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Sadikhov pegs back Wales

Saturday, 4 September 2004

[1] A stunning long-range free-kick from Rashid Sadikhov earned Azerbaijan a point in their opening 2006 FIFA World Cup fixture as Carlos Alberto Torres's side battled back from a goal down to draw with Wales at the Tofikh Bakhramov stadium in Baku.

Azeri revenge

[2] Gary Speed had put the visiting side ahead three minutes after the interval, but Sadikhov's thunderous drive from 30 metres on 55 minutes ensured Azerbaijan avenged two emphatic defeats by Wales in qualifying for UEFA EURO 2004™.

Ponomarev shoots over

[3] Wales started confidently but were unable to turn possession into chances and the first real opportunity fell Azerbaijan's way, Anatoliy Ponomarev turning past Danny Gabbidon before shooting just over on 29 minutes.

Harston comes close

[4] It was Wales, though, who came closest to breaking the deadlock. On 38 minutes the Azeri defence failed to deal with a long throw into the box and the ball fell to John Hartson who drilled a low shot at goal which Dimitry Kramarenko did well to block with his legs.

Speed opener

[5] But Wales did not have long to wait before taking the lead, and again Hartson was involved. Three minutes into the second half, a long, high ball from the left was headed back into the centre by the Celtic FC striker and Speed stole in between two defenders to volley past Kramarenko.

Sadikhov strike

[6] Soon after, Sadikhov had the home side back on level terms. Wales did not sense the danger as they lined up a two-man wall to defend against his long-range free-kick, but the subsequent strike was clean and powerful and beat the despairing dive of Paul Jones in the Wales goal.

Late chance

[7] Jones made amends moments later when he dived to his right to turn away Ponomarev's low shot as Azerbaijan pressed forward. But it was Wales who nearly stole the points in the final minute. John Oster crossed from the right and fellow substitute Robert Earnshaw met the ball with a diving header only for Kramarenko to turn it on to his right post before it was cleared.

Fresh challenge

[8] Both sides are back in action on Wednesday when Wales return to Cardiff to face Northern Ireland, while Azerbaijan travel to Austria.

Gareth Roberts fends off an Azeri player