Mark Hughes faces Wales’ first match since their Euro 2004 qualifying failure, admitting the last few months have been the lowest of his career.

Birmingham midfielder Robbie Savage admits he “never expected” UEFA to present Wales with a Euro 2004 reprieve despite Russian midfielder Yegor Titov failing a drugs test.

UEFA have poured cold water on suggestions that Russia should be thrown out of Euro 2004 because of a player’s failed drugs test.

Wales 0 Russia 1 (Russia win 1-0 on aggregate)

RUSSIA goalkeeper Ruslan Nigmatullin set the tone for Saturday's European Championship home qualifier against Ireland yesterday when he accused Mick McCarthy's side of using "dirty tactics".

Russia will be without captain Yegor Titov, midfielder Marat Izmailov and striker Dmitri Sytchev for next month's European Cup qualifier against Ireland.

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World Cup 2002 top scorers so far.

Japan v Russia teams

Japan v Russia teams

World Cup Goalscorers

RUSSIA coach Oleg Romantsev turned on his players even though they opened their World Cup campaign with victory over Tunisia to climb to the top of Group H.

Russia scored twice in the second half to comfortably beat Tunisia in Kobe and take control of Group H.

Russia scored twice in the second half to comfortably beat Tunisia in Kobe and take control of Group H.

Russia have beaten Tunisia 2-0 in Group H today. Goals from Titov and a penalty from Karpin secured victory.

Russia have beaten Tunisia 2-0 in Group H today. Goals from Titov and a penalty from Karpin secured victory.

Russia midfielder Egor Titov has all the attributes of a potential World Cup superstar.