Wales went farther than they have ever gone in a major tournament when Gareth Bale and co. put on one impressive performance after another to make it to the semifinals of Euro 2016. The Welsh Dragons will now want to show that run was not just a fluke, as they begin their 2018 Russia World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.
First up, at the Cardiff City Stadium, is Moldova, the team most expect to be the whipping boys of Group D. With Wales drawn in a should-be-able-to-qualify group, which also consist of Austria, Serbia, Republic of Ireland and Georgia, Chris Coleman's men will be pretty confident of making it to the World Cup in Russia.
However, they will want to steer away from complacency as well, and a big win over Moldova will be the target for the Euro 2016 semifinalists.
"This new one, the World Cup, I have to use desperation," Wales manager Coleman told reporters. "We have to feel like that. Every result is massive, no matter who against. This is a tough group, but it's doable if we get our heads around it, have our focus, be urgent and focussed in our preparation.
"If we remain like that we have a chance of doing something special. After five games we have to make sure we're in or about after five games and we can carry through. They are huge for us."
Wales will have to find a win against Moldova without their star midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who suffered a hamstring injury in the opening match of the Premier League season with Arsenal. Wales considerably struggled without Ramsey in the Euro 2016 semifinal against Portugal, so the onus will be on Bale to take up the mantle and drive his team to victory.
If Bale plays to his potential, then Moldova, even without Ramsey to worry about, will struggle to keep a clean sheet.
"There is always is a sense of nerves or fear going into games and campaigns, individually or a side," Wales captain Ashley Williams, who made a high-profile move from Swansea to Everton this summer, said. "We've all had games like Andorra but now we're in a better position to know what's required to qualify, you never take it for granted, you have to take care of your own business."
Where to Watch Live
Wales vs Moldova is set to begin at 7.45 p.m. BST (12.15 a.m. IST, 2.45 p.m. ET). Live Streaming and TV information below.
India: TV: No live coverage.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 1. Live Streaming: Sky Go and Watch Sky Sports.
USA: TV: ESPN 3. Live Streaming: Watch ESPN.
Canada: TV: Sportsnet World.
Middle East: TV: Abu Dhabi Sports.
