FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford has said the association will “strongly defend” itself against FIFA’s disciplinary action over fans holding and wearing poppies. Wales have been charged by football’s governing body over supporters wearing poppies in the crowd during the match against Serbia earlier this month.

Ian Rush reckons Gareth Bale can equal his Wales goal tally in their crunch World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in March. The Real Madrid ace’s strike in the 1-1 draw with Serbia has left him just two short of Rush’s record of 28.

The lack of football pitches in Wales is restricting the sport’s growth, a leading administrator has claimed. Neil Ward – chief executive of the FAW Trust – has argued that too few playing surfaces in Wales is a major factor holding back Welsh football from realising the full potential set in motion by success at Euro 2016.

Ashley Williams has dismissed the doom and gloom merchants to insist Wales can still qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals. But the skipper admits Chris Coleman’s side may have to win their six remaining games to take their place in Russia.

Sam Vokes insists Wales are still in the hunt for World Cup qualification despite the Republic of Ireland taking control of their group. Wales lost the lead for a third successive qualifier against Serbia on Saturday night when Aleksandar Mitrovic cancelled out Gareth Bale’s first-half effort five minutes from time.

Gareth Bale insists Wales can still qualify for the 2018 World Cup despite another damaging home draw in Cardiff. The Real Madrid star gave his side a first-half lead against Group D rivals Serbia.

Serbia skipper Branislav Ivanovic believes Wales will be out for revenge in their 2018 World Cup qualifier on Saturday. Wales were thrashed 6-1 and 3-0 by Serbia in 2014 World Cup qualifying, with Chelsea defender Ivanovic playing in both games.

Ashley Williams believes Wales face their biggest home match for 18 months when they host Serbia on Saturday. The captain has likened the crucial World Cup at the Cardiff City Stadium to the night the team put themselves on the way to Euro 2016 by beating Belgium, 1-0.

Chris Coleman has revealed he feels his own standards as Wales manager have dropped. But the man who guided Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 is determined to regain lost ground against Serbia on Saturday night.

As Wales prepare to face Serbia on Saturday in a crucial World Cup qualifier in the final international match of 2016, Dai Sport reflects on a momentous year for Chris Coleman’s team. It featured the country’s first appearance in a major tournament finals for 58 years and an incredible run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Writer Jamie Thomas has chronicled that journey in his new book, When Dragons Dare to Dream. Featuring interviews with players and back room staff, the book details Wales’ incredible achievements in France. This extract recalls the opening tournament victory over Slovakia.

Gareth Bale has been named Welsh player of the year for the fourth successive time. The Real Madrid forward picked up the award – his sixth in seven years – at the 2016 Football Association of Wales (FAW) awards on Tuesday night.

It’s in the small details that the full misery of Chris Coleman’s worst match in charge of Wales becomes evident. The night was in September 2012 and the opposition were Serbia – the same opponents he faces on Saturday in another World Cup qualifier on Saturday at the Cardiff City Stadium.