Thursday Sep 29 2005 20:00
Wales had to weather an early storm in Belgrade to enter half time in their Euro 2004 qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro 0-0.
Despite the fact that the Red Star Stadium was far from a sell out the Wales side were treated to a hostile welcome and, seemingly inspired by their fans, the home side camped in the opposing half in the early stages, only to find Danny Gabbidon and Robert Page in fine form at the heart of the visiting defence.
In the tenth minute Dejan Stankovic saw a header deflected over the crossbar and Wales keeper Paul Jones produced a fine reflex save to deny Mateja Kezman from the resulting corner.
As the game continued Wales began to gain a foothold and Craig Bellamy won a series of free kicks, but poor delivery prevented any chances being created.
Ryan Giggs put his pace to use on several occasions, sweeping down the left flank and forcing desperate clearances from the Serbian defence, but the home side continued to look dangerous on the break.
On the 30-minute mark Stankovic was inches away from opening the scoring with a long-range effort that beat Jones before crashing against the post and away for a corner.
After soaking up the early pressure the Welsh side more than held their own in the final 15 minutes of the first half and restricted the hosts to long-range efforts and even created a good chance for Simon Davies.
But the Spurs midfielder was unable to connect with Giggs' cross and the half finished goalless.
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