The final whistle goes and Wales are off to a successful start with a 1-0 win over Azerbaijan. They left it late though and were indebted to Sam Vokes who made a real difference once he was sent into the fray. It's a vital three points and next up is a trip to Russia on Wednesday when a better display will surely be required.

90 The man of the match has been announced as Bale and there's no arguing with that - the youngster has produced another classy display for his country. For Azerbaijan though it's hard not to feel a touch of sympathy for keeper Arhayev who has been quite outstanding on his debut.

90 It's a corner to Wales out on the right after a good run from Evans.

90 There will be three minutes of added time.

89 We're heading into the final minute and Wales win a throw deep in Azerbaijan territory. The visitors haven't been able to muster any response to the goal.

88 Wales wind down the clock a fraction more as Carl Robinson comes on for Koumas - it's been an eventful day for Koumas but he looks like getting away with that penalty miss.

87 The offside flag goes up against Evans.

86 Wales are looking comfortable now and are just a few minutes away from opening their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win.

85 The stuffing has been knocked out of Azerbaijan following that goal. Wales are content to just pass the ball around in the middle of the pitch and wind the clock down.

84 Fair play to John Toshack and Vokes - that substitution has proved inspired. The Wolves man has only been on the field for 10 minutes or so but has galvanised his side.

83 GOAL - VOKES. Wales finally have the breakthrough after Vokes slams the ball home from close range after a real scramble from the corner. It's his first senior goal and could hardly be more important.

82 There's another fantastic save from Arhayev from another Vokes header but the keeper bizarrely gets a yellow card for his troubles - perhaps for going to ground too easily before the subsequent corner can be taken.

81 The replays suggest that was a very close call for offside - Arhayev didn't know the flag had gone up and he produced another great save. There's little doubt about the man of the match so far.

80 A great ball from Ledley finds Vokes but his header is superbly saved by Arhayev. However the flag had gone up for offside.

79 We're heading towards the final 10 minutes and time is running out for Wales.

78 The big men are up for the corner but the ball is headed back to Davies and his second cross into the box is then cleared by Azerbaijan.

77 The ball comes back off the corner flag but Gunter does well to win a corner for Wales.

76 There's another change for Azerbaijan as Usim Nduka replaces Nodar Mammadov for the final quarter of an hour or so.

75 Koumas tries his luck from long range but is again denied by Arhayev who gets down well to gather.

74 Gunter runs into trouble down the right but the youngster gets away with it as Azerbaijan overhit the ball and it rolls out of play.

73 Davies wants a corner after he cuts in from the right but the referee rightly points for a goalkick.

72 It's been a dramatic last few minutes - but the upshot is that Wales have to put that penalty miss behind them and make their numerical advantage count.

71 Wales send on Sam Vokes for Edwards for the final 20 minutes - and will now play an orthodox 4-4-2 as they seek that all-important opening goal.

70 For a referee who has given most things it's a surprise he didn't notice Arhayev was a couple of yards off his line for that Koumas penalty a few moments ago.

69 Bale fires in a hopeful freekick from 35 yards out but it flies over the bar.

68 There's a real flurry of cards from the Macedonian official - Samir Abbasov is the latest man to go into the book.

67 RED CARD - It's all happening now and Koumas is in the thick of it as he's pulled back by Ramim who gets his second yellow card and is heading for an early bath.

67 Koumas can't believe what's just happened - and neither can we after tipping him at 6/1 to score next!

66 Koumas has missed the penalty - twice! His first attempt is saved well by Arhayev and the rebound then goes straight into the keeper's arms. It's been quite a debut for the Azerbaijan man.

65 The penalty may have been a bit harsh as there was minimal contact - but Sadikhov goes into the book for the challenge.

65 PENALTY - It's a spot-kick to Wales after a lovely one-two between Ledley and Gunter, with the latter going down under a challenge from Rashad

Sadikhov.

64 There's a completely unnecessary yellow card for Koumas after he belts the ball away when he's penalised for a foul. That's now two of Wales' key players in the book - and both were avoidable.

63 Wales make their first change and youngster Ched Evans is on for Earnshaw who has endured a fairly frustrating afternoon up front on his own.

62 The ball drops to Ramim from the corner but his shot is yards wide.

61 Subasic wins a corner for Azerbaijan after a decent run down the right.

60 Bale can't believe he's just been cautioned and when he retakes the freekick it's far too close to Arhayev who gathers with ease.

