

The years just kept rolling. Tournament after tournament would

completely passed Wales by. Goal kick. In 1974, Wales would finally

start to improve under a new manager, former schoolteacher Mike

Smith. In just two years, Smith took Wales from qualification no hopers

to the brink of the European finals. Just listen to this atmosphere. It

is probably the most important match that Wales have played since their

final appearance in the 1958 World Cup. In the game against use larger

-- in the game against Yugoslavia, it came down to one moment. He's

doing supremely well. A penalty was awarded to Wales and the

responsibility fell to their captain, Terry Yoda. I thought,

you're the captain, you will have to take it. I have never taken a

penalty in my life before. I swear, my knees were knocking. It is saved.

The captain wants the ground to open up. Surely that no tolls the bell

for Welsh chances. It was the closest Wales could come to a major

tournament since 1958. What they had giving the fans hope and the next

year something bigger was up for grabs, a place at the 1978 World Cup

in Argentina. Playing at Anfield, Wales had to beat Scotland to

qualify, and once again, the captain would lead the team. A chance for

Wales. Unlucky. Wales were giving it everything. John Toshack, and nice

touch, chance for the captain to shoot. It is blocked. John Toshack,

unlucky. The match still remained level as it drew to a close. Claims

for handball. A penalty has been given. There is a hand up, I do not

know why. There it is. One could almost say that was a Scottish hand.

Davies to save the day for Wales. No problem. Lifted by the penalty,

Scotland quickly scored and Welsh dreams of a World Cup were over. A

chance to put one in early. Kenny Dalglish with the goal. Two years,

two penalties. Wales where out again. Scotland will definitely go

to the World Cup finals in Argentina next year. Terry, I do not think I

have ever seen Wales play better than that. We played very well. We

are sick. There have been a few tears in the dressing room. I cannot

say any more. Sick myself. In 1985, Wales would play Scotland again in

another crucial World Cup qualifier. Again, penalty, and again, three

familiar words. But this time, the game would be remembered for

something more serious. Scotland manager Jock Stein collapsed at the

end of the match and later died of a heart attack.

The road to next year's World Cup finals is completed on Wednesday

with the last 12 qualifying matches taking place. Wales, under the

guidance of their captain, will be going to the States if the

Beatlemania in Wales. No medical required, just a need for self

belief. It is the captain's 100 match for Wales as a player and

manager. It will all come right. Inside again. It opens up for him.

It has gone through. That is a good one. That was in by Dean Saunders.

1-1. 1-1, one more goal needed. It is all alive again at the National

Stadium. Gary Speed, was he held? Yes, penalty.

He has hit the crossbar. Such opportunities cannot be spurned. It

is so cruel, it had to be taken, but it was not. The nightmare was back.

Marcus had been one of Wales most experienced players, but this was

his first job as a manager. From my point of view, it was easier for me.

I was coming in at the time when we were at a low point. I was trying to

make people be positive and feel like there was a way forward. That

was my approach. It was a work in progress. In the first two years and

Marcus, Wales only won the game, but crucially, he had the belief of his

players. I will say this very slowly, Wales two, Italy one. It is

not something I can say very often, so I will say it again. Wales went

on to finish second in their group and secured a play-off with Russia.

The header, delight the Russians. Wales last. Dreams of Euro 2004 were

over. Wales fans had spent nearly 50 years on watching their team miss

out on competing on the biggest stage. It had become the Wales

experience. Gary Speed had been a mainstay of the Wales football team

for 14 years as a player and captain. In 2010, he became manager,

and took over a squad of young players. They had been through two

qualifying campaigns under John Toshack, but were still nowhere near

a major tournament. Morale was low. Gary Speed has really stuck with his

plan of trying to change the way that Wales play football, involving

the skill of Gareth Bale. We are beginning to see they can play a

different style of football. It is difficult for him, he has a young

set of players and that is hard at club level. On the international

scene, it is even more difficult. They smack would finish their first

year under Gary Speed by thrashing Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium.

We have had ten games and we knew it would take time, but we have

probably, further than I thought in the year. I am really pleased. The

Norway match would prove to be Gary Speed's final game with Wales.

For somebody so ridged with life, in fairness, he was very gregarious,

everyone liked to be in his company. He was a leader of men as well. He

was just a great guy to be around. And the late Gary Speed will be in

many people's minds today. What the job Chris Coleman has done with this

squad since taking over in the most testing of circumstances. A momentum

stay for Welsh football. In the studio, we welcome Rio Ferdinand,

Allen Shearer, who played with Coleman at Blackburn, and the man

who represented Wales 70 times, Dean Saunders. It is a special day for

Welsh football. It is. We have waited a long time for this. We are

a rugby nation, and that comes first, but we are just pleased to be

here to start with. Brilliant to be involved. I never got there as a

player, and then assistant manager. So thank you for inviting me. You

have made it, you're close. How are you feeling? Is the nation tends?

If we could win this first game... We always said, thinking back, if

Gareth Bale is fit, we have a chance. Thankfully we're here today

and he's fit. People talk about Gareth Bale all the time but he kind

of steered them through the qualifying campaign where Wales

performed so well, didn't they? Yes, they were fantastic. They were a

hard team to beat, a really strong unit, really set themselves up with

a strong defensive solidity, led by Ashley Williams at the back. He was

the mainstay for them. When you've got someone like Gareth Bale in your

team who is their star man, you can say get the ball to someone like

him. Give it to Gareth Delve Chris Coleman, you know him well, you

played with him at Blackburn, he's a big personality, quite a character?

He is come he's a great character. Very dogged, very determined. When

he took over in very testing circumstances because of what

happened to the late Gary Speed, he lost nine of his first 13 games as

manager. It tells you a lot about who he is and what he is that he is

able to come through this group and get them to where they are now. But

then just here to enjoy it, there's no point in entering the competition

if they don't believe they can win it. He will believe he can take this

team further. How tough was it for Chris Coleman to come in under those

circumstances? Really tough because Gary took over from John Toshack, he

had a lot of young players, decided to play the way he wanted to play

which was playing football from the back, progressive football up the

pitch. The whole nation got a massive blow losing Gary at his age

and he had just got the team winning. I think they had won five

out of their last five. Chris takes over, decides not to change

anything. Because the players liked Gary. That was his biggest problem

he had to bite his lip at times for his own principles, because we all

think differently, and he lost nine games out of 13. He said in the end,

if I don't do something, I'm going to get sacked. So I'm going to go

back to what I want to do. So he set the team up to defend. And we've got

some ammunition on the break and it has worked. It certainly has. This

is a tough game, Slovakia. They beat Germany just a couple of weeks ago

in a friendly and they beat Spain in qualifying and they've got some good

players. They've got their talisman, Marek Hamsik as well. They're very

comfortable defending. They're very comfortable defending but they

haven't got a Gareth Bale, they've got someone like Hamsik, who is a

creator. One of the top three creators in the Italian league last

season alongside Paul Pogba and Pjanic. But they don't have someone

to put the ball in the back of the net and that is their big problem.

The previous meetings produced 13 goals. It finished 5-1 to Slovakia

in Cardiff and 5-2 to Wales in Slovakia. Neutral territory today

for Chris Coleman. It has been a long wait for these players. How is

everyone, coming into this match? Yeah, we're obviously very excited.

This is what we've always wanted. You can feel the tension and the

excitement and the anxiety because it's such a big deal for us, you

know? We've waited so long to be at a major tournament and now we're

here in such an unbelievable stadium, playing against a top team

in Slovakia. We will have something like 25,000 people who have

travelled to Bordeaux from Wales to support their team and their

country. It's a fantastic feeling, I can't describe to you how proud we

are and we're looking forward to this challenge coming up. It's a sea

of red out in Bordeaux today and this, how important Willie Beefy

your players to block out the atmosphere? I actually tell them to

take a look around and see the Welsh boys, the fans who follow us

everywhere. We have taken incredible support again today. I want our

players to take a deep breath and breathe it in because they've made

it happen. If you can't enjoy something like this, you're in the

wrong industry. Thank you very much Chris. This is the first of five

games to be played in Bordeaux. Around 360 miles south of Paris. The

42,000 capacity stadium cost ?140 million and was opened last year. It

was built by the architects hind Munich's Allianz Arena. It is

designed to resemble the pine trees of the nearby forest. Let's take a

look at how the two teams line up. -- goalkeeper Matus Kozacik played

in every minute of qualifying. Duris plays up front on his own. Let's

look at the Welsh starting line-up. Wayne Hennessey has suffered a back

spasm, sadly, so Liverpool youngster Danny Ward makes his first start for

his country. What a day to make your debut. Ashley Williams marshals a

three-man defence that conceded just four times in qualifying. Dave

Edwards of wolves is selected in midfield. Joe Ledley is not yet fit

to start. Up front of course, Gareth Bale, and he will have a free role,

Jonny Williams playing just around him. What do you think too that

starting line-up, Alan? One or two surprises in there. Yeah, I think

Williams will be behind him and Ramsey will be asked to get up to

support him as well. They will just say to Gareth Bale, forget about

going back and defending, do your work up front, we will the ball to

you as much as possible. You basically got a free role, go and

show everyone what you can do. A massive blow for Wayne Hennessey,

wakes up with a back spasm and can't play. I'm pleased for Danny Ward.

