Post by Sooz on Aug 11, 2006 9:03:43 GMT -1
WALES are to unload their big guns against Brazil - Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs.
The Western Mail understands that the world's No 1 team have been told that Bellamy and Giggs will line up against them for the September 5 glamour friendly at Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane ground.
And that could put the Football Association of Wales on a collision course with Liverpool and Manchester United, as the Champions League group stages start only a week later on September 12.
Both Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and his Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson are sure to be furious by the hastily-arranged London friendly so close to European action.
The game also comes only four days before Liverpool meet Everton in a high-octane Merseyside derby at Goodison Park and United entertain Tottenham at Old Trafford
Wales have taken advantage of a free international date three days after their Euro 2008 opener against the Czech Republic in Teplice to meet the five-time World Cup winners.
The South Americans - still ranked No1 by Fifa despite Italy's recent World Cup triumph - will play Argentina at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium on September 3.
Brazil's tour has been arranged by leading European sports rights agency Kentaro, who organised their pre-World Cup warm-up matches in Switzerland, and Wales boss John Toshack was determined to test his players against the best.
Confirming yesterday that the game would go ahead, the FAW insisted Bellamy and Giggs would be there to meet the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Arsenal's Gilberto Silva.
"We have assembled a fantastic squad, and it will be great to see the likes of Bellamy and Giggs going up against the might of Brazil," said FAW secretary-general David Collins.
"It is set to be a real showcase of their talents. This is a fantastic opportunity for Welsh football, and an exciting prospect for both the players and the fans.
"No doubt the M4 will be jam-packed on the day with fans making the trip to London for what is set to be a great day for Welsh football."
Brazil - now managed by 1994 World Cup winner Dunga following Carlos Alberto Parreira's resignation - are expected to field a strong side with all their top players plying their trade in Europe.
The Brazilian Football Confederation last night said they were delighted to be playing Wales for the 10th time - and predicted sell-out crowds for both their London fixtures.
"We are proud that two exciting games will be played in one of the world's greatest footballing cities," said CBF president Ricardo Terra Teixeira.
"The matches against Argentina and Wales will be a great spectacle for world football.
"With London's multi-cultural population and love of football we are looking forward to a carnival atmosphere in the capital during our visit.
"With the incredible local support that all three teams enjoy we are confident of sell-out crowds."
The FAW confirmed last night that tickets for the White Hart Lane encounter will be released in the next few weeks.
BBC Wales, meanwhile, have won the rights to screen the high-profile friendly, the game being televised live on BBC Wales 2 with highlights shown on S4C.
The Western Mail understands that the world's No 1 team have been told that Bellamy and Giggs will line up against them for the September 5 glamour friendly at Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane ground.
And that could put the Football Association of Wales on a collision course with Liverpool and Manchester United, as the Champions League group stages start only a week later on September 12.
Both Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and his Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson are sure to be furious by the hastily-arranged London friendly so close to European action.
The game also comes only four days before Liverpool meet Everton in a high-octane Merseyside derby at Goodison Park and United entertain Tottenham at Old Trafford
Wales have taken advantage of a free international date three days after their Euro 2008 opener against the Czech Republic in Teplice to meet the five-time World Cup winners.
The South Americans - still ranked No1 by Fifa despite Italy's recent World Cup triumph - will play Argentina at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium on September 3.
Brazil's tour has been arranged by leading European sports rights agency Kentaro, who organised their pre-World Cup warm-up matches in Switzerland, and Wales boss John Toshack was determined to test his players against the best.
Confirming yesterday that the game would go ahead, the FAW insisted Bellamy and Giggs would be there to meet the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Arsenal's Gilberto Silva.
"We have assembled a fantastic squad, and it will be great to see the likes of Bellamy and Giggs going up against the might of Brazil," said FAW secretary-general David Collins.
"It is set to be a real showcase of their talents. This is a fantastic opportunity for Welsh football, and an exciting prospect for both the players and the fans.
"No doubt the M4 will be jam-packed on the day with fans making the trip to London for what is set to be a great day for Welsh football."
Brazil - now managed by 1994 World Cup winner Dunga following Carlos Alberto Parreira's resignation - are expected to field a strong side with all their top players plying their trade in Europe.
The Brazilian Football Confederation last night said they were delighted to be playing Wales for the 10th time - and predicted sell-out crowds for both their London fixtures.
"We are proud that two exciting games will be played in one of the world's greatest footballing cities," said CBF president Ricardo Terra Teixeira.
"The matches against Argentina and Wales will be a great spectacle for world football.
"With London's multi-cultural population and love of football we are looking forward to a carnival atmosphere in the capital during our visit.
"With the incredible local support that all three teams enjoy we are confident of sell-out crowds."
The FAW confirmed last night that tickets for the White Hart Lane encounter will be released in the next few weeks.
BBC Wales, meanwhile, have won the rights to screen the high-profile friendly, the game being televised live on BBC Wales 2 with highlights shown on S4C.
