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Brave Wales lose to Russia

September 10, 2008

Wales narrowly lost to Russia in today’s World Cup qualifier 2-1 in Moscow. Wales looked like they’d hang on for the draw when Tottenham’s new signing Roman Pavlyuchenko gave Russia a win that they looked like missing out on.

It could have been so much better for Wales, as Tottenham’s other player on show, Gareth Bale, missed a 17th minute penalty that would have given Wales an unlikely lead. His tame strike however was easily saved by the Russian keeper.

Moments after Bale’s miss, Russia took the lead themselves as Bales Spurs teammate Pavlyuchenko showed Bale how it should be done, scoring a penalty at the other end.

An inexperienced Welsh defence then held off wave upon wave of Russian attacks. The second half got better for Wales when Joe Ledley equalised, and gave the Welsh hope of sharing the points.

Sadly for Wales they were unable to hold on and were denied in the last ten minutes when Pavel Pogrebnyak gave Russia a 2-1 victory that sees them take control of the qualifying group.

Wales’ display will give them heart though, as they were able to compete with the Euro 2008 semi finalists.

Written by Roy · Filed Under Wales | Leave a Comment 

Parry retires from International football

September 8, 2008

Welsh international footballer Paul Parry has sensationally retired from international football, in the middle of Wales’ two world cup qualifiers. Parry had been out of the Wales squad for 18 months on a self imposed absence, because of problems over his divorce and access to his children. Only recently he declared himself available for selection, and was called up by John Toshack for Wales’ two qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Russia.

However, after being left out of the starting line-up in Wales 1-0 win over Azerbaijan Paul has announced his retirement and left the squad. According to Toshack, Parry had been told he would start the game against Russia on Wednesday night, but the player wasn’t happy at being on the bench on Saturday and walked out of the squad.

Parry is only 28 and has win 12 caps for Wales, scoring just one goal.

Parry plays as a winger for his club side Cardiff, but his eye for goal saw him used often as a striking option.

Former Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe was angry at Parry’s retirement:

It’s a trend these days, players retire themselves, but it’s not the way I was brought up, and I don’t agree with it.

The big difference with players these days is money, that situation has changed everything in the game.

He could have been an important squad member, but he has no reason to feel aggrieved at his treatment by Wales and John Toshack will not be losing any sleep about it.

Written by Roy · Filed Under Wales | Leave a Comment