I've worked with both players, I was at Wolves with Wayne and he did his

cruciate ligament, came back and it went again. He's just got back

playing. Welshman through and through. He will be absolutely

devastated. It's probably one of them, you go to bed, wake up in the

morning and you're back has gone. Yeah, I've been there. Young Danny

Ward... Tell us about him. Can he handle this? He can carry yeah. I

had to tell him to stop swearing in youth games! He talks, it was wrong

swearing but at least he talks, that's what you need is a

goalkeeper! He's super-confident, he was in the youth team at Wrexham

when I was there and we ended up selling him to Liverpool. We got

some sell-ons. So the board of directors will be like that today!

If he plays today he will get another bonus. When you look at that

Wales team, they're not a big team, they've got Williams at centre half

but they would look for Hennessy to come and dominate and catch and take

crosses as much as they can. We'll ward automatically do that? -- will

Danny Ward do that? You're right, we've just started conceding a view

from set plays in the build-up to this tournament which is a bit of a

worry. Danny is about six foot three but he comes to things and he will

shout and he will talk and he's great with his feet. I wouldn't take

too much into the games leading up to this tournament because

fortunately I know a few of the players through the company that

manage me, and speaking to them, I sensed a bit of apprehension in

those games, maybe worrying about contact with players for fear that

they might miss a tournament. This is their first tournament, these

guys are really nervous about adding injured, getting into action with

any other player they're playing. I agree with you, that's why I never

scored in the build up to Euro 96, they were all friendlies. Two years,

and they gave you a CBE! They will be thinking I can't miss this

through the last minute. Dave Edwards in for Andy King, that's a

bit of a surprise? Yes but we mentioned before, Hamsik, he is

their danger man. He gets a lot of goals from running on the edge of

the box so Dave Edwards will be approach rolling around that area to

make sure he doesn't get those opportunities. That is key, he needs

to be there with that defensive mindset to stop anything getting

through to him. Time to hear from a man representing Wales for a first

time at a major tournament. Sadly for him, it's as co-commentator.

Jason Mohammad is with Robbie Savage.

Thank you very much, welcome to Bordeaux, the noise is incredible.

You did come very close in 2003-4. How does it feel to be surrounded by

so many noisy Welsh fans here? Incredible. We were out in the city

last night and the atmosphere was incredible. Thousands have turned

out to see Wales in abundance in the first time in their history in so

long. Wayne Hennessey woke up with a back spasm, so what a huge day for

the 22-year-old Danny Ward. 21 appearances for Aberdeen and not so

long ago he was playing in the Conference for Tamworth. What is

amazing is that the team have been so relaxed and we've seen a view of

them here today, James Collins just came over to have a chat with you

and they looked incredibly focused and ready. Yes, they looked fit and

strong and that is how they went through the qualifying campaign,

with smiles on their faces. Now it's important they trying get out of

this group and get off to a good start against Slovakia today. So

many players who have massive roles in this qualifying campaign, none

more so than the superstar himself, Gareth Bale. Yes, but defensively

we've done well as well. It's not all about Gareth Bale, but going

forward he had 52 shots in the group stages, the most of any player. 82%

of the goals, he was involved in. Going forward we are so reliant on

that superstar, Gareth Bale. Great noise here in Bordeaux, Gary.

STUDIO Yes, unsurprisingly so. There is the

main man, Gareth Bale. A two-time Champions League winner with Real

Madrid of course, and scorer of seven of Wales's in 11 games in --

11 goals in qualifying. A global superstar he may be but he's never

forgotten his Cardiff roots. It was a qualifying campaign that always

glowed with a collective spirit but it was illuminated by a guiding

light. Qualifying now gives way to the real thing. It's been a long

time coming. We've worked very hard for this, since I started in the

Welsh setup and we've had many journeys that have failed but now

we've been successful. I'm just trying to take it all in and look

forward to the whole experience. He is ours but we have to share him,

with the club -- a club never afraid to spend like no other. At ?85

million, Galactico, another world. Little Gareth Frank

Bale, from the Cardiff suburbs. Cycling's Gareth Thomas and Sam

Warburton came here too. He was quiet, went about his work, didn't

upset too many people, was easy to get along with. He was the kid who

was good at football, you know? If the ball to Bale, that was the main

call. A guiding light already, then, and one soon on his way. Talent

spotted by the dad Hampton Academy and not long afterwards, the first

team. -- spotted by the Southampton Academy. The next man to notice,

John Toshack, manager of Wales. A child prodigy in his day, but not as

young as this. COMMENTATOR: Gareth Bale becomes

Wales's youngest ever International, 16 years and 315 days, Wales's

celebrated wonder kid. Late May 2006, a friendly against Trinidad

and Tobago, the teenager looking very much at home. Good ball from

Bale here and that might just have won the game! Gareth Bale,

record-breaker, how does that feel? Yeah, obviously it's good, yeah,

enjoy every minute of the game and just happy to get on. What has it

been like with the senior squad? It's just a good new experience for

me and I enjoy every minute of it. September 2014, Wales had not

qualified for a major tournament since 1958. He lay the great

challenge. At the start of qualifying he realised that

something was possible and I think he thought to himself, I really need

to perform to get this team over the line. Not the best of starts.

COMMENTATOR: Davis, Bale with the header, 1-1! Gareth Bale comes to

the rescue in the nick of time for Wales!

. Gareth Bale again. -- 2-1. Bale exit. 2-0. Ramsey, and he has scored

a second tonight. Back in 2007, when he was still 17, he was on the move

again, from Southampton to Tottenham Hotspur. I have made the right

decision. It is obviously a big club. Hopefully we can fulfil that

and I can be part of it. It was a faltering start. His verse 24

Premier League games produced no victories. Sir Alex Ferguson branded

imaging. Such mischief were soon silenced. Then a Champions League

game against Inter Milan. Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 down at half-time. I

said I am not going to take off Gareth. I felt we needed to be a

threat going forward. He scored an amazing hat-trick. In 2013, he was a

headline act. Would they be any different as a person? Four days off

last week. I felt he needed a break. He has been working hard. I said to

him, go abroad for a few days. He did, he went to Cardiff and stayed

with his mum. I do not believe it. Bale has done it. They loved him at

home and came after him from abroad. And one club in particular could

afford him. He is than plastic player, fantastic

talent. It is not easy for a player who comes to another country. The

first year he did really well. On the David Gareth Bale was presented

as a Real Madrid player, the president gave him the, you're here

to win things for Real Madrid, and the thing we are most interested in

is the European cup. Nine months later, he scores the winning goal in

lesbian to win the European cup. He had already scored a ridiculous goal

to win the Copa del Rey final. You could not wait for a better season.

-- you could not wish. He was about to turn red-hot for his country.

Beat Belgium in Cardiff and Wales could dream dreams as big as

anyone's. He has scored. Every training session and every game,

there is definitely a Gareth Bale moment when you think you

superhuman. It is nice to be on the same pitch as him. When you think

back to some of the things he has done with Wales, the goals, it is

unbelievable. Richards on the edge of the penalty area, sweeps it

towards Bale. Would you believe it, the man on a mission, to take Wales

to France. I just try and go out and play with all the boys. We all

defend together as one team. If someone loses the ball, we all go

looking for it back. If someone makes a mistake, we get on with it.

We do everything together, on and off the field and it makes us

stronger. Back in Madrid, he had caught a dose of second season

blues, rumours of friction with Cristiano Ronaldo. Some blamed Bale.

I think that because Gareth does not speak Spanish, he does not engage

with the media, it makes it too easy for them when things go wrong for

him to be attacked. But Holm was always there. Who has had the best

shot you can think of? Bale. Home is home and you can never change that.

Whenever I get the chance to go home, I always do. High, do you mind

if I join in. -- hi. Victory against Bosnia and Wales would qualify. But

be lost, 2-0. Then they heard that Israel had lost as well. Wales will

be in Rome next summer. I never felt it would not happen. We have been

through difficult times with Wales, on and off the pitch, but we believe

that when we got older and got more experience at international level,

we would be stronger. Our time is now. May 2016, the Champions League

final again. A marathon in Milan ended in smiles. All is well in

Spain, and no Championship finals await. Ten years on from the

youngest ever at that time to the guiding light of his age. Just how

big do we dream? To be fully involved as a nation is going to be

amazing for everybody. We hope we can do everybody proud. I am sure we

will have goose bumps, that is for sure, especially with the wealth

funds, when they are singing the anthem, knowing everyone back home

is watching on television. -- the Welsh fans. You never know. There's

years, Gareth Bale, as supreme talent. He has developed beautifully

into a powerful yet brilliant footballer? He was a star at

Tottenham Hotspur. He is now a superstar. He is begin player. He

has proven that in the Champions League finals for Real Madrid. His

country is now on his shoulders. Whether he likes it or not, here's

the man who everyone looking to. Some of the goals he scored in

qualifying, seven goals, the range of goals, that is a towering header,

not only to get up there but to get the power and the accuracy. It is

something very special. Another header, attacking it again with

pace. Free kicks with the left foot. Getting it up and over the wall.

