Andorra 1-2 Wales as it happened

1. Lima puts Andorra ahead with early penalty
2. Gareth Bale heads equaliser and then scores free-kick
3. Match played on artificial surface at national stadium
4. Wales in same group as Belgium & Bosnia

It wasn't pretty. Actually, it was downright ugly. But Wales' Euro 2016 qualifying campaign is off to a winning start.

With Northern Ireland, England and the Republic of Ireland also winning, and Scotland scaring world champions Germany, it's not been a bad start.

Gareth Bale is on his way back to Spain for Saturday's Madrid derby and we're off home too. Thanks for your company.

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Daniel Smith: It's embarrassing that Wales celebrated like that after beating Andorra. A team ranked 199 in the world.

Arwyn Morgan: How could Uefa have passed that pitch as suitable for international football?

Leuan Hughes: Wales to win the 2018 World Cup. You heard it here first.

Manager reaction

More from Wales manager Chris Coleman on Sky Sports: "There were half a dozen challenges that weren't very good. The referee should have clamped down but he let it go and we are a bit disappointed with that - we had a bit to contend with tonight."

Wales forward Gareth Bale: Pleased we came away with the three points, great effort from the boys, was a tough game in difficult conditions!

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David Lloyd Edwards: Difficult win for Wales against the prickly Andorra. Three points and an important game against Bosnia next month.

Chaim Ford: Wales (Bale) scrape past Andorra; Bosnia lose at home to Cyprus; Looks like Israel won't have much trouble finishing second in the group.

Andy Morgan: Why didn't Roy Hodgson try and sign Gareth Bale in the transfer window?

Manager reaction

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Wales manager Chris Coleman on Sky Sports: "We have a lot of fans here in our hotel and before the game they were saying that they wanted at least three goals - but we knew it would not be easy. Andorra's record here in not good but they are a fighting nation and I have seen the Netherlands struggle here.

"I can say it now but when we arrived and saw the state of the pitch my heart sank. It shouldn't be allowed at this level, but we got the three points and everyone else has got to come here and play. It's a great start for us.

"There are only another two players in the world who can do what Gareth Bale can do. He makes all the difference."

So what next for Wales? It's a home double header against Bosnia-Hercegovina on 10 October quickly followed by Cyprus on 13 October.

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Rian Hoskins: While the pitch was tough to play on, Wales were not impressive and relied upon Gareth Bale's talent. Improvement needed.

Daniel Lewis: Worth noting that Bosnia, Wales' main rivals for second place, have lost at home to Cyprus.

Martin: Andorra prime minister. Andorra local writer. Are you listening? Your team took one heck of a beating!

Player reaction

Wales two-goal forward Gareth Bale tells Sky Sports: "I can't describe how bad, bobbly and hard the pitch was to deal with. We said at the start that the most important thing was to get three points. Other teams are going to find it difficult coming here so for us to get three points is important. We want to qualify and you have to come to places like this and get victories."

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Sheelagh: Gareth Bale is to Wales what Lionel Messi is to Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo to Portugal. Leader, talisman, world-class, hero.

Andrew, Swansea: Can say it now without it looking like sour grapes, but to ask international footballers to play on a pitch like that is an absolute disgrace. Well done Wales for overcoming it all tonight.

Kevin Ratcliffe

Former Wales captain & BBC Wales pundit

"I can't believe that tonight. A lot of questions are going to be asked. At 1-1 we were all over the place and vulnerable and we looked as though we might lose this game.

"We actually looked better when George Williams came on, there seemed to be a little bit more about us as a system and shape."

Around the grounds

Good news - potentially - for Wales elsewhere tonight as Bosnia have been beaten by Cyprus, Dimitris Christofi bagging a brace.

Belgium are favourites in Group B but Wales will now fancy a stab at second place.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan at Select Stadium, Widnes: "A missed opportunity for Birmingham, who had the vast majority of chances and paid for Emily Westwood's poor control at the end with the goal gaping. That means the Women's Super League title is out of their hands now with Chelsea two points ahead with three games left. Everton will be grateful for a draw as they reduce the gap to second from bottom Notts County to four points. They face each other on 28 September, which could decide who is the first team to be relegated from the top tier."

Former England captain Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"Wales have come from behind to lead with two goals from Gareth Bale. A fine comeback against the mighty Andorra."

Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage

BBC Sport

"The simple fact is that with Gareth Bale we have a chance of qualifying for Euro 2016. Without Bale we have no chance."

