The Welsh national anthem will still stir your soul.
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
My colleague Dylan Griffiths, commentating on tonight's game for BBC Radio Cymru, has just come up with the stat of the night so far.
Not one of Wales' starting players tonight have scored a senior international goal.
That's quite a stark indication of how inexperienced a team Robert Page has selected.
Some pre-match stats
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
● This
will be only the second non-competitive encounter between Wales and Czech
Republic (including as Czechoslovakia), and first since a goalless draw at the
Millennium Stadium in March 2002.
● Wales
have only won one of their last eight meetings with Czech Republic in all
competitions (including as Czechoslovakia), a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in
March 2021 (D4 L3).
● Including
as Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic have only won one of their eight
international away games against Wales (D3 L4), a 3-1 European Championship
qualifying victory in April 1971.
● Wales
are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions (W4 D4); they haven’t enjoyed
a longer run without defeat since October 2017 (run of nine).
● After
losing 1-0 in extra-time to Sweden last time out, Czech Republic are looking to
avoid suffering back-to-back international defeats for the first time since
March/June 2021, when one of those defeats was to Wales.
● Wales
have only won one of their last six international friendlies (D3 L2), a 1-0 win
over Mexico in March 2021. The Dragons have only scored one goal in those six
matches.
● Gareth
Bale has played 321 minutes of international football for Wales since August
2021, more than he has at club level for Real Madrid in 2021-22 (270). Bale has
scored five goals in his last four international matches for Wales, more than
he had in his previous 28 such appearances beforehand (four goals).
● Jan
Sýkora has scored three goals in his last three internationals for Czech
Republic, this despite coming on as a substitute in each of those matches.
Sýkora netted a brace in a friendly against Kuwait and once against Estonia in
a World Cup qualifier, both in November 2021.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Natasha Harding
Wales international on BBC Radio Wales
It's an amazing achievement to reach 100 caps - you'll go down in Welsh football history books.
It shows your dedication to the country ands the sacrifices you've made.
I'm at 98, God forbid nothing happens to me playing Chelsea on Sunday so I can get to the 100 to join the likes on Wayne and the rest of them!
Hennessey urged to target 150 caps
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Wales great Neville Southall has urged Wayne Hennessey to set his sights on an astonishing 150 caps for his country.
Burnley goalkeeper Hennessey, 35, becomes Wales' third male centurion this evening - and is being presented with a trophy to mark the occasion by Southall as we speak.
For many years Southall was Wales' record-cap holder with his haul of 92.
But in a message to Hennessey, former Everton keeper Southall said: "Well done, mate, there is another 50 in the bank if you want to try."
Speaking to BBC Sport Wales, Southall added: "There is no point sitting here and saying, 'I have 100'.
"You have to push on and get as many as you can because I know you can sit at home and have loads of memories. So you may as well just crack on."
Wayne Hennessey's Wales debut against New Zealand at the Racecourse in 2007Image caption: Wayne Hennessey's Wales debut against New Zealand at the Racecourse in 2007
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Wayne Hennessey shows his dejection after Frank Lampard's penalty gives England a 1-0 lead in a Euro 2012 qualifier in 2011Image caption: Wayne Hennessey shows his dejection after Frank Lampard's penalty gives England a 1-0 lead in a Euro 2012 qualifier in 2011
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Wayne Hennessey celebrates Wales' Euro 2016 quarter final victory over BelgiumImage caption: Wayne Hennessey celebrates Wales' Euro 2016 quarter final victory over Belgium
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Wayne Hennessey celebrates Wales' win over Austria in Thursday's World Cup play-off semi-final, which was Hennessey's 99th Wales cap.Image caption: Wayne Hennessey celebrates Wales' win over Austria in Thursday's World Cup play-off semi-final, which was Hennessey's 99th Wales cap.
Matondo looking to impress
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Rabbi Matondo is one of the younger Wales players hoping to impress tonight having impressed in Belgium this season with Cercle Brugge.
The winger hopes to help Wales finish their March camp on a high.