Like Cristiano Ronaldo. There is a whole range of goals in him. You are

right in what you say. He has bulked up. When you look at the size of him

now, he is so powerful and quick. He score some great goals. He is just a

top player. I am a massive admirer of him myself. As someone who has

played against him... This one, the technique to take it on his right

foot and his chest, it is brilliant. To play against him, a lot of the

time you just see you back of him, because he is that quick. I chased

him at Old Trafford and he was running away from me. He scored with

his right foot. I was not happy with the goalkeeper's position. He is the

modern-day footballer. Him or Cristiano Ronaldo. He is perfect,

strong, aggressive, dynamic. The responsibility is on his shoulders

to carry his nation. The best players in the world accept that and

thrive under the pressure. You worked with John Toshack when you

were assistant with Wales. Do you think in some ways, the fact that

with Real Madrid he is slightly in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo, but

when he is with Wales, everything comes on him and he loves it? He

loves playing for Wales. He is a nice lad. He has gone to Real

Madrid. We all look up to someone. He has looked at Cristiano Ronaldo,

and he has gone, I can start scoring headers and free kicks. He has

improved. Nobody misses a trick. Everyone watches every move he

makes. He does not get frustrated with the Welsh players he is playing

with two are not as good. He never shows frustration and teaches is

lost causes. They all do it and he carries the team. He loves playing

for Wales. You can see when he celebrates how much it means. When

he shows that attitude, everyone else has to. If a superstar is doing

it, everyone has to. Setting the ready example. Let's head back to

Bordeaux teacher from another excited Welshman.

Jason is with John Hartson. How does it feel to be standing here? It is

incredible. Unbelievable. We have waited a long time. They are hearing

there are thousands. Wales have the majority of the supporters. Slovakia

have some bank bad goal. They were lining the streets last night,

singing, jovial. -- have some supporters behind that goal. Wales

are not here to make up the numbers. There is such a massive temptation

to talk about the England game in Lines, but they have all talked

about getting the victory against Slovakia. Yes, it is imperative they

do not get beat. If they can win, it is brilliant. They face a tough,

strong side who were excellent in the qualifiers. They have good

players all over the park. They play 4-5- one. They pack the midfield and

play on the counterattack. It is important for Wales to try to get

Gareth Bale, who is integral to the way that Wales play, on the ball

with space to run at the opposition. Is important they get service to

him, supply. Gareth will play as a leading role, further up the pitch.

You will not see him running from beet. Wales have no other strikers

on the pitch, they have three on the bench, Vokes, Church and

Robson-Kanu. Gareth will have the freedom to roam and get on the ball.

Good man, in joy it. I am pretty sure there will be lots of Wales

fans and the players and team officials thinking about the

phenomenal work of one Gary Speed, and what he put into this

organisation. Very true. So much optimism around

the Wales camp. They are facing a Slovakia team that ran out 3-1

victors over Germany in a friendly just a few weeks ago. The qualified

against Spain. Slovakia began the campaign with six straight victories

and held off the challenge of Ukraine to secure a first appearance

at the Euros. It is going to be a special day. I have been playing in

England for such a long time. A lot of players I have been playing

against. It will be a special game. From my point of view, I will try to

do my best to be successful and help my team.

This is a great thing for me, to be the captain of the national team. It

is the role that every player dreams about. I will try to do my best, you

know, I will try to work for the players, try to work for the team.

Plenty of familiar faces in the Slovakian team. Obviously Hamsik is

their star man. Yes, five goals in qualifying. Ever present in

qualifying. As Rio Ferdinand said before that, there is not a lot of

goals in this team. But if there is, the probability is they will come

from this man. He has a habit of getting into that position, coming

in late, coming up to support. You want to make a point about the

fullbacks? The three midfield players, that has got to be Allen,

Edwards and Ramsey. You have to latch onto him. When the ball goes

behind our defence, he is the danger man. You cannot let him arrive in

the box late. I imagine that the tactics of Chris will be, maybe he

is playing Edwards for that reason. He has a knack of getting into the

position and supporting the lone centre forward, Duris. There he is

in the Number 10 Rolf. He finishes with his right foot and comes

inside. He sends the defender down. His left foot. He smashes it again.

There he is again, on the edge of the box. A little bit of luck with

the finish through the legs. Expect him to do that today. The

interesting thing will be how the back three of Wales Corp. He will

arrive late, and the one centre forward. I think you've got to

designate one of the midfield players to sit on him. Sometimes the

back four will drift to the six yard box when a cross comes in. He is

coming in around the penalties but, the bollards behind him. If one man

is going to do that it will be Edwards. It is vitally important

that the back three, the captain, Williams, to be talking to those

three, telling them, left, right, push up. He does not need several

touches, he can hit balls first time. Now your favourite substrate,

Liverpool central defenders. Martin Skrtel, he is the leader of this

side. -- favourite subject. Yes, he is living the dream. He was not a

regular for Liverpool this season. It will be playing on his mind. He

will be looking to shake that off in the shirt of his nation. He is a

solid defender, powerful, aggressive, he wants contact with

players. His problem is when players start to drift off him and ask him

to defend one against one. I am sure that the likes of Jonathan Williams,

Ramsey and Bale will be doing that, trying to isolate him. When he's up

against people he is commanding, but he has had a very good at Liverpool.

Time to hear from the Welsh captain. Ashley Williams played every minute

of every game in qualifying. The Swansea City defender was born in

Wolverhampton but has a Welsh grandfather. He made his debut in

2008 and winces 60th cap today. Everything about this summer has

been with the unknown. It is something new for us. The games in

the tournament is the same. We need to stick to what we know and we

can't go wrong. John Toshack always talks about the day he went to

Hereford to see you in a lunchtime kick-off, left after 45 minutes and

said yeah, we'll take him. Proved a good 45, didn't it? I heard a

different story, that he said he is rubbish, we don't want him, and then

somehow I got back in the squad! I don't know what the actual story

was. COMMENTATOR: Wales will be in France

next summer in the Euro 2016 finals! Since we've qualified, we haven't

really hit that level of performance. Different reasons for

that but we needed to get the business done in the qualifying

campaign, with the friendlies the pressure was off a bit and we knew

we had the tournament coming. The friendlies don't help really, from a

play a's point of view. Now we just want to get that and take in the

atmosphere before we hear the first whistle and compete, really. What

threat will Slovakia pose? It's a tough game because everyone thinks

this is the easiest one for us, it's the first one, we've never done it

before. They're a good team, they're very dangerous on the counterattack.

They can play a number of formations. As we always did in the

qualifiers, we will concentrate on ourselves. We can try and nullify

them but the main thing is to concentrate on our own performance.

As a captain, do you try and get the players are poor calm the players

down? I think the message for most people will be keep your head, keep

your emotions in check, do what you've always done your whole

career, what got you to hear. I don't need to get anyone up for that

game, to be honest. I think everyone will be right up for it so it will

just be about controlling the levels of excitement. Chris Coleman's men

have freed Welsh football from the shackles of their history! We

understand what it means to everyone, it means everything to us.

I think there's a re-good patriotically about the place and we

all understand what it means to play for Wales. Well, if Gareth Bale is

important going forward for Wales, Ashley Williams is certainly vital

for them at the back. A big night for their leader, someone you know

very well, Rio, a big friend of yours. This fella doesn't miss

football matches, does he? He doesn't he turns up, minutes played

in the Premier League he is at top of the tree. It is ridiculous

really. The goalkeepers normally top that chart all the time but he's

always there. Physically he is rugged and he's a leader of men. He

is someone that the other players will look to and there's no denying

he is the captain and leads from the front. When there is situation is

when you have to put your body on the line for your team or the end

the right position, he's always there. He smells the danger. A few

players like Vidic, John Terry etc, when the ball is in the box, the

ball just comes to them or they just sniff it out and managed to put

their body on the line. He's one of them guys. Here you see, throwing

his body in the way. He's done this countless times in the last three or

four years. I'm just surprised that one of the top three or four teams,

Arsenal is especially, haven't taken a punt on him and put them in their

team. He knows the Premier League inside out. He's not one of them who

turns up for a couple of games a season, he's their week in week out.

You mentioned about him not playing for one of the bigger clubs. I spoke

to Brendan Rodgers about him when he was at Liverpool and he tried to or

three times to sign him but for whatever reason the board wouldn't

back him, because of his age all the money he would have cost, but I

think he would have been a great addition to Liverpool's team. I'm a

Swansea fan from Swansea and he's the main reason they've done well.

He can play a certain style of football. I watched him play for

Stockport before Tosh picked him in the squad and he tried to dribble

out of the box a couple of times, Dave Jones was the manager and stood

at the side of the pitch and he kicked the next four balls over the

standard! I thought, he'll do for us! The one thing he is missing is a

song, take a look at this. # Ain't nobody like Joe Ledley

# Makes me happy, makes me feel this way

# Ain't nobody like Joe Ledley # Joe Allen!

# Gimme Hope, Joe Allen # Gimme Hope, Joe Allen, till the

morning comes # It's much too late to find

# When you think you changed your mind

# You'd better take it back or we will both be sorry

# Aaron Ramsey, baby! # Aaron Ramsey Oh!

Aaron Ramsey baby... Aaron Ramsey has had a kind of up and down season

with Arsenal, but bags of talent, really. He has. He's another one, he

makes the runs from midfield and his clinical when he gets in there. A

couple of seasons back he got a good number of goals and you thought this

is a new Frank Lampard type player. He had a sticky last season but

again, he always gets in there and he's a player who tries a lot of the

difficult things a lot of the time, he can frustrate team-mates, but

when it comes off it looks beautiful. He can be a real threat,

Dean? Yes, himself, and he will put you in.