Kevin Ratcliffe

Former Wales captain & BBC Wales pundit

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"It wasn't the best of performances but we've played a lot better away from home and lost. I don't think we'll play as poorly as this at home or away and win. There's a massive relief for Chris Coleman."

Smiles all round as Wales players head over to salute their travelling support. Gareth Bale looks as happy as he was after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League in May.

FULL-TIME

And there it is. It wasn't pretty but Wales have the points.

That noise you just heard? It was Arsene Wenger throwing his slippers at the television. Aaron Ramsey looks in pain as he is forced to limp off.

Moments later Gareth Bale is sent sprawling following another crunching challenge. Wales just want to hear the full-time whistle.

Cries of 'ole, ole' as Wales attempt to see this match out. A long period of possession as Aaron Ramsey is bundled to the ground.

Elsewhere in Europe

It's looking like a good night for Italy, as a goal from Leonardo Boncci has put them 2-0 up in Norway, while the Netherlands and the Czech Republic are still locked at 1-1.

Six minutes added time.

Gareth Bale has been head and shoulders the best player on the pitch. The Real Madrid man has treated this game as seriously as he will be treating Saturday's derby against Atletico Madrid.

Bale has well and truly bailed Wales out in Andorra.

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Paul, Southampton: When did going 2-1 up against Andorra in a European Qualifier warrant a pitch invasion?

'There's only one Gareth Bale' roar Wales fans. There's a burst of 'Land of my Fathers' too.

They might be leading but this has been far from straight forward for Wales. Lots of work to be done by Chris Coleman before the next qualifier against Bosnia-Hercegovina on 10 October.

Kevin Ratcliffe

Former Wales captain & BBC Wales pundit

"Fantastic goal once again from Gareth Bale. But unfortunately we've had to have Gareth Bale save us once again. This is Chris Coleman's lucky night."

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Jessica Notzing: Bailed out by Bale ... haven't we said that before??

Daniel Woodley: What a super free-kick from Gareth Bale! Absolutely world class goal. And now he is telling the fans to behave themselves

Daniel Lewis: Gareth Bale getting us through each game is the only way Wales will qualify.

GOAL

Where would Wales be without Gareth Bale?

The Real Madrid man comes to his country's rescue once again with a well executed dipping 25-yard free-kick that sends Wales' travelling fans in raptures.

Fans spill on to the pitch and Bale cuts short his celebrations and urges them to calm down.

Will the real Aaron Ramsey please stand up? Wales win a free-kick outside the Andorra penalty area but the Arsenal man's set-piece sails out for a goal kick. Very poor. Another Wales change. On comes Fulham's teenage forward George Williams for Andy King.

STAT ATTACK

A reminder of Andorra's pedigree:

Andorra had not scored in 18 competitive games before tonight.

They have lost their last 44 competitive games since a 0-0 draw against Finland on 3 September 2005.

Andorra have not won in 51 competitive fixtures since a 1-0 success against the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in World Cup qualifying on 13 October 2004.

Andorra have yet to avoid defeat in 40 European Championship qualifiers.

When it comes to capital cities Andorra la Vella is one of the quietest - even in rush hour. But they'll be dancing on the streets of Andorra's capital if they hold out.

Wales have stepped up the tempo in the last few minutes but have they left it too late? The hosts are trying to run down the clock at every opportunity.

Twenty minutes of normal time remaining. Twenty minutes for Andorra to hold out and end a run of 44 straight competitive defeats. Twenty minutes for Wales to save their blushes.

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Wilson D: Wales look like a pub team who won a competition to have Gareth Bale in their team

Gareth Bale lines up a shot before letting fly with a powerful drive. It slams into Garcia Miramontes. The expression etched across the Andorra player's face says it all.

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Jon, Manchester: In all seriousness, if the FAW need any help, there is probably only one Pulis in the Welsh phone book.

Wales now have 10 top-flight players on the pitch. And still they struggle to breakdown their part-time hosts.

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With an hour gone in the 19:45 BST kick-offs around the continent, the action is hotting up.

Stefan de Vrij has pulled World Cup semi-finalists Netherlands level at 1-1 against the Czech Republic in Prague.

A Luka Modric daisy-cutter has given Croatia the breakthrough at home to Malta.

In the same group as Wales and Andorra, Bosnia-Hercegovina have been pegged back to 1-1 at home to Cyprus. Dimitris Christofi scored the visitors' goal.