Matondo, who is on loan from Schalke, has praised Cercle Brugge for their role in helping him regain fitness following injury last summer.
Video content
Video caption: Rabbi Matondo hopes to help Wales finish camp on a highRabbi Matondo hopes to help Wales finish camp on a high
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Nathan Blake
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales
You've got to look to blood the younger players and tonight's the perfect opportunity, good opposition off the back of a great win and nothing riding on the game.
That next generation - it's time to see what they've got in the locker.
Wales 'showing respect to Spurs' over Davies
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Defender Ben Davies and midfielder Dylan Levitt are absent tonight, as is Aaron Ramsey.
Davies has returned to Tottenham as a precaution, while Levitt - on loan at Dundee United from Manchester United - left Wales' squad due to illness.
Davies played the full 90 minutes of Thursday's 2-1 win over Austria in their World Cup play-off semi-final.
"He's played a lot of football recently and I think it's just common sense," said Wales manager Robert Page.
"I don't see any point in risking him whatsoever. It's no good sending him back to Tottenham injured.
"It's more of a precaution - he's not injured. We're showing them [Spurs] respect by sending him back fit and healthy for their game."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Bale criticism is 'unjustified'
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Real Madrid's Gareth Bale has received "unjustified criticism" from the Spanish media says former Wales and Barcelona striker Mark Hughes.
There have been suggestions in Spain that Bale is more committed to playing for Wales than he is to performing for Real Madrid.
"It's water off a duck's back for him, but he will react when he thinks it's unjust or out of order," said Hughes.
You can read more of Hughes' views below - and please enjoy this picture of Gareth Bale doing his best Sparky impression at the end of the Austria game.
Gareth Bale begins on the bench, but few would be surprised should Wales' talisman come on and make some more headlines this evening.
In the wake of his starring role in the Austria win, the Wales captain hit back at Spanish newspaper Marca over a column which described him as a "parasite".
Bale has been criticised in Madrid for being perceived to be more committed to playing for Wales than Real Madrid.
Bale says he wants to use his profile to "change the way we publicly talk and criticise people".
"The everyday pressure on athletes is immense," Bale wrote on social media.
Around 12,500 tickets had been sold for this match when I checked with the Football Association of Wales a couple of hours ago.
Apart from games with Covid restrictions, this would be
Wales’ lowest home crowd since 7,666 watched the Belarus friendly in September
2019.
Wales face uncertain path to World Cup 'dream'
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Wales are one game away from "living the dream" at the World Cup but remain uncertain about who they will meet in the play-off final and when it will be.
Thursday's win over Austria sets up a final against Scotland or Ukraine.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine led their Scotland semi-final to be postponed, with June a likely alternative, but a new date has not yet been confirmed.
"We've not really thought that far in front at the minute," said Wales manager Robert Page.
"We're just off the back of getting to the final so that's still sinking in.
"There's a lot of dates getting thrown around but nothing's set in stone, nothing's confirmed."
Singer Dafydd Iwan was one of the stars of the show, at least in the build-up to the game, as Austria were beaten last Thursday.
Robert Page has since invited Iwan to come and meet his players following his performance of the squad's adopted anthem 'Yma o Hyd'.
Iwan was moved to tears by the capacity crowd's reception at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey said the squad missed the performance as they were in the dressing room preparing for the match but said the players are looking forward to meeting up with Iwan in the future.
Video content
Video caption: Wales boss Robert Page invites Yma o Hyd singer Dafydd Iwan to meet Wales squadWales boss Robert Page invites Yma o Hyd singer Dafydd Iwan to meet Wales squad
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Natasha Harding
Wales international on BBC Radio Wales
Austria was the first time I've watched a Wales men's game as a fan for years.
If myself and Rachel Rowe had drinks in hand during the game they would have gone over everyone!
It was a phenomenal free-kick from Bale - we knew straight away it was going in and it was a phenomenal time to be here as a fan. It was an amazing atmosphere.