He's really talented. A nasty injury at Birmingham a couple of years

back. He's come back from that. He's one of our best players. If he plays

well, we win. I had a couple of nasty injuries like he had and it's

tough to come back. That tells me he's got character. I think the

three players we've covered so far for Wales, Williams, Bale and

Ramsey, they could get in the England team. I agree, definitely.

Williams goes in as a centre half, Ramsey at attacking midfield and

Bale plays where he wants! We're not talking about England, that's the

next game! We certainly look forward to that one. Let's hope that Wales

and England get off to a decent start. If you can just get off to a

decent start, get a bit of momentum, a bit of belief. I actually think, I

net it's a bit of the subject, but I think Northern Ireland will do

really well as well. I think they've got all the equipment to do well.

You know what's important? I'm pretty certain Chris said this to

his players, "Look, you have worked your socks off, you've done

unbelievably well to get yourselves in this position, do not waste it.

What an opportunity you guys have got, do not leave anything in that

dressing room. Have no regrets after this game". In a sense it's not

really about motivating the players, is it? It's about keeping them calm.

Yet, motivating the guys at this stage, that's not the problem. It's

about making sure they go out there with a clear mind. Managing your

emotions. Don't get caught up with all the excitement, all the

hullabaloo that goes with the tournament. You've got to be at your

best, you've got to be calm. Can they do it, Alan? Yes, I think they

can. A lot depends on Bale but I think they might nick it by a goal.

Yes, I will go 1-0 Wales. Dean, need I ask? 2-0, Wales! It's been a long

wait, but Wales's time has come. Our commentators are Robbie Savage and

Steve Wilson. COMMENTATOR: Good afternoon

everybody. You are quite right. The last was in Gothenberg when Pelle's

-- Pele's last international goal knocked Wales out of the 1958 World

Cup. -- his first international goal. Slovakia the opposition and

these are the proud Welshman you can imagine. Backed here by huge support

in this beautiful stadium and this beautiful city. They've been here

for the last few days. Always joyful. It is Slovakia's first ever

appearance at a European Championship finals and the

Slovakians line up for their national anthem.

And now a moment that's been 58 years in the waiting and a moment

that should not and must not pass without a thought for Gary Speed. At

last, in a tournament finals, the national anthem of Wales.

# Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi

# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri

# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad

Wow. Beautiful. Gary Speed's dad Roger is amongst those Welsh fans

today. What an occasion. So, Wayne Hennessey's last-minute

back spasm has led to a first ever international start for Liverpool

reserve Danny Ward. Joe Ledley broke his leg at the beginning of May. He

is fit but not in the 11. So much depends on Gareth Bale. He has broad

shoulders and he very rarely disappoints. Proud, proud

moment for Ashley Williams and for Martin Skrtel. The Norwegian referee

in charge, 37 years old. Slovakia did appear in the World Cup finals

in 2010, when they beat Italy. They beat Spain in qualifying for this

tournament and they beat Germany in Germany 12 days ago. Marek Hamsik is

the golden boy, nine seasons at Napoli now but still only 28. Kucka

has enjoyed a good season at AC Milan, Martin Skrtel not so much at

Liverpool. Manchester City fans will run member Vladimir Weiss will stop

your thoughts on this historic moment? The national anthem was

absolutely electric in this stadium. What an opportunity for Wales in the

opening game against a big, strong Slovakians side. I think Wales will

have more possession but it's important they get the ball in those

forward areas to that superstar which is Gareth Bale. There he is!

Wales, need I say, in red and white, from left to right. There is Hamsik,

the only player in the Slovakian team to score double figures of

international goals. He is very Gareth Bale. Slovakia will get the

game under way, taking from a right to live in the Stade de Bordeaux.

What the stadium. It holds a little under 14,000 people. It is

predominantly red and white. The Norwegian referee blows his whistle

and Sabatier get the game under way. Chasing the back pass. -- and

Slovakia. Are you worried about the team selection, given the injuries

to Robson-Kanu, and given the options that Chris Coleman had, I

surprised and eating is not in the side? Very unfortunate not to start.

He won the Premier League with Leicester. It is a vote of

confidence for David Edwards, playing in the Championship. He is a

good player. Johnny Williams also missing. He is starting on the

right-hand side. There -- I thought he would play at Number 10, but it

looks like Aaron Ramsey will take up that spot, just buying Gareth Bale.

It is important that they will look for Bale. Aaron Ramsey, blonde now.

He was bundled from behind. He felt he might have got a free kick. Wales

will be happy to play on. That is into the gloves of the Slovakian

goalkeeper, cause a cheque. That was a confident start, Ramsey and Bale

linking up nicely. A few tricks, the backheel from Ramsey. It is a free

kick, Ashley Williams into the back of Duris. Chris Coleman said

yesterday that no is not the time to sit back and enjoy the moment. There

is the time to roll up your sleeves, and do the job.

That was in towards Duris. It was a heavy touch. That was by Hrosovsky.

Great cover from Chester. He is playing the right side of

centre-half. He had to get across, a few boys out of position, and he

made a vital interception, James Not a great patch from Bale. This is

Duris. The challenge came in from Davies. Hamsik has dispossessed him.

He goes on. I'm believable. -- unbelievable. Ben Davies, I have got

to say what an absolutely fantastic run from Ramsey. -- from Hamsik.

Watch Ben Davies get back up the line. A fantastic goal saving

challenge. It had goal written all over it, but his right leg stretched

out, great cover from Ben Davies. It seemed impossible that the ball

would not go into the back of the net. It is a Slovakian corner.

Headed out by Bale. That is what Hamsik is capable of. The Wales fans

are unhappy. They felt that Johnny Williams was fouled. That was a

foul. The free kick has been taken quickly, and Hamsik, it is Williams

who is shouting to those around him. Wales under pressure. The referee's

whistle has relieved that somewhat. You're right about Hamsik. What are

run. It was Gareth Bale who did not see him on his shoulder. We can see

the foul. Taylor gets clattered. Going back to Hamsik, the way he

drove inside, faintly to shoot, he beat three Welsh players, he went

past the goalkeeper. Fantastic play from Hamsik. He has 81 goals for

Napoli, level with Diego Maradona, and believably. He has played more

than 300 games in the top flight in Italy, Marek Hamsik. Wales will know

all about him, but knowing about him and stopping him are two different

things. That is a foul by Joe Allen on Kucka. It is important now that

the captain, Ashley Williams, just grabs hold of Davies and Chester and

says, can dine. Wales have lots of the ball at the minute. -- Slovakia.

-- calm down. It was within a whisker of being the worst possible

start for Wales. Hamsik again, finding Weiss. Joe Allen tidying up

for Wales, finding Ramsey. Koza chick away for. The header.

Play on. That was a good ball. Chris Gunter has started every Welsh

international for three years. The wingbacks are playing- or Wales.

Taylor on the left. They will get forward at every opportunity. Good

energy. It is the man whose clearance it

was, Ben Davies, for Wales, as the ball seemed destined for the back of

their net. Taylor thought it was his, but it is

not. The warm up game for Slovakia, the notable victory over Germany,

3-1. The tour game against Northern Ireland in their final warm up game,

and it finished goalless. -- they drew a game against Northern

Ireland. That is a Wales free kick. Chester, Williams and Davies have

all gone forward. Ramsey's ball in. Those are

checked's not entirely convincing clearance. Joe Allen did not get any

real direction at what was an attempt at the shot. Ashley Williams

could not diverted towards the goal. A decent ball into the box by Aaron

Ramsey. The goalkeeper seemed to flat batted. It was a great punch.

Joe Allen could not sought his feet out. The goalkeeper coming through

those bodies. He does not get a great punch. Durica and Skrtel were

doing him no fear of areas. -- no favours. Bouncing cheques and

bouncing Slovaks. That is the chase for Dusan Svento,

whose only international goal came against Wales.

Ramsey enjoying the cans to run with it. He has given it away to

Hrosovsky, who is the defensive screen for Slovakia's back four.

That was well anticipated by Chester. Williams. It is a free

kick. Hrosovsky says no, the Norwegian referee says yes. He has

started the game well, Johnny Williams. He goes past Hrosovsky.

This is a great position for Gareth Bale, on his favoured left foot. He

has that Cristiano Ronaldo technique where he seems to hit it with the

laces. It's where was all of the place. It is a great opportunity now

for the Welshman. The Slovakian Wallace about a yard

outside their 18-yard box. Gareth Bale is standing around 30 yards

away from the Slovakian goal. Bale for Wells. It is in. -- Wales.

He completely filled cause a cheque. 1-0 Wales. -- he completely filled

Matus Kozacik. He has done it again. Gareth Bale on his favoured left

foot, the way he strikes the ball. I would like to see the goalkeeper's

starting position. He takes a step to his left, I have no idea why. It

is a great strike by Gareth Bale but the goalkeeper takes a step to his

left. Look at the technique. Up and down. I think the goalkeeper has

moved too soon. Why take a step to the lad? Who cares, it is 1-0,

Gareth Bale. Gareth Bale for Wales, 1-0 in Bordeaux. The goalkeeper,

cause a cheque, made a fatal step to his left. He could not get it. Matus

Kozacik. If you're going to do that, you have got to make sure you cover

the right. 1-0, Wales. Williams could not quite pick out Taylor.

