Brazil v Wales. Match preview

Last updated : 05 September 2006 By Wales Reporter
Wales face the Brazilians tonight in London in a high profile international friendly. While there are many debates raging on the usefulness of the game you can't hide from the fact it's a possible chance in a lifetime for some of the players involved tonight and possibly some of the fans. Who knows when the chance may come again to see the Welsh face players like Ronaldinho.

Youngsters like Gareth Bale (who has been called into the squad for tonight's game) Joe Ledley, Lewin Nyatanga and Dave Cotterill are all likely to play a part against the team ranked No. 1 in the World.

Danny Gabbidon should be fit to play but Mark Delaney is a doubt.

Speaking ahead of the game John Toshack said

"When you play Brazil there is a danger that even the best can be turned over, whoever you are. You can play three goalkeepers and still be battered.

"I am not bothering myself about being cannon fodder, we have to get positives from every game we play.

"I am looking for options and competition for places. I have a lot of confidence in these youngsters, I know some of them are not ready yet and you can't expect them to be.

"But the more they play against quality, the sooner they come into our team, the quicker they will be ready.

"It is a big game for the youngsters. Knowing each of them as I do I don't think they will be fazed by who they are playing against.

"They are good lads. They have their heads screwed on the right way.

"You only have to talk to Nyatanga to know he has an old head on young shoulders and what he wants out of the game.

"Cotterill has got his move to the Premiership and I couldn't be happier for him. He knows where he is going, while Ledley is a sensible lad and pushing on at Cardiff where he's playing a lot of matches.

"It does not concern me how they cope, they'll be all right. But I must admit I will be shoving them on with my eyes closed and hoping!"

Coverage: Live on BBC2 Wales and BBC3, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & the BBC Sport website.