Live Reporting
Michael Pearlman
All times stated are UK
Post update
Wales 0-0 Czech Republic
Jakub Brabec crosses and Tomas Petrasek is inches away from connecting.
From the corner the visitors get a soft header on goal, so that's Wayne Hennessey's first touch.
In case you missed it, Wayne Hennessey tonight plays for Wales for the 100th time.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Czech Republic
A quiet start, Czech Republic you would imagine come into this contest feeling pretty flat.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Czech Republic
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
I can't think of many occasions - if any - where Wales fans have chanted Wayne Hennessey's name.
We've already had a few renditions for the centurion this evening.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Czech Republic
Referee Paul Tierney gets us under way.
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Nathan Blake
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales
It's almost four years since they last lost here, and you want to carry on that momentum.
There's a lot going on tonight but it's far from a testimonial for Wayne Hennessey.
The players could be in the squad in June, they've got a chance to be on the plane for Qatar, there's a lot riding on tonight for the players.
Anthem time
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
12 people, 120 people, 1200 people, 12,000 people.... doesn't matter.
The Welsh national anthem will still stir your soul.
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
My colleague Dylan Griffiths, commentating on tonight's game for BBC Radio Cymru, has just come up with the stat of the night so far.
Not one of Wales' starting players tonight have scored a senior international goal.
That's quite a stark indication of how inexperienced a team Robert Page has selected.
Some pre-match stats
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
● This will be only the second non-competitive encounter between Wales and Czech Republic (including as Czechoslovakia), and first since a goalless draw at the Millennium Stadium in March 2002.
● Wales have only won one of their last eight meetings with Czech Republic in all competitions (including as Czechoslovakia), a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in March 2021 (D4 L3).
● Including as Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic have only won one of their eight international away games against Wales (D3 L4), a 3-1 European Championship qualifying victory in April 1971.
● Wales are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions (W4 D4); they haven’t enjoyed a longer run without defeat since October 2017 (run of nine).
● After losing 1-0 in extra-time to Sweden last time out, Czech Republic are looking to avoid suffering back-to-back international defeats for the first time since March/June 2021, when one of those defeats was to Wales.
● Wales have only won one of their last six international friendlies (D3 L2), a 1-0 win over Mexico in March 2021. The Dragons have only scored one goal in those six matches.
● Gareth Bale has played 321 minutes of international football for Wales since August 2021, more than he has at club level for Real Madrid in 2021-22 (270). Bale has scored five goals in his last four international matches for Wales, more than he had in his previous 28 such appearances beforehand (four goals).
● Jan Sýkora has scored three goals in his last three internationals for Czech Republic, this despite coming on as a substitute in each of those matches. Sýkora netted a brace in a friendly against Kuwait and once against Estonia in a World Cup qualifier, both in November 2021.
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Natasha Harding
Wales international on BBC Radio Wales
It's an amazing achievement to reach 100 caps - you'll go down in Welsh football history books.
It shows your dedication to the country ands the sacrifices you've made.
I'm at 98, God forbid nothing happens to me playing Chelsea on Sunday so I can get to the 100 to join the likes on Wayne and the rest of them!
Hennessey urged to target 150 caps
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Wales great Neville Southall has urged Wayne Hennessey to set his sights on an astonishing 150 caps for his country.
Burnley goalkeeper Hennessey, 35, becomes Wales' third male centurion this evening - and is being presented with a trophy to mark the occasion by Southall as we speak.
For many years Southall was Wales' record-cap holder with his haul of 92.
But in a message to Hennessey, former Everton keeper Southall said: "Well done, mate, there is another 50 in the bank if you want to try."
Speaking to BBC Sport Wales, Southall added: "There is no point sitting here and saying, 'I have 100'.
"You have to push on and get as many as you can because I know you can sit at home and have loads of memories. So you may as well just crack on."
Read more...Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey should target 150 caps, says legend Neville Southall
Wayne Hennessey through the years
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Matondo looking to impress
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Rabbi Matondo is one of the younger Wales players hoping to impress tonight having impressed in Belgium this season with Cercle Brugge.