That was well covered by Robert Mak. Listening to Rio Ferdinand before

the game, he said 1-0, I Jonathan Williams says that the Gareth Bale

golf. I would take that right now. That was a little push in the back

of Kucka. The goalkeeper will be kicking

himself, not entirely convincing from the cross. Then, no shame in

being beaten by Gareth Bale free kick, but he did not help himself,

the goalkeeper. Confidence coursing through Welsh

legs. Kucka had fallen behind Duris. That is a good ball. Williams

covered. It is a goal kick. Just look at the technique, the way

he hates it with the inside of his fate. It dips over the wall. If the

goalkeeper stays in his normal starting position, I think he saves

that. But he moved to the left. Look at these Welsh fans, what it means

to the travelling thousands of Welsh fans. They have been in great

spirits in Bordeaux. That sums up Wales, the celebration, everybody

involved. The hash tag is together stronger. That is what it is about.

A long way to go. This is Ramsey. No foul. Dusan Svento and over.

There was no contact. It is a throw into Wales. That is the positivity

of this Welsh side. Look are higher up the pitch they are.

-- look how high up the pitch. Allen, trying to avoid Kucka.

Hamsik's ball played his team-mate into trouble, Hrosovsky.

Wales free kick. Definite foul, there. Duris, no eyes on the ball,

no attempt to play the ball. James Chester focused on the ball. Free

kick Wales. What a positive start. They've got the goal. Their hustling

and harrying, giving the Lameki inside no time whatsoever on the

ball. -- giving the Slovakian side no time whatsoever. Could have been

an awful start but it's been a wonderful start, Wales are in front.

James Chester. That's a good-looking ball, Taylor

chasing but team behind for a goal kick. Wales's last warm up didn't go

very well, Robbie, the 3-0 defeat in Sweden of which Gareth Bale only

played the last 20 minutes or so. But all the friendlies, all the

build-up all forgotten. This is what counts.

Back to Martin Skrtel under pressure... Not always the most

comfortable in possession, Martin Skrtel. Not always the most

comfortable with pace. Bouncing off Danny Ward. Look they get

uncomfortable there, the goalkeeper, Danny Ward. -- looked a bit

uncomfortable. Ashley Williams gave him a pat on the shoulder, saying,

"Come on son, we will need you at some point in this game". A lack of

communication between Captain and the goalkeeper. Wayne Hennessey had

a back spasm and so Liverpool's reserve goalkeeper Danny Ward is in

goal. He'd had a very good loan spell at Aberdeen this season and

was on the bench for Liverpool in the Europa League final. He did play

a couple of games towards the end of the season for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Well anticipated by Davis. Ramsey back to Davis. Jonny Williams.

No pressure being put on the ball by Slovakia.

Unlucky, Chris Gunter. They've looked for that ball on a couple of

occasions. Joe Allen was successful before. That ball from Ramsey... You

see here, a lack of communication. Was it a handball from Ashley

Williams? I don't think it was intentional. Yes, it hits Ashley

Williams's arm, but I -- it's not a penalty, for me.

Positive start from Wales. If Slovakia conceded first, they never

won a game, in the qualifying campaign. They have started -- they

started the qualifying campaign much stronger than they finished it.

Ramsey, now Williams. Edwards. A feud groans from one or two Wales

fans as they thought they missed the opportunity to drive forward. Why

not? He has looked a bit dodgy in the opening minutes. That is what

this Welsh team will make you do, hurry you when they are in

possession. Nonstop, great energy. Cutting inside, that Amir Weiss. --

Weiss. He is now playing his club football in Qatar, which is coach

has pointed out is possibly not the best preparation for a European

Championships. He feels he's lost a little bit of fitness. First time

we've seen Weiss driving inside. He's got good pace, as has Mak on

the other side, but they just haven't been able to get the ball.

WHISTLE Fouled by Bale on Kucka. There is

Jan Kozak. His son played in the World Cup in 2010 and his grandson

is in Tottenham's Academy. Ashley Williams has gone for the

ambitious! You can see defensively they are on the front foot. Winning

the ball in front of Duris, whether it is Williams, Ben Davies, Chester.

There are aggressive in their defending. Hamsik, Kucka looking for

the return. Brought down, a free kick to Slovakia. Perhaps a little

bit too far out. Here is the foul. When Hamsik gets the ball, he looks

a real threat. Should have scored earlier, to be honest. I think this

might just be a bit too far out. What is income 40 yards? But why not

try and test Danny Ward on his first start for his country? Kucka is

going to have a go. And it dipped a bit, but not enough.

He has Kuco on his shirt, which is his nickname, but Kucka is the

family name. Talk about the man for a big stage, there come a Gareth

Bale. Just another day at the office for him now, isn't it? Nothing seems

to faze him. It's his 20th international goal in his 55th cap.

Can't speak highly enough of him. Lovely touch from Bale. Here's Chris

Gunter for Wales. Ramsey arriving. Welsh throw. Well found, Ramsey.

Chris Gunter getting a bit of joy down this right-hand side.

WHISTLE It curled out of play before it

arrived at the back edge of the penalty area. Goalkick. Gareth

Bale... Chris Gunter but the ball in the box and Gareth Bale is so good

in the air. He got nine goals in the league from headers larcenies and,

more than anybody. -- from headers last season. Chris

Gunter has started 23 international is on the trot.

Joe Allen in quickly, Ramsey. Covering well. Dusan Svento here.

Under pressure. Well, there were a few minutes before Gareth Bale's

free kick where Slovakia looked extremely dangerous, but since then,

Wales have looked in command. When you see Aaron Ramsey who has played

for Arsenal and won FA Cups, closing people down, that just sets the

tone. If you see Aaron Ramsey doing it, if you are James Chester,

Taylor, Davies, you will think, if Aaron Ramsey will going close down,

so will I. It sets the tempo for the whole team. Free kick to defend

here. For Wales. Davies with the header. Just being

caught by Mak. Strong challenge, Taylor flew in. Kucka is down. The

referee letting play go on for the moment. Marek Hamsik is still on the

floor. He will now be able to get treatment as the ball has been put

out of play. This was Taylor. It's quite a bad challenge there, from

Taylor. I think Hamsik won the ball first and foremost. The studs are

showing there, from Taylor. Quite surprised they showed that challenge

on the big screen. Debatable decisions like that, they don't show

to the coaches on the big screen, but that was in full view of

everybody and Jan Koazk's face told you exactly what he thought of it.

But Hamsik is OK. It might be Slovakia's first

European Championships finals, but it's worth saying that the

Czechoslovakia team which won the European Championships in 1976,

their starting 11 in that final included eight Slovaks and three

Czechs. Panenka's penalty won it and he was not one of the Slovaks.

Just need to get themselves a bit of a foothold, Slovakia, keep

possession for a bit. Start enjoying the feel of the football again.

Every time the ball goes up to Duris, there is somebody on him, so

tight to him. If he loses the ball, Joe Allen or Dave Edwards are tied

to him and can win the ball. They will have to try something

different, Slovakia, may be put the balls into the channels for Mak or

Weiss to run onto. Everything seems to be in defeat and they can't keep

the ball. Chris Coleman recently signed a new contract with the FA

WSL it's the end of the next World Cup cycle. -- with the FAW.

Hamsik working hard. Well, a pretty thankless task for Durica.

Don't forget that live commentary of England versus Russia tonight begins

at 8pm. Half time in that game, Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand will be

giving their views on that performance and you can catch the

highlights of that on BBC One tonight at 10:35pm.

Hamsik, the area he likes to work in, down the side of midfield.

Slovakia on the front foot. Hrosovsky in strongly on the Charlie

Williams. There could be a card. The first yellow card of the game. I

thought Taylor was lucky to get away with the yellow card before.

Hrosovsky has won the ball. With his right foot. He has played the ball.

I think he is quite fortunate, to be fair.

Chester. Williams tries to nick in between. Martin Skrtel bundled into

Johnny Williams. The extra official behind the goal almost got taken

out, he was that close to it. Martin Skrtel, as he comes across, just

watch his right elbow. That's shocking. How has the official not

seen that? If you're going to have these extra officials...! They are

not just there to watch the game, they are there to contribute

decisions. Terrible decision by the referee and more importantly, the

man behind the goal, what he's doing, I know. Skrtel makes no

attempt to play the ball, tries to get across Johnny Williams and that

has to be a penalty. I am just confused about what those officials

are going to do. If they are not going to give anything there, why

are they here? Ramsey. Ramsey again. The free kick goes against Wales and

in favour of Slovakia. Kucka. Getting tasty.

They have lost their way, since the goal.

Williams has done very well in the opening 33 minutes. Gareth Bale, to

Ramsey. Managed to control that, did well. Great ball. Gunter. Gareth

Bale wants it back. Chris Gunter. Try to make it to Edwards, but only

found Hrosovsky. Against the positivity of this Welsh side, they

just couldn't knock it back into the danger area. That is where you need

someone like Edwards. Alan and trying to get the second ball. The

game great positive play from this Welsh side -- Joe Allen trying to

get the second ball, again great positive play from this Welsh side.