SUBSTITUTION

And here comes Wales' first change moments after Cristian Martinez flashes a chance narrowly wide for the hosts.

On comes Crystal Palace midfielder Joe Ledley for Simon Church. Wales need to step up.

Kevin Ratcliffe

Former Wales captain & BBC Wales pundit

"Simon Church has led with his arm and these days if you lead with your arm it's a red card. He's a lucky man."

YELLOW CARD

This is descending into a right bruising affair. Simon Church becomes the second Wales player to have his name taken for a high arm on an opponent. Still no sign of a Wales substitution.

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Sion, Cardiff: With all this talk of this being a big opportunity for Wales to qualify for a major tournament, surely a friendly last week would have been a good idea, every other nation had one!

Huggy: As a Welshman working in Manchester in currently not looking forward to going in tomorrow. Please please boys don't make us all look fools.

Crunch!

Gareth Bale will do well to get back to Madrid in one piece at this rate.

A non-League challenge by Ildefons Lima leaves Bale on the floor. Bale picks himself up to fire the free-kick straight at the keeper before Andy King heads a good chance wide.

No sign of a second Wales goal. No sign of Chris Coleman making any changes.

Play acting in full flow among Andorra's players. Cristian Martinez rolls around on the grass after contact with Chris Gunter.

Andorra can count themselves fortunate to still have 11 players on the pitch as Carlos Peppe, who has already been cautioned, escapes another booking following a poor tackle on Gunter.

Moments later Peppe is replaced.

Poor from Joe Allen as his corner fails to get past the first man. Easily cleared. Wales need to do better.

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Gareth, Pembroke Dock: Let's get this into perspective. If Bobby Gould brought a Welsh team to Andorra in his reign and couldn't get a win he would be sacked in the morning. Same should apply to Chris Coleman.

The new half is just a few moments old when goalscorer Ildefons Lima dramatically crumples to the ground following a challenge. Are Andorra counting down the clock already?

KICK-OFF

And off we go.

The players are on their way back out. A huge 45 minutes coming up for Wales. Dropping two points against Andorra at the start of their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign is not what Chris Coleman envisaged.

Kevin Ratcliffe

Former Wales captain & BBC Wales pundit

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"Andorra have worked tremendously hard and you can't say they haven't deserved anything out of the first half. We've had a lot of possession but we haven't really created too much. We've got to be a little more creative when we're further forward."

BBC Radio Wales commentator Rob Phillips in Andorra: What a shock! Settle for any sort of win from here. One or two Wales players struggling on pitch.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan at Select Stadium, Widnes: "Birmingham well on top in this one with teenage full-back Jess Carter and Karen Carney coming closest to opening the scoring. Everton are struggling up front without suspended top scorer Nikita Parris and you can see why they have yet to win a league game."

BBC Sport Wales' Dafydd Pritchard in Andorra: "The Wales fans boo manager Chris Coleman as he leaves the field after a staggering first half.

"Andorra have lost their last 44 competitive games and failed to score a competitive goals in four years before tonight's game - but they hold Wales 1-1 at the break.

"The Wales fans are unsurprisingly furious after an embarrassing first 45 minutes of their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign."

Frustration for Wales but credit to Andorra, who have lost their last 44 competitive games. Are the part-timers about to end that sequence?

BBC Sport Wales' Dafydd Pritchard: Boos for Wales manager Chris Coleman as he leaves the field at half time.

HALF-TIME

Kevin Ratcliffe

Former Wales captain & BBC Wales pundit

"We've got a lot of work to do and Chris Coleman has got a lot of thinking to do at half-time."

HALF-TIME

A scrappy half ends on a bad-tempered note as Joe Allen is booked following a niggly incident with Carlos Peppe, the Andorra midfielder also cautioned.

Wales with it all to do.

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John: Belgium, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Israel will be very tough opponents for Wales in this qualifying campaign. Home form will be absolutely crucial if they are to reach Euro 2016, and whether or not they can pick up points here and there away from home may just make the difference.

Wales go close to taking the lead with a carbon copy of Gareth Bale's equaliser. Ben Davies arrows a cross into the penalty area but the Real Madrid man cannot connect this time.

It's all become scrappy. Very scrappy. The part-time hosts are more than content as they continue to frustrate Bale and Co.

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Jack Langsford: Wales are not used to the speed of 4G. Not sure whether I prefer this tweet as a pun or fact?