The winger hopes to help Wales finish their March camp on a high.
Matondo, who is on loan from Schalke, has praised Cercle Brugge for their role in helping him regain fitness following injury last summer.
Video content
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Nathan Blake
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales
You've got to look to blood the younger players and tonight's the perfect opportunity, good opposition off the back of a great win and nothing riding on the game.
That next generation - it's time to see what they've got in the locker.
Wales 'showing respect to Spurs' over Davies
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Defender Ben Davies and midfielder Dylan Levitt are absent tonight, as is Aaron Ramsey.
Davies has returned to Tottenham as a precaution, while Levitt - on loan at Dundee United from Manchester United - left Wales' squad due to illness.
Davies played the full 90 minutes of Thursday's 2-1 win over Austria in their World Cup play-off semi-final.
"He's played a lot of football recently and I think it's just common sense," said Wales manager Robert Page.
"I don't see any point in risking him whatsoever. It's no good sending him back to Tottenham injured.
"It's more of a precaution - he's not injured. We're showing them [Spurs] respect by sending him back fit and healthy for their game."
Bale criticism is 'unjustified'
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Real Madrid's Gareth Bale has received "unjustified criticism" from the Spanish media says former Wales and Barcelona striker Mark Hughes.
There have been suggestions in Spain that Bale is more committed to playing for Wales than he is to performing for Real Madrid.
"It's water off a duck's back for him, but he will react when he thinks it's unjust or out of order," said Hughes.
You can read more of Hughes' views below - and please enjoy this picture of Gareth Bale doing his best Sparky impression at the end of the Austria game.
Read more... Real Madrid's Wales forward 'bearing brunt' of media scrutiny - Hughes
'We all know who the real parasite is'
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Gareth Bale begins on the bench, but few would be surprised should Wales' talisman come on and make some more headlines this evening.
In the wake of his starring role in the Austria win, the Wales captain hit back at Spanish newspaper Marca over a column which described him as a "parasite".
Bale has been criticised in Madrid for being perceived to be more committed to playing for Wales than Real Madrid.
Bale says he wants to use his profile to "change the way we publicly talk and criticise people".
"The everyday pressure on athletes is immense," Bale wrote on social media.
Read more.... Wales and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale hits back at Spanish media
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
Around 12,500 tickets had been sold for this match when I checked with the Football Association of Wales a couple of hours ago.
Apart from games with Covid restrictions, this would be Wales’ lowest home crowd since 7,666 watched the Belarus friendly in September 2019.
Wales face uncertain path to World Cup 'dream'
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Wales are one game away from "living the dream" at the World Cup but remain uncertain about who they will meet in the play-off final and when it will be.
Thursday's win over Austria sets up a final against Scotland or Ukraine.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine led their Scotland semi-final to be postponed, with June a likely alternative, but a new date has not yet been confirmed.
"We've not really thought that far in front at the minute," said Wales manager Robert Page.
"We're just off the back of getting to the final so that's still sinking in.
"There's a lot of dates getting thrown around but nothing's set in stone, nothing's confirmed."
Read more...Wales' World Cup path uncertain
Yma o Hyd singer invited to meet team
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Singer Dafydd Iwan was one of the stars of the show, at least in the build-up to the game, as Austria were beaten last Thursday.
Robert Page has since invited Iwan to come and meet his players following his performance of the squad's adopted anthem 'Yma o Hyd'.
Iwan was moved to tears by the capacity crowd's reception at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey said the squad missed the performance as they were in the dressing room preparing for the match but said the players are looking forward to meeting up with Iwan in the future.
Video content
Post update
Wales v Czech Republic (19:45 BST)
Natasha Harding
Wales international on BBC Radio Wales
Austria was the first time I've watched a Wales men's game as a fan for years.
If myself and Rachel Rowe had drinks in hand during the game they would have gone over everyone!
It was a phenomenal free-kick from Bale - we knew straight away it was going in and it was a phenomenal time to be here as a fan. It was an amazing atmosphere.