Chester. Williams, Ramsey. The official behind the goal had to

have seen that from Martin Skrtel, no attempt to play the ball and his

elbow caught Jonny Williams in the face. And as you say, Jonny Williams

has been doing exceptionally well. I think it has to be a penalty and a

straight red card and I am not biased. Hamsik. Weiss. Chester. Now

Gareth Bale tries to run away from Martin Skrtel, you might have left

it a bit too long. He can't find Ramsey. Just does well to find

Ramsey. Joe Allen. Ramsey. Taylor tempted forward, Gareth Bale still

hugging the far touchline. Edwards has found Taylor. Williams

losing out to Pekarik and that will be a free kick in favour of

Slovakia. Wenzel of IKEA do win the ball, Duris has three centre halves

against him. -- when Slovakia do win the ball. Chris cantor and Taylor

are so far forward. It's so difficult for Duris because they are

defending so aggressively, Wales. Martin Skrtel sends its long, and

Duris ends up conceding a free kick. There you go, Ashley Williams is

tight, those based in behind and they get the ball in front so

Slovakia are going to have to change things and get Hamsik on the ball as

often as they can, maybe get Mak into the game. The game plan is

working perfectly. You must say that Dave Edwards has done a great job

winning second balls. His energy has been high. A very good 36 minutes

for Chris Coleman's men. And Wales almost beat the all Blacks this

morning. Beating Slovakia this evening. Davies. Mak is one of the

front three. He was in his own half of the field. He has to try to work

alone furrow, 50 yards before he gets anywhere near the attacking

area. Davis is in opposition and he drops into that back three. It is

Edwards's job, if his opponent drops out of position, to drop back out

and make a three. Gareth Bale. Allen. Jonny Williams

to his left, Joe Allen finds Ramsey. Allen still moving forward. So far,

so very good, for Wales. With the exception of one delightful floating

ghosting run of Hamsik when it was goalless, looks certain to score

apart from a brilliant clearance by Davis. It has been Wales's half

apart from that. We now approach the last five minutes of the first half.

Duris a game getting very little support from anyone around him. --

Duris again getting very little support from anyone around him. He

has problems, Jan Kozak, at the moment. We've seen a lot of Slovakia

in the course of 2016 and this is the worst I've seen of them. Kucka.

If there were butterflies they will have died down a little now for the

young Wales goalkeeper, Danny Ward. I'd be interested to hear the views

of our studio panel on that Martin Skrtel challenge. The one person who

did not seem to think it was a foul was the guy standing nearest to it.

Here is Weiss. Accelerating away from Ramsey. Gives it to Hamsik. He

could not quite get through the challenge from Taylor. Hrosovsky, to

Pekarik. Danger suddenly as it comes to Weiss. He will fit it, will he?

Hamsik does Williams blocks. Suddenly is love IKEA find a second

wind. Wales and a bit of pressure four minutes before half-time, the

good bit of pressure from Slovakia. To the feet of Duris. The striker

cannot quite tame it. And Slovakia have a throw in. Just edging towards

the Welsh goal, now. Duris helping it on. Got to be

careful with those legs, the Welsh defenders, they were, and Danny Ward

hazard. But suddenly for the first time in the game, Weiss is a factor.

He needs to get the ball. Good feet in the box but so many Welsh bodies

are back, protecting Danny Ward, it's a comfortable save for him. No

real pressure in this half, just that one chance for Hamsik, as you

say, it was the clearance from Davies which allowed Wales to get

the goal, but half-time approaching. They are not there yet but they are

close. Hrosovsky. Weiss to take the throw. Svento

again. Corner. From his love IKEA and point of view, Weiss with the

corner, you'll want to get bodies around Ward, with it in, get Martin

Skrtel in there, it will be a big test for the Welsh goalkeeper. Weiss

with the corner. Mak. Hamsik. That was Martin Skrtel!

Am pretty certain he was in an offside... He wasn't, when the ball

was played. That linesman on the far side... He just tried to step out,

Ashley Williams. Timed his run so well. It was Hamsik on the

right-hand side that time cutting inside and ruling the ball to the

far post and Skrtel just couldn't reach it. One additional minute.

Taylor, for Wales. This is the contentious moment. Do

Riga with the header -- Durica with the header. Kucka, to Mak. Davies!

Bale! Chance. Look at that, aggressive in their defending.

Davies wins the ball and drives forward. He gives the ball to Bale,

it was perfectly set for him to whip it with his left foot, as the

half-time whistle goes, 1-0 Wales. A really good foot if -- 45 and its

four Wales. Matus Kozacik will not be happy with how dealt with it. A

very contentious Martin Skrtel challenge on Jonny Williams. One

delightful little cameo from Hamsik while it was still 0-0. He's done it

once, he could do it again... But at half-time in Bordeaux, Wales 1-0

Slovakia. STUDIO

So far so good for Wales. The game plan is working, Bale has delivered

and Dean Saunders is buzzing! Absolutely brilliant, can't believe

we've played that well. Had a bit of a scare early on, great clearance

from then and then Gareth Bale from the free kick. But in general play I

think we deserved to be winning. I think they've all done great. We

look like a team. Handling the pressure really well, Rio?

Definitely, you can see the unity between the side, the number of caps

they've got between them, they seem really comfortable playing with each

other. They've got here through the camaraderie between the team, the

unity they've created. They look like they're playing a normal game.

Doesn't look like they're faced with the atmosphere. What's pleasing is

to see the likes of Jonny Williams, Ramsey, Bale and Edwards all passing

the ball comfortably with each other. They can play the ball wide

when they need to get out of trouble. How impressed have you

been, Alan? Very, don't think you can be anything but impressed. Apart

from the first couple of minutes when Hamsik at that opportunity,

Wales have been of slippy brilliant. They've done everything asked of

them. They've played so tight, not given Slovakia any space. The early

scare you talked about when Hamsik went through, what a sensational bit

of defending from Ben Davies. Firstly the skill from Hamsik was

tremendous. Gareth Bale started the game by giving the ball away twice

in a couple of seconds really! But they win the ball back here, Bale

gives it away... And then Hamsik here, beautiful feet. He sends three

or four of them... But then Ben Davies, this is the art of

defending, never giving up, always feeling you're going to have some

influence. Then with his weaker foot, he clears off the line, which

is very difficult. Hamsik can do no more, other than put it in the back

of the net. That is the equivalent of scoring a goal, from Davis. And

then Gareth Bale steps up. The goalkeeper may be at fault, but he

won't care at all! You're right, the goalkeeper makes an absolute mess of

it. We looked at free kicks that Wales have had an Gareth Bale have

had, that was against Israel, that was against Andorra, both to the

goalkeeper's side, and he tries to cheat here, he goes to the

goalkeeper's side too early. I have to give credit to Gareth Bale,

because he's put the other two that side, I think he thinks the keeper

thinks he will go there. It's a good striker, absolutely. Wales

thoroughly deserve that. When I was playing, I hated seeing Nicky keeper

gamble -- the keeper gamble and try and make a yard. What about those

celebrations! Team spirit! All together there, Dean. That's a

brilliant shot, they should show that forever! It shows how everyone

in the squad, the lads who aren't playing, all the backroom staff, how

excited they are and how together they are as a group. You can watch

the clip back all night! What I'm most pleased about, I think the

manager has got it spot on. The tactics have been perfect. Instead

of trying to play through this team who have been solid, they've worked

it out early that the way to get around this system is to hit long,

diagonal balls. Not try and play through the middle while you're

getting counter-attacked. Chris Gunter has been on the ball more

than anybody. First, Wales should have had a penalty, shouldn't they?

It was a blatant elbow, wasn't it? Red card, penalty, 100%. Why doesn't

the official give this? He's actually two yards away from that!

He's looking at him. This is like WWE, I'd take my kids to watch this!

I was talking to Kevin Friend about this and I asked him if the extra

officials have an influence and he said yes, they talk to you as the

game is going on. One of them gave a penalty last night in the France

game. I think he's watching the ball and he's not actually watching the

players. He must have missed it because it was so blatant. Wales

really hard done by there. We've got a note of examples about how Wales

are switching play tactically. Because Chris Coleman would have

looked at it and not direct centre forwards, they're just coming off

the centre halves and the two full-backs are pushing so far

forward and that's always an outlet for them. What Slovakia want you to

do, they want you to probe all through the middle so they can hit

you on the bench. Wales are not doing that, they are spreading the

play. The two wingbacks are really wide and giving them with. This ball

comes to Gareth Bale who again finds the full-back as an outlet again and

has been said, that has been on a lot of the times, that is one

full-back crossing it in and a wingback in the box there. Wales did

that brilliantly for 45 minutes. What will happen now, their manager

is going to say we cannot keep letting Chris Gunter and Neil Taylor

put these balls in, so the wide players will start playing a bit

wider, then Wales can go through the middle. You expect Chris Coleman to

be saying that? Yes, they can't expect Chris Gunter to keep crossing

balls from the byline, you get over there and the minute the midfield

player spread, play through them. The first thing he will be saying to

them as they come out for the second half is, don't concede. Don't give

them any time and let them get their confidence up. Keep them at bay. So

far so good for Wales. As for England, they kick off their

campaign in a couple of hours. Russia the opposition. We can now

hear from Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Jordan. When you injured your knee in April, tell me about the emotions

that you feared, that this summer might not happen? Yeah, I was

obviously very disappointed. I'd been through quite a lot this season

already, so to suffer another injury which was pretty bad as well was

hard to take. I was still quite positive throughout because I knew

if I work as hard as I could, I could get back in time. I had to

prove my fitness but the manager gave us every chance to do that. I

feel I'm in a good place now and hopefully can contribute to the

team. Your third major tournament, at 25, you're kind of like a senior

player now! Yeah, it doesn't really feel like it, I still feel quite

young but a lot of the lads in the squad have sunk with experience from

the last two tournaments. I think we could have done a lot better in both

but I think hopefully this could be the one that we could do well in.

