Wales

Established in 1876, the Welsh national soccer team has a long history, but has aachieved few success’s on the World stage. A country that is steeped in rugby union, soccer has had to take a back seat and as such Welsh soccer has never proliferated.

They have had some good periods however, none more so than the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden. The team featured one its greatest ever players in John Charles and at that tournament the Welsh reached the quarter finals only to be knocked out 1-0 by the eventual winners, the brilliant Brazillians. Charles was considered one of the best players in the world at that time, and he became one of the first Britons to make the grade in Italy where he played for Juventus.

Sweden 1958 was in fact the only ever appearance in the World Cup finals by Wales, but they did come close in 1994, but failed narrowly in their final qaulifying match against Romania. They have had litle success in the succeeding qualifying tournaments but nonetheless they remain optimistic and can boast several players who have what it takes at international level. Their best known player, Ryan Giggs is certainly in the late autumn of an outstanding career and it would be fitting for him to make an international comeback and end his playing days in South Africa.

Current manager, John Toshack is experienced enough to know that it will be tough for his side to qualify. They are in European Qualifying Group 4 and up against the might of the Germans as well as Russia who they have already lost to. It will undoubtedly be very tough for Wales but not impossible and you can bet on a huge effort in every game.

Wales are 22/1 to win Group 4 and are 22/19 to finish in the top two of the Group.A 2010 World Cup Free bet is available if you want to back them in any match or group aspect. Their next match is at home to Leichenstein where they are 1/7 on favourites to win. The 2010 World Cup betting for an outright win can be seen here.

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