Jack straying into some niche 'phone signal/pitch-based comedy'

Neil Taylor is red-faced as he loses possession following a lovely piece of skill by Jordi Rubio. Wales will be pleased to go in at the interval on level terms at this rate. That surely wasn't in their plan.

Little fluency from Wales. The game is being played at a low-tempo with lots of head tennis on display. Entertainment value? 5/10.

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Gwalch Mon: I'd like to say I didn't see that coming. But after 30+ years of disappointment as a Wales fan, going behind felt inevitable!

Tomas Rosicky is captaining the Czech Republic tonight with Robin van Persie on coin-toss duties for the Netherlands in Prague.

It is the current, rather than former, Arsenal man who is smiling at the moment with Borek Dockal having given the hosts the lead in their Group A opener.

The Netherlands starting line-up also includes Wesley Sneijder, Daley Blind and Nigel de Jong.

It might be an artificial surface but it's greasy and players from both sides are struggling to stay on their feet. Even Gareth Bale, the world's most expensive player, has just lost his footing.

Chris Coleman said before the game he would be happy with a 1-0 win. Forget the clean sheet. But can his players go on and secure a comeback victory?

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Who were the best players never to make it to a major finals?

Toni Vuolle: Jari "The King" Litmanen obviously with his almost unique passing ability and understanding of the game.

Elsewhere tonight

Elsewhere in Group B Stuttgart striker Vedad Ibisevic has nodded in to put Bosnia-Hercegovina ahead at home to Cyprus.

Meanwhile Italy have taken the lead away to Norway with Simone Zaza, making only his second international appearance, finding the net.

Iceland, who were within a two-legged play-off defeat by Croatia of making this year's World Cup, have taken the lead at home to Turkey. Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is the man with the goal.

GOAL

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. . .

Gareth Bale hauls Wales back on level terms with a delightful header from 15-yards following a long ball forward by Ben Davies. The Real Madrid man out-jumps his mark to nod the ball into the far corner.

Wales fans are back in full voice.

BBC Wales Sport's Dafydd Pritchard in Andorra: "Wales are backed by a vocal travelling contingent of 1,500 or so fans, but they were stunned into silence when Andorra took the most surprising of early leads.

"The hosts had not a competitive goal scored for four years before this evening's match, but it took them just eight minutes to open the scoring here.

"As if playing on an artificial pitch in the middle of the Pyrenees wasn't strange enough for the Wales players, falling behind to a country ranked 199th in the world has given this game a truly surreal feel."

Chants of 'you don't know what you're doing' from Wales fans. It's unclear whether they are directed at the referee or Chris Coleman.

The Wales boss is out of his seat on the touchline. He is furiously chewing gum. This will be hard to swallow if the result stays like this.

CLOSE!

That's more like it.

Joe Allen swings a corner into the Andorra penalty area and Gareth Bale's heads narrowly over from close range.

Wales need more of the same.

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Tom Rowell: So I had figured that Andorra would be an easy win for Wales, I guess I was wrong

Martin: nice to get an early goal in a game like this...oh wait, 1-nil to the Andorrans!?!?

James Chester stabs a chance wide from the resulting set-piece. Wales are disjointed and have yet to get going.

That was Andorra's first goal in a competitive game for four years. It has knocked the stuffing out of Wales. They need to respond but have yet to test to home keeper since falling behind. Free-kick to Wales as Gareth Bale is on the receiving end of a heavy challenge by a part-time player.

Remember, Andorra are ranked 199 in the world. They're a team of part-timers. They're in the lead.

GOAL

PA

Terrible start for Wales.

Neil Taylor concedes a soft penalty after the referee spots his tug on Ivan Lorenzo and Ildefons Lima nets his eighth goal for his country from the spot.

Wales are shell-shocked.

PENALTY TO ANDORRA

Disaster! Neil Taylor pulls back Ivan Lorenzo and that's a penalty!

This game looks as though it is being played on a lush green carpet. But the artificial surface is already causing havoc with both teams who are struggling to judge the bounce. Lots of fun and games ahead.

Less than 40 seconds on the clock and Chris Gunter tests the Andorra keeper from inside the box following a delicious ball by Aaron Ramsey. Positive start.

KICK-OFF

We're off. Gareth Bale looks as pumped for this as he does for a Real Madrid-Barcelona showdown.

It's not every day you hear the national anthem of Andorra. Hmmm. Not bad. Not a patch on Land of my Fathers though. . .