Let's talk about the opening game because you also experienced opening

games in major tournaments a couple of times. How do you see it now?

Every game is important but the first one, it's just important to

get off to a good start and give everyone the confidence and leave

everything on the field. If we do that I'm positive we can get a good

result. At the same time you can't be naive and just look at Russia,

you have to look at the clips and the way they've played, watching

games. What have you learned? I can't be telling you our secrets! We

know what they are good at and what they're not good at on the pitch,

but I can't tell you those. England have had a view different

formations, different personnel. Roy Hodgson has an issue trying to get

everyone fit. Is that what it's like on the inside? It's obviously

difficult for a manager to pick 11 out of 23 but that's always the

case. Especially with the talent we got in the group. Do you know now

the way your setup on Saturday? Yes. Yep. I think we can play the same

way but with different formations. We can play well whichever formation

the manager chooses. And you can see highlights of the game on BBC One at

10:35pm. Alan and Rio will be offering instant analysis of the

match on the Facebook page at half-time. To live matches tomorrow,

world champions Germany take on Ukraine in Group C. Before that,

Northern Ireland play Poland in Nice. Wigan striker Will Grigg the

unlikely name on every one plus lips going into the game.

You know what happens next... Will Grigg's on fire... Your defence is

terrified... Will Grigg's on fire! What do you put your great

goal-scoring form down to? My aim at Wigan was to score 20 plus goals and

I managed to do it. I couldn't put my finger on the actual thing that

we had a good side and I created -- we created a lot of chances. How is

the whole mood within the Northern Ireland squad? Is it one of

excitement or one of trepidation? I think at the moment it is pure

excitement. We've proved in the campaign that one of the reasons we

are successful is because we've got such a tight knit group and good

team spirit. As soon as we meet up, the boys bond well together. We're

looking forward to it. How much stick have they giving you about

this song? # Will Grigg's on fire

# Your defence is terrified # Will Grigg's on fire! I didn't

think it would be so big! You know, it's been nice. The fans have done

well with it. I think the timing helped and when the fans are singing

it for 89 minutes of every single game, it gives you an extra boost.

So yeah, it's been brilliant. LAUGHTER

No thank you, I've heard enough of it! A little rendition in the

studio? Nah! Back to today and Jason is with John Hartson in Bordeaux. We

said at the start of this tournament that Gareth Bale would be the

difference and so it proved, John? Absolutely, it was the right

distance for him, that free kick, 30 yards out and nobody 's was taking

that! He's hit it with such hip and precision, the way these football 's

move, people might question the goalkeeper's positioning but not for

me. It has dipped so much and beaten him on his bottom right hand side,

the goalkeeper has no chance. Hit with some power as well. Aaron

Ramsey has been terrific in this first half, especially on the ball,

John. He's covered every blade of grass. Him and Joe Allen have been

fantastic. Also without the ball, the workrate that the Welsh players

have put in, there's no way through. The. They have a threat in Hamsik

but that's about it. There centre forward Duris, all he's done is foul

and give the ball away. I wouldn't be surprised if they take him off.

The fans have been utterly incredible as well. A nerve wracking

second-half ahead. It has been an agonising wait but here it is,

Slovakia the opposition and these are the proudest Welshman you can

imagine. Hamsik! Unbelievable! Bale, for Wales! Wales 1-0 Slovakia! He's

done it again! That is shocking. Well, as John Hartson said, the

keeper had absolutely no chance with that one. Quick quiz question, has

to go to you, Dean, that Gareth Bale was the first in a major

championship for Wales since who, in 1958? Cor... Terry Medwyn? Spot on!

You win the star prize. There's always a danger that you drop off a

bit? I don't think they've got any back-up plan. I think we've just got

to keep 11 men on the page, don't give them a goal, don't beat

yourself and make them score goal. I think we will get another one. The

midfielders have to continue what they have been doing. Control the

pace of the game. When it gets too tight in the central areas, use your

full banks as your get out. Keep feeding them the ball and giving

yourself time to get up. I think the back three have to stay compact and

in control of those midfield is in front of them. The great thing about

leading in a match like this is that the other team has depressed at some

stage and a counterattack is always a possibility. Which should suit

Gareth Bale down to the ground. Chris Coleman will say to his

players, you are in this position because of togetherness, do not

change a thing. You are right, Slovakia will have to chase the

game, which hopefully will give Ramsey a bit more space and give

Gareth Bale a bit more space. Also you have to manage the physical side

of the game, new for the Welsh team. You have to manage that. Hopefully

it will be a long tournament for them, they will get through the

group stages so don't run yourself into the ground. Control the

physical and mental state and it will see a further in the

tournament. Gareth Bale's gold that leads the way for Wales, they are

leading 1-0 at half-time, if they can hold on it will give them a real

boost against England. We've just got to control the game, keep the

ball. They look as if they are on the brink of getting a man sent off,

really frustrated. They've got to keep passing the ball, do what

you've been doing, it's been brilliant. Exactly, right, let's see

what transpires in the second half with Robbie Savage and Steve will

Thank you, no substitutions from either manager. The free kick is the

difference between them. Wales have been much the better side in the

first half. Wales to get the second half under way. Terry made the goal

in 1958, Wales and hungry finished with exactly the same record in

their group and hearts to have a play-off to decide who went to the

quarterfinal. Wales won and were beaten by Brazil in Sweden. Ramsey.

These few moments import and at the start of this half. I think Chris

Coleman will have said, same game boys, you were full of energy and

aggressive in defending and they played so high, and at left, as the

boys said at half-time. It was a really confident performance in that

first half from Wales. James Chester.

Jonny Williams, just behind Ramsey, which was a shame, Gunter was there.

Getting it back to Jonny Williams. Joe Allen, for Wales.

That run again. According to the referee, Ramsey just pulled his

opponent's shirt. Let's have a look. Ramsey is pointing to the official

behind the goal again. The whistle didn't go, they played on and Ramsey

has won the ball. If the referee gives it for about first one, fair

enough, but to give the foul, this is why I think he gives a foul but I

don't think it was. Hamsik. Durica. Gareth Bale, back to Ramsey. Jonny

Williams is alongside them. Just catches Martin Skrtel, there.

Ramsey is not the only player at this tournament to have gone blonde,

so has Marouane Fellaini! You can see Belgium versus Italy on the BBC

on Monday. An interesting look for him.

Duris offside. You've got to have some sympathy with him in that first

off, he had three defenders against him, the balls to him or not very

good and he was scrapping for everything. Playing against three

centre halves is very tough. Pekarik. That was from an offside

position. Free kick is given from the position

in which the player touches the ball. The free kick given for

offside in the player's own half as he came back from the opposition

half. Crisco Skudder with the throwing, for Wales. -- Chris

Kanter. -- Gunter. That is what the fear of not knowing exactly where

Gareth Bale is can do to you! I think that Durica lost his bearings

and was not sure where Gareth Bale was. Ramsey goes to take it,

thousands of travelling Wales fans, great support. Just need a good

delivery. The corner, well taken. Kozacik did really well. The corner

had floated behind the goal. His movement for the goal wasn't

good, if the keeper had stayed where he was he would probably have

courted. Poor goalkeeping, that is as confident as he has looked,

Kozacik. They do have big tournament experience, ten of their squad were

in South Africa at the World Cup. Confidence from Danny Ward in the

Wales goal. Just two halves of football for his country before

today, he came on at half-time in a game against Northern Ireland in

Cardiff and likewise in the defeat against Sweden. Giving his

goalkeeper around of applause, pointing to him, good play from

Danny Ward. Martin Skrtel. It came off Edwards. It will be a survived

in throw. At that World Cup Slovakia started with a draw against New

Zealand and then a defeat to Paraguay but they then beat Italy

and went through to the second round, where they lost to the

Netherlands. A decent ball, Duris could not take it with him. Duris is

making his runs into the channels, but there's no player from Slovakia

so he can't get forward. They keep breaking down in the final third.

Jonny Williams. Most Jonny Williams away. And then Kucka came back and

caught Jonny Williams and that's a free kick for Wales and I think

they'll be talking to the Slovakian midfielder. I think they will be a

word. His 12th cap today, Jonny Williams. He has been really good.

Chris Coleman, putting Edwards and Jonny Williams into the team has

paid off. Great composure. Going past players. Jonny Williams can be

pleased with his performance so far. He has now featured in all of

Wales's last six International 's, Jonny Williams.

Skrtel getting across. Like a game of Twister! Left foot on the green

Square, right arm on the red triangle!

Davies. So important, that goal line clearance early in the game. Gareth

Bale, running into Hamsik. He lives and about the end of the first half,

he has started the second half more quietly which is good for Wales.

