Watch Wales vs Bulgaria live
Today sees new Wales boss Brian Flynn take to the reigns for the first time as the caretaker manager and he will want to make a good impression as he has put his name forward as a possible choice for the position permanently. He has overtaken the managing duties after John Toshack resigned after a disappointing defeat to Montenegro in the last round of qualifying matches after a wave of pressure and criticism was heaped on him following the result. It's been 34 years since Wales last took part in a major tournament (euro championships 1976) and it will be a monstrous achievement if they can manage it with this campaign, especially after such an early setback. Brian Flynn will certainly be hoping for a positive display if he is to appointed the coaching on a permanent basis.
He will have to make plans for his squad without key striker members Craig Bellamy and Rob Earnshaw which will be causing him some anxiety in figuring out where his firepower is going to come from. Ashley Williams will be appointed captain in Bellamy's absence following a knee injury he received, and Earnshaw has a thigh issue which has ruled him out of action for Nottingham Forest's last 3 fixtures. Youngster Ryan Doble has in turn been considered to fill in for the Earnshaw. Callups have also been given to Neil Taylor and Darcy Blake who have come in to replace the injured pair of Neal Eardley and Brian Stock and Stoke defender Danny Collins is back in the international fold after falling out with former coach John Toshack 3 years ago.
Bulgaria also begin today's match with a new boss, German legend Lothar Matthaeus, who has took charge replacing Stanimar Stoilov, who left following their dismal displays against England and the embarrassing defeat to lowly Montenegro in their last qualifying matches. Matthaeus will need to instill some belief and confidence into the Balkan side before their efforts in the group become hopeless. At the moment qualifying for the tournament that awaits in Poland and Ukraine in 2 years time looks like a very far fetched fantasy. They have 6 games to transform their luck and if they fail to win in Cardiff it could be all over for the team.
Their main frailty appears to be in attack as in poast matches teh strikers that have been deployed haven't tucked away chances that have been presented to them, something former boss Stoilov made abundantly clear after the defeats. This hasn't been helped by the international retirement of star Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov and the forwards Stoilov had at his disposal couldn't produce the magic that was needed to get them points. That will have to remedied today in some shape or form by the coach.
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