Have Wales finally made their Mark?

By beating Belarus, Wales avoided going through a World Cup qualifying campaign without winning a single match for the first time in their history.

But does one good performance make up for a lacklustre campaign?

Saturday's win at the Millennium Stadium was hailed by Mark Hughes as Wales' best in his short managerial career.

But before John Hartson's header sealed three points, Wales had gone 12 matches without a win.

Hughes insists they are making progress and some of the performances in Group Five have been much better than the results would suggest.

Was the result the elusive win that Wales needed to let the confidence flow back into the side?

Or has it just papered over the cracks?

Is Mark Hughes the right man to manage Wales or should the Football Association of Wales follow England's lead and appoint an experienced foreign coach?

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I haven't seen Wales play so well and with so much enthusiasm as I have seen them under Sparky

Nathan Hamer, Wales (in exile)

I don't believe all I've read about Mark Hughes' job being on the line - the wins have not been coming, but we have also become a team that is no longer a push over. Why? I believe Mark Hughes has been able to gain the respect of his players. I never heard of players speaking up in support of Bobby Gould - in fact it was quite the opposite. What ever happens, don't let the FAW make the same mistake they did with Terry Yorath - that would only lead to disaster.
Chris Jones, Belgium

My word, we deserved this. I can honestly say that I haven't seen Wales play so well and with so much enthusiasm as I have seen them under Sparky. We need to keep Bellamy on the right, Hartson up front, Iwan Roberts and Darren Barnard out and Mark Hughes in employment. Simple. What bewilders me is that Wales has a backline of individuals who are well-regarded within their clubs and divisions, yet can't do a good international job. I reckon if we'd only conceded good goals, rather than the sloppy ones, then we might have caused an incredible upset. Power to Sparky.
Nathan Hamer, Wales (in exile)

Aside from failing to beat Armenia twice (despite having plenty of chances in each game), I think Mark Hughes has done a pretty good job. A draw against Ukraine, and one against Poland, are both decent results. Our main problem this time was that we were in the lowest rank of teams for the qualifying group draw - if Hughes were to organise a few friendlies against teams near us in the World Rankings (most of whom we could beat easily), then perhaps next time we will get an easier group. Wales have shown this year that they are still capable of producing shock results, but haven't quite been able to hold onto a lead, so there is hope for the future.
Geraint, Wales

Wales have an abundance of good left sided players, what a waste! Think what England could do with Giggs or Davies. Wales are certainly only a part-time side really, and I don't think there's anyone capable of changing that. Wales or Scotland for that matter, don't have the magnitude to attract a top foreign coach. England have so much young talent coming through the ranks, Sven saw a good thing, but Wales and Scotland don't appear to be going anywhere. It isn't Mark Hughes' fault, they just aren't capable of reaching those sort of heights.
Alex Allen, England

We've just lacked that bit of luck in front of goal

Martin Cooper, Wales

You can't sack Hughes. The problem with Welsh football is deep-rooted. Another coach would only address the national side and getting to tournaments. Other elements such as youth, club, League of Wales, and coaching would be untouched. One other point - get people like Rushie, Big Nev, Peter Nicholas, Deano and Ratcliffe involved. Rushie could coach the strikers how to stay composed in the box.
Russell Todd, Wrexham

I've been to see all the home World Cup qualifying matches and although the results have been disappointing, some of the performances have been reasonably good (eg.first half against Poland and against Belarus). We've just lacked that bit of luck in front of goal. We could have won by 7 or 8 against Belarus. Giggs missed sitters at crucial times against Poland and Armenia.

With the resources he has available to him, Mark Hughes has done a remarkable job. I really don't think anybody else would have done better. What we should be looking at is the alarming performances of the U21's. Where are the next generation of international players going to come from? The game in Wales needs shaking up from junior to senior level.
Martin Cooper, Wales

I thought it was a really spirited performance. Bellamy was excellent once again. I thought Hartson was poor despite the goal. Mark Hughes should definitely stay on and should bring in Bryan Flynn to the fold, to add a little more tactical nouse!
Simon Evans, Llantrisant, Wales

Look at the rugby union situation...we appointed a guy with drive, enthusiasm and skill, but you can't win games with only a coach committed. The TEAM plays the game, not the coach! Get the boys enthused and the results will come.
Gary Hopwood, UAE