What an athlete Gunter is. He is at and down all evening. He is up and

down all evening. He has played over 50 games... A lovely ball, that is

Mak! Alarm bells were ringing. Ashley Williams at the top of the

picture tries to play-off side. Taylor goes with the run although

with his favoured foot it might be difficult to score from there. But

the warning sign for Wales. Playing really well. -- fatties warning sign

for Wales. Smack that is a warning sign for

Wales. Taylor, to Ramsey. They test for Martin Skrtel. An edge in the

back, the referee acknowledges it but play on. Kozacik hazard. When

Gareth Bale drops deep it is Ramsey making the run forward, trying to

get past the centre forward. Compare that to Slovakia. If Duris drops all

goes out wide business body behind him. Well it happened once, -- there

is nobody behind him. Weiss accelerating away from Davies. A

lovely flick from Ramsey. Gunter. A little heavy, Durica with the

intervention, for Slovakia. They have not lost any of their last

eight international matches since losing a qualifier against Belarus.

A little worry for Wales, Edwards coming here. -- Edwards, here. He's

going to run that off, I think. A little blood on the knee.

Studs on the kneecap will hurt. He jumps and powers that into the

ground. So dangerous in the air, Gareth Bale. A good save by Kozacik.

He just scored his 20th goal in international football.

Durica. He has the throw. A slightly uncomfortable moment for the

centre-half. It's a foul. Jonny Williams seems to

be all over the place at the minute. People say it's a tackle from

behind. As we see Gareth Bale's chance was not look at Bale, from a

standing start, he leaps and towers over the right full-back. Good save

cousin -- Matus Kozacik. Weiss moved a bit more central for Slovakia.

Went down assuming a free kick. Never assume. Hamsik went down,

should have been a free kick to Slovakia in a dangerous area.

There's going to be a changed, Michal Duris, the centre forward for

Slovakia, is coming off, and he's going to be replaced by Adam Nemec,

who plays in Holland. Double change, Patrik Hrosovsky as calm off and the

Legia Warsaw player has replaced him. Two changes for Slovakia, who

trail by Gareth Bale's free kick to nil.

Still... Now the chance! And the equalising goal! Duda, who has only

been on the pitch for a matter of seconds, has equalised for Slovakia.

Ondrej Duda with the goal. Wales 1-1 Slovakia. Out of nothing. Well, what

a substitution. Ramsey gets brushed off. The ball across, beats Ashley

Williams. Ben Davies can't stop him. Great run, great desire. Duda just

let it roll across his body, great play. He fainted to hit it with his

right foot, let it run across his body. There, great little play. And

then he puts it in the bottom corner. Great finish, great run from

Mak, 1-1. We are right in saying that Ondrej Duda has just scored in

his first -- with his first touch in his first game for his country. And

it is 1-1. -- his first game in an international tournament. Danger now

for the Welsh. Weiss, Kucka goes on, the referee has given the free kick.

The game has changed, Robbie. Great run from Weiss. Foul from Edwards,

yes he played the ball but after he brought Weiss down. Already in the

second-half Mak has created a goal and Weiss is more dynamic. Danger

signs for Wales. Well, I hope Ashley Williams is OK. He's got up

extremely gingerly. Hamsik or Weiss are going to hit this.

Who's it to be? It is Weiss... It's over. Ashley Williams has got a

problem. James Collins is suddenly warming up with some urgency down on

this near touchline for Wales. It would be a huge blow to lose their

skipper, their leader. The Slovakian fans now going mad in the goal away

to our right. They've not been great today, Slovakia, but they are a tiny

football team -- eight tidy football team. They will be a threat against

Wales over the next. On a knife edge again, when it had had seemed so

comfortable. Mak... He's made a difference, second-half. Here he is

again with another foraging runs are trying to get through Davies will

stop goalkick. But his willingness to get forward in the second half

has made the difference, Robert Mak. Certainly livened up. Here is the

save, there we are. Just confirming. Going back to the goal, Steve, if

you were being cynical, maybe the should have brought that man down at

the start of the move. It's the way he let the ball run across his body,

it boxed the three centre halves, and then the skill and the awareness

to hit it reverse across himself to the bottom corner. Suddenly worrying

times for Wales. Kucka hits it, Danny Ward! Just as well James

Chester was there. Wales are on the back foot for the first time in the

game. Slovakia in their faces and that their throats. They have a

corner. Marek Hamsik. Comfortable for Ward. With these balls that

moving the air is so much... It was a good job James Chester was there

to clear the danger. Worrying signs for Chris Coleman and his men.

Ashley Williams is moving more smoothly. Durica with the header,

climbing above Bale. Weiss forward. Looking for Mak.

This could be a really, really tense last 25 minutes now. Taylor. It

might be a time for fresh legs, whether it's Ledley or Andy King in

the middle of the park. Edwards has done well this afternoon but maybe a

bit more experience, with Ledley, or King coming on to shake-up that

midfield a bit. A good stage of the game for the Slovakian side. Their

best so far. Matus Kozacik forward. Suddenly Wales can't get the ball.

Duda, Mak, and again. Joe Ledley is going to be coming on for Wales any

minute. Weiss, to Mak. Can't quite get it back into the path of Robert

Mak. Joe Ledley, who was injured in that Crystal Palace game on the 7th

of May. He fractured his fibula in the game against Stoke. Peter

Pekarik, deflected off Taylor. Edwards helps him out. Taylor to

clip it away, but every ball is coming back now. No out ball for

Wales. This is where you might possibly think somebody like a Sam

Vokes just to be that physical presence up there, drop in a bit

deeper behind Bale. All Robson-Kanu to run the channels. It's going to

be a double change for Wales. Good call, that. Well taken by Mak,

well hit! Just too much from Robert Mak. Now a chance for Wales to make

those twos of the juices. Two players who Chris Coleman -- two

substitutions. Two players who Chris Coleman has been sweating on the

fitness of. Hal Robson-Kanu and Joe Ledley are coming on. Dave Edwards

is certainly coming off. He has that experience in the middle of the

park, Ledley. Ledley is there just to shore things up and settle things

down. Ramsey is the other change. Hal Robson-Kanu coming on. "You

Sure?" , says Aaron Ramsey. I think he's helped the wrong number up, the

official. I can't see him taking off Aaron Ramsey at this stage of the

game, with his experience. Robson-Kanu waits. Chester forward.

The Slovakian left-back with the header, Marek Hamsik... Oh! Skrtel

blocked him off as he was chasing. Not afraid to take a risk, is he,

Martin Skrtel? Well, he shouldn't be on the park, for that challenge in

the first half. He should have been sent off with a straight red and

Wales should have had a penalty. But he wasn't. Robert Mak, a good ball

into Weiss. Taylor away but it hasn't really done the job. Here's

Hamsik. Chris Gunter has put it out. It will

be a Slovakian throw. Now Wales can make the change. It's not Aaron

Ramsey! It's Jonny Williams. Yeah, good change from manager Chris

Coleman there. What Robson-Kanu will do is run the channels can he's

athletic. He will chase lost causes. Jonny Williams, I have to say, very,

very good performance. His 12th cap today, coming into the side. He can

be really pleased with his afternoon's work. He will get a

standing ovation from Chris Coleman. Well, he is standing up anyway! Hal

Robson-Kanu comes onto the field for the last 20 minutes.

A slice, Slovakia with the throw in. Don't forget that in World Cup

qualifying Slovakia are in the same group as both England and Scotland.

Duda, the man who scored the goal. Ledley's header. Taylor. Panicking a

little bit here, Wales. They can't get out. One or two misplaced

passes. Bail, -- They just need the experienced

players, Bale, Williams, Ramsey to lead and take charge here. It was

just one moment, the Mak run and the Duda Dole and it has changed the

game completely in Slovakia's favour. Jan Durica forward. They've

got to change the balance of this game, Wales, otherwise there is a

clear and present danger they can lose it. Chris Gunter. Bale...

Hamsik got an important touch. Great workrate from Hamsik there. He's

great going forward but just showing the defensive side of his game,

willing to get back and help his side. Just watch this, look at this!

OK, Gareth Bale does make a meal of it, but Skrtel has got no eyes on

the ball whatsoever, he's just looking at Gareth Bale. Robson-Kanu!

Ramsey in the middle, Bale arriving, Joe Ledley too, Ramsey!

Close! What an opportunity. Robson-Kanu, he whips in comedy and

Ramsey jumped just a little too early? What an opportunity. I think

he just jumps slightly too early, what an opportunity, that should

have been 2-1 in favour of Wales. Fans of hands and heads. Great ball

in from Robson-Kanu. Wales need to be alive. Svento. -- the fans with

their hands in their heads. That was well anticipated by Joe Allen. Now

can they break? Robson-Kanu. Ramsey. Ramsey's ball in. Went to close to

Kozacik. It could be doing- wrong end to end stuff for the last 15

minutes. Here is Greenfinity for Slovakia. Svento.

-- he came on at a good time, the substitute, because he is getting

the kind of support that Duris did not have. To be fair to Adam Nemec,

he has brought people into play. He is a more physical presence. He had

more space because the Wales back three have dropped off because they

are panicking a little and that has allowed him to get on the ball. He

hasn't scored a club goal in almost two years. Joe Ledley, to Gareth

Bale. Just too strong for Joe Ledley.

If you are a striker who doesn't score a goal for two years, either

you are not a very good striker or you don't play for very good clubs!

WELSH FANS SING WELSH NATIONAL ANTHEM.

Chester has done exceptionally well today in that back three. That was

well dealt with by Martin Skrtel who has gone down hard. Cramp.

Gareth Bale. Did an -- did Hamsik handle it? Wales also. Mak running

into Allen. Heavy contact. Wales have the free kick. Mak has the

yellow card. He did well in the second half, creating a goal, being