LINE-UPS

Andorra: Pol, Garcia Miramontes, Lima, Maneiro Ton, Rubio, Vales, Peppe, Ayala Diaz, Martinez Alejo, Lorenzo Roncero, Riera. Subs: Josep Anton Gomez, Sonejee, Rodrigues, Vieira de Vasconcelos, Sanchez Soto, Clemente, Moreno.

Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Neil Taylor, Chester, Davies, Ashley Williams, Allen, King, Ramsey, Bale, Church. Subs: Fon Williams, Dummett, Gabbidon, Vaughan, Ledley, Lawrence, Jonathan Williams, Huws, Jake Taylor, John, George Williams, Letheren.

Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia).

Almost kick-off time

The teams are on their way out. The appearance of the white shirted visitors is greeted by a huge roar from hundreds of travelling fans from Wales.

Top v bottom

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

It's a clash of great significance at both ends of the Women's Super League tonight as struggling Everton host Birmingham.

Birmingham can go top with a win while Everton haven't won all season and are in a world of pain.

The match is live on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from now.

18 not out for Joe

Other

It's like an FA Cup third round tie when a non-League team featuring salesmen and teachers line-up against a Premier League club.

Andorra's long-serving captain Oscar Sonejee works an insurance salesman, while 34-year-old defender Ildefons Lima is his country's top scorer with seven goals.

Lima was in the squad for Andorra's first ever game, a 1998 Euro 2000 qualifier with Armenia which they lost 3-1.

BBC Sport Wales' Dafydd Pritchard in Andorra: "Wales are as hopeful of qualifying for a major tournament as they have been for years and, against an Andorran side with only one competitive victory in their history, they are confident of making a winning start to their campaign."

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Henrique M: Alfredo Di Stefano is the greatest to never play at a World Cup.

Daniel Tinsley: George Weah one of the greatest to never get a World Cup chance.

European heavyweights the Netherlands and Italy are also in action and we will be keeping you up to date with their progress as well as other three other Euro 2016 qualifiers taking place this evening.

Guus Hiddink's Netherlands are away to the Czech Republic in Group A, while Turkey visit Iceland.

Wales's Group B rivals Bosnia-Hercegovina host Cyprus and in Group C Italy are in Norway, while Croatia host Malta.

Iwan Roberts

Former Wales striker and BBC Radio Wales pundit

"I am very positive about Wales' chances in this group.

"I wasn't that impressed by Belgium in the World Cup and I think that we can go and beat Bosnia. We have got two players in Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey who can win you any game and around them we have eight or nine players who are playing regularly in the Premier League.

"I think that we will win comfortably. Against the weaker teams you have to boost your goal difference and if we get four goals I would be delighted."

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Hopeful of Wales on text: Should be the most one sided game Wales have played in my lifetime (I'm 43). My only concern is how our higher paid players who play in top arenas week in and week out (and even some of the lesser paid lower league players) motivate themselves whilst playing in a stadium that resembles the local kickabout area the kids use in my local park. Hopefully, playing for your country is motivation enough. Come on Wales. No sense in upsetting the wife just yet but I really fancy a family summer holiday in France in 2016.

Put your name on those texts please...

@AshleighCrowter

BBC Wales Today sports reporter Ashleigh Crowter: Just warning you that there's more loose crumbs on this pitch than an episode of the Great British Bake Off.

Manager's thoughts

Wales manager Chris Coleman speaking to BBC Radio Wales: "Gareth Bale can play anywhere. We have lost Sam Vokes and the possibility of playing Gareth Bale through the middle is obviously one we have discussed.

"The feeling of getting so close and not doing so is not nice, that is what drives me on.

"We have got a lot of good players, there is no getting away from that. There are no easy games in this group, but if we take ownership of it I believe that we are good enough to go through."

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No excuses

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Joe Allen admits he would prefer the game to be played on grass but says the artificial surface will be no excuse for a poor result.

"It doesn't matter what pitch we play on, whatever surface, our focus on is how we play and perform," says the Liverpool midfielder. "We have got to be confident whatever happens - we are there to get three points, and we have got to make sure that's what we do.

"We've all played on artificial surfaces enough times to know what to expect from it, and it's not a problem."

Kevin Ratcliffe

Former Wales captain & BBC Wales pundit

"Neil Taylor coming in on the left, a naturally left-footed player, gives us some balance. I think they will go with Simon Church up front with Gareth Bale in behind.

