Post by 7even on May 21, 2006 22:00:22 GMT
A stunning solo goal from Ryan Giggs earned Wales a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Basque Country.
One familiar face in the Basque line-up was Bolton's Ivan Campo, while Xabi Alonso's brother Mikel was also included in a starting XI consisting mostly of players from the region's teams; Athletic Bilbao, Alaves, Real Sociedad and Osasuna.
The hosts, who rarely gather to compete, were an unknown quantity for Wales and seemed to unnerve John Toshack's side in the early stages.
They nearly took the lead after five minutes when Julen Guerrero rounded keeper Paul Jones, but his goal-bound effort was excellently cleared by a sprinting Carl Robinson.
Gradually Wales settled and began to assume control, with the pace of Craig Bellamy, Robert Earnshaw and Giggs giving the visitors a dangerous attacking outlet.
Earnshaw was struggling in front of goal though and saw three good chances go begging, while Bellamy was denied by a sprawling Inaki Lafuente save.
The second half was well contested but, despite one bit of magic from Joseba Etxeberria, it was Wales who continued to carve out the clearer opportunities.
Carl Fletcher lacked composure when well positioned, while Giggs scuffed wide following good work from Earnshaw.
Giggs made up for his bad miss on 75 minutes, capping a trademark dribble from midfield with a clever finish from 12 yards, tricking the goalkeeper by poking home when a pass to Bellamy would have been the more orthodox option.
The Basques pushed hard in the final 15 minutes but Wales held on for a thoroughly deserved win.
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Woo, go Giggsy!
One familiar face in the Basque line-up was Bolton's Ivan Campo, while Xabi Alonso's brother Mikel was also included in a starting XI consisting mostly of players from the region's teams; Athletic Bilbao, Alaves, Real Sociedad and Osasuna.
The hosts, who rarely gather to compete, were an unknown quantity for Wales and seemed to unnerve John Toshack's side in the early stages.
They nearly took the lead after five minutes when Julen Guerrero rounded keeper Paul Jones, but his goal-bound effort was excellently cleared by a sprinting Carl Robinson.
Gradually Wales settled and began to assume control, with the pace of Craig Bellamy, Robert Earnshaw and Giggs giving the visitors a dangerous attacking outlet.
Earnshaw was struggling in front of goal though and saw three good chances go begging, while Bellamy was denied by a sprawling Inaki Lafuente save.
The second half was well contested but, despite one bit of magic from Joseba Etxeberria, it was Wales who continued to carve out the clearer opportunities.
Carl Fletcher lacked composure when well positioned, while Giggs scuffed wide following good work from Earnshaw.
Giggs made up for his bad miss on 75 minutes, capping a trademark dribble from midfield with a clever finish from 12 yards, tricking the goalkeeper by poking home when a pass to Bellamy would have been the more orthodox option.
The Basques pushed hard in the final 15 minutes but Wales held on for a thoroughly deserved win.
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Woo, go Giggsy!
