Germany v Wales

Last updated : 15 October 2008 By Wales Reporter
John Toshack has not yet had the reward of taking a top scalp like predecessor Mark Hughes did against Italy. To come away with a win against Germany tonight would eclipse the achievement of Mark Hughes and give Wales a realistic fight for a top two place in this group.

Speaking ahead of the game Toshack said

"If we can come home with a positive result behind us, it would really set the cat amongst the pigeons in this group.

"I was looking at the various European pools the other day and it is quite clear that we're in one which is as tough as it gets.

"But we can't just surrender, we've got to go for it. Mathematically, winning our home games won't give us enough points to qualify. We do have to come away to one of these big teams and get a good result.

"I thought we were very unfortunate to lose in Russia last month, while we were cheated out in the Czech Republic at the start of the last Euro qualifying campaign when we deserved at least a draw, and could actually have won.

"In the previous World Cup, we only lost to a penalty in Poland and were beaten in Austria, against a team ranked higher, when Danny Coyne made an error and we missed loads of chances.

"We can either say we're destined never to do it away from home in a game that really matters because of hard luck stories or we can go again and give it our best shot. My view is we have to keep trying and if we get a positive result tonight, it will certainly make a few people sit up and take notice."

Wales drew in Germany when the teams last met a year ago. The home side had already qualified for Euro 2008 by then but it was still a creditable point. What if we could go one better this time?

Tosh is still to decide if he risks James Collins from the start. Craig Bellamy is expected to play the lone striker as Wales look to cause one hell of a shock.

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