"There is plenty of cover in the side as well though which is important considering that we are going to have a lot of the ball and will need to be careful to avoid being hit on the break."

Small but spectacular

@FAWales

Andorra's national stadium might be small, but is there a more stunning backdrop in world football?

You certainly don't get this view at Luton's Kenilworth Road or Walsall's Bescot Stadium!

The new venue holds just hold 4,000 fans, while the Wales physio could be in for a busy evening as the ground has a 3G artificial pitch, and a sliding tackle may well prove painful.

Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage

BBC Sport

"3-0 to Wales with Gareth Bale to get two. Come on Wales!"

Other

Big night for James Chester. Andorra's new national stadium, however, is a world away from Wembley where he scored for Hull City against Arsenal in the FA Cup final in May.

BBC Sport Wales' Dafydd Pritchard in Andorra: "Confirmed Neil Taylor on the left wing. Has played there for Swansea and briefly for Wales. Simon Church up front allows Bale to play favoured wide role."

Radio, radio

@robphillipshere

BBC Wales Sport commentator Rob Phillips: View from the BBC Radio Wales commentary point in Andorra.

Listen to Rob by clicking on the 'Live coverage' tab above (UK only).

Wales starting line-up

Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Williams, Chester, Davies, Taylor, King, Ramsey, Allen, Bale, Church. Subs: Fon Williams, Letheren, Dummett, Gabbidon, Vaughan, Ledley, Lawrence, J Williams, Huws, J Taylor, John, G Williams.

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Can Gareth Bale do what George Best and Ryan Giggs failed to do - play for his country at a major tournament?

Bale might be the world's most expensive player and a Champions League winner, but he has yet to play at the European Championship or a World Cup.

Who else failed to play in a major tournament for their country while enjoying a sparkling club career? Will Bale make it to Euro 2016 with Wales? Can part-time Andorra pull off a major shock?

Get in touch at #bbcfootball the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Breaking Wales team news

Gareth Bale, Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey all start, while James Chester comes in for his first competitive start.

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BBC Sport Wales' Dafydd Pritchard in Andorra: "The sight of 1,500 or so Wales fans revelling in the Andorran sunshine has given this game the feel of a home fixture for Chris Coleman's side.

"That's partly because this tiny principality in the Pyrenees only has a population of 85,000, around 30,000 fewer people than Newport.

"As you'd expect in such a small country, the stadium is compact - but it has caused a bit of controversy and it will be a surreal sight to see the world's most expensive footballer, Gareth Bale, playing on a surface most fans would use for a five-a-side kickabout."

Smaller than Newport

Just how small is Andorra? Apparently the country has 30,000 fewer people than Newport. . .

Wales are used to playing the role of underdog but that is most definitely not the case in their opening Euro 2016 qualifying game.

Andorra, which is bordered by Spain and France, might be a popular destination with Europe's skiing fraternity, but the locals are more likely to take in a roller hockey game than watch a football match.

The part-time national football team are ranked 199 in the world and have not scored a competitive goal for four years. With just three wins in 118 matches, no wonder Chris Coleman's side fancy their chances.

Wales all-time top scorer Ian Rush: Let's get the qualifying campaign off to a win.

Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey: Game day! Let's get our Euro 2016 qualifying off to a winning start.

Wales striker Robert Earnshaw: Good luck to Wales.

Ready for action

@robphillipshere

BBC Radio Wales commentator Rob Phillips: Gareth Bale has arrived ready for action in Andorra.

Having also been drawn alongside Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belgium, Israel and Cyprus in Group B, there is growing optimism Wales could end their long wait for a chance to play in a major tournament with the top two sides qualifying automatically.

The best third-placed finisher will also go to France, while the remaining eight third-placed teams go into play-offs in November 2015.

Will Land of my Fathers be heard in France in two years time? With Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen, fans are starting to believe.

On the rise?

Manager Chris Coleman wasn't born the last time Wales reached a major finals.

Sunk by a goal from Pele in the 1958 World Cup quarter-finals, the nation has not had too much to cheer about for the last 50 odd years.

But could things be about to change?

He has a Champions League winners medal after scoring in the final as Real Madrid were crowned kings of Europe in May.

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He scored an astonishing late winner against arch rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final to become a Bernabeu galactico.

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But Gareth Bale has yet to grace his presence at a major tournament in the shirt of Wales.

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Can the world's most expensive player replicate his club form and help propel Chris Coleman's team all the way to the Euro 2016 party in France?