Streets empty for football kick-off

Fans are to crowd into pubs during the international

Wales is expected to go football mad on Wednesday afternoon as the national team play their third Euro 2004 qualifier match against Azerbaijan.

The country is set to see a re-run of the passion which gripped the nation when England made steady progress in the World Cup during the summer.

We want to do it in an atmosphere where they are proud of their nation and proud of being Welsh

Meleri Jones, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glinted

Only this time Welsh fans will be cheering on their own national team who stand to go three points clear at the top of their group if they see off the opposition.

A win would be provide the best chance in years for the side to qualify for a major international tournament - and some people, both adults and children, are determined to watch the game even though it falls on a work-day afternoon.

Pubs and clubs across the country are aiming for bumper takings for a weekday as passionate football supporters take the day off see their team in action.

And even some schools are providing for their youngsters to see their heroes play.

Bosses at the Cardiff software firm, Purple Sun, are giving their dozen staff the afternoon off as a treat for their hard work since the firm launched in March 2000.

Mark Hughes puts the team through their paces

Managing director Gavin John said he planned to buy the drinks when the group visit the Irish pub, Dempsey's, opposite Cardiff Castle, and was confident Wales would win the game and go on to qualify for the World Cup.

"Their spirit seems great and they have go a lot of talent, particularly when they are all fit.

"I said I would see Wales in a big tournament once in my life and maybe this will be it."

The City Arms, opposite Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, is a well known watering hole for rugby fans before a home international.

Landlord Martin Mears said he expected a good crowd of people for the football game, made up of people with "an understanding boss or very good flexitime".

"It's just as good an atmosphere here with the football as it is with the rugby.

'Atmosphere'

"The fans are quite well behaved on internationals, much more than with the club football."

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, in Cardiff, has set up a big screen in the school gym for its Year 7-10 pupils to watch the game live when they should be at lessons.

The 11 to15-year-olds are being encouraged to make a small contribution to the school charity in exchange for the treat.

Head of Welsh, Meleri Jones, said: "Everybody wants to watch the game and we want to do it in an atmosphere where they are proud of their nation and proud of being Welsh."

Watch Wales v Azerbaijan, on BBC 2 Wales at 1500 GMT or listen to exclusive coverage on BBC Radio Wales from 1450 GMT.