Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live at GSP Stadium

"It was a straight ball into the striker and Ashley Williams was very close. Has he got his arms round him? Is he backing in? I don't think it was a penalty, but again, Richards has got to concentrate a little more. He doesn't have to do that. 

"I've been really impressed by Cyprus. They've started really positively."

Jeers ring out around the ground as Nestor Mytidis goes down in the area after a challenge by Ashley Williams. The locals are not happy as the referee waves away claims for a penalty.

Suggestions from the commentary box that if that had been 10 yards outside the area a free kick would have been given.

Nervous moments for Wales.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live at GSP Stadium

"The first thing on Gareth Bale's mind whenever he gets the ball is to turn and run on goal. He's in that number 10 position, but his touch has let him down a few times so far.

"The left to right diagonal ball is there for Cyprus. Constantinos Makridis has been threatening down that side and Ben Davies has been coming across to help out Ashley Richards at right-back."   

Will Wales pay for Neil Taylor's miss? Make no mistake, if that had fallen to Gareth Bale or Aaron Ramsey, Chris Coleman's side would be ahead.

Cyprus have regrouped and are trying to string some passes together. Not easy on this surface though.

A dreadful pitch, a swerving ball, late challenges everywhere...this is going to be eventful.

Wales' Group B rivals Israel have taken an early lead against Andorra as Eran Zahavi pounces to score after goalkeeper Ferran Pol fails to hold Nir Bitton's effort.

That means Israel are currently third on 12 points, three behind Wales.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live at GSP Stadium

Image source, Reuters

"Too far out for Gareth Bale? No chance - he plays for Real Madrid. Bale hit the top of the ball and it swerved so much that the 'keeper made a right mess of his first stop. Then Neil Taylor has to bury the follow up." 

Image source, Reuters

Free-kicks galore in these opening exchanges.

Wales win another about 35-yard's out and Gareth Bales fancies it. The Real Madrid man takes a couple of strides before unleashing a tremendous effort which the keepers fumbles. The ball lands at the feet of Neil Taylor whose close-range effort is blocked by the stopper.

Encouraging for Wales.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live at GSP Stadium

"The two superstars of this Wales team combine. What a start to an international fixture. We usually see teams sussing each other out but they've gone for each other straight from the start these two. 

"Ashley Williams has been a bit rash in his early challenges though. He needs to start better." 

Good response from Wales. Gareth Bale is on the charge. He powers forward to within shooting range before playing in Aaron Ramsey.The Arsenal man then curls an effort just over the bar.

Image source, Getty Images

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There are loads of white empty seats in the home ends of the ground. But the Cyprus fans who have turned up have seen an encouraging start by their side.

Wales are nervous. They concede an early corner, Constantinos Charalambides swings it in and Dossa Junior fails to connect with a swinging boot.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live at GSP Stadium

"When Gareth Bale was warming up he was given a massive round of applause by the Cyprus fans. And last night at the team hotel there were loads of Cypriot children getting his autograph - the guy is a superstar. 

"Bale isn't the captain though, Ashley Williams is and he's a great leader. They must not buckle now, Wales."

Niggly start on a bobbly and poor pitch. Wales skipper Ashley Williams concedes a very early foul after flattening his opponent. This is going to be physical.

We're under way...

Image source, .

Read more from John Hartson.

Image source, PA

Passionate and heart-pumping stuff from the Wales players during the national anthem. Let's hope they are just as enthusiastic after kick-off. We're ready to go...

Image source, Reuters

Both teams are in the tunnel. The travelling fans from Wales are in tremendous voice. It's sweltering hot in Nicosia. Can Chris Coleman's side handle the heat? Here come the sides...