59 Bale goes for goal from the freekick and forces a desperate save from Arhayev. However the whistle hadn't gone so Bale is shown a yellow card.

58 Gunter is hacked down after he tries to cut in from the right. It's another freekick to Wales.

57 The outstanding Bale tries to get something going down the left but he can't beat his man this time and Azerbaijan win the ball back.

56 Azerbaijan continue to make it hard for the home side - they are sitting deep behind the ball and Wales are struggling to make inroads.

55 It's just starting to get a little worrying for Wales now - a win is a must this afternoon and John Toshack might need to think about shaking things up soon.

54 It's a freekick to Wales out on the left after yet another foul on Bale. However Koumas doesn't get enough height on the ball and it's headed clear.

53 There's a decent ball to Earnshaw but the first touch from the Forest striker is a fraction clumsy and the chance has gone.

52 We've had some feedback from Gordon Taylor suggesting the 10/3 about Craig Bellamy scoring next probably isn't the best bet in the world! It's fingers crossed Koumas can step up to the plate.

51 The freekick is floated into the box but Azerbaijan again clear with ease. However it's then played back in from the left and this time takes a crucial touch from keeper Arhayev to clear the danger.

50 We've had a brief stoppage for some treatment to Bale after that challenge. The Tottenham youngster is now back on his feet and looks okay to continue.

49 Bale is coming in for plenty of rough treatment and there's a yellow card for Ramim after he leads with an arm.

48 Another good run from Bale is brought to an abrupt end by a foul but Wales waste the subsequent freekick and the ball is back with Azerbaijan.

47 Wales skipper Davies is guilty of giving the ball away early in the second half but Azerbaijan can't take advantage and the ball rolls though to Hennessey.

46 There's a change in midfield for Azerbaijan, Agil Nabiyev taking over from Huseinov. Wales are unchanged.

We've nailed our colours to a Wales win and Koumas to score next at 6/1 - what do you think is going to happen in the second 45 minutes? Let me know by e-mailing jonathan.turner@bskyb.com

The bookies reckoned this would be an easy win for Wales but it's goalless at half-time and the layers have been forced into a slight rethink. However Sky Bet still have plenty of confidence in the home side, making them 4/9 chances to still take the three points. Azerbaijan have gone close themselves though and are now into 17/2 for the win, with the draw on offer at 21/10. One price that catches the eye is Jason Koumas at 6/1 to score the next goal - he's already twice come close to breaking the deadlock and looks full of confidence.

45 The whistle goes to end the first half. Wales have enjoyed the bulk of possession but have only really created a couple of decent chances. They've finished the half strongly though and there's no reason why they can't go on to win this in the second half.

45 There's a half chance for Earnshaw at the end of the first half as Bale produces a great cross from the right. Earnshaw tries to make space but his shot is blocked and a pass to an unmarked Edwards looked the better bet.

45 There will be just the one minute of added time at the end of the first half.

45 Gunter crosses from the right but there's little pace on it and as a result it's a tame header from Edwards which bounces straight into Arhayev's arms.

44 Koumas trots over to take the corner he's just won but this time the delivery isn't great and Azerbaijan bundle it clear.

43 There's another long-range attempt from Koumas and it's again deflected out for a corner.

42 Good vision from Davies almost plays in Earnshaw - it doesn't quite work but was worth a try because the Forest man would have been in on goal.

41 A lovely ball from Davies sets Gunter free down the right but his ball into the area is easily cleared by Azerbaijan.

40 Another storming run from Bale sees him thread the ball to Davies who in turn finds Earnshaw but he's crowded out again - it's been a tough opening 40 minutes so far for the lone striker.

39 A great attempt from Edwards as he collects the ball out on the right, dinks into the area and curls in a left-footed shot which just goes wide.

38 It's a corner to Wales out on the right and Morgan dives in to try and head goalwards but some desperate defending from Azerbaijan somehow gets it clear.

37 Ramim jumps straight into Bale as they both go for a high ball - it's a freekick for Wales and both men emerge unscathed from the challenge.

36 Ledley works some space out on the right but can't find Koumas and Azerbaijan head clear.

35 Wales clear the Azerbaijan freekick with ease - we're now 10 minutes away from half-time and we're yet to see the game's opening goal.

34 Fletcher is penalised for a foul on Ramim - the referee isn't letting anything go.

33 We're back under way - Mammadov was the player who needed treatment but he's okay to continue now.

32 We've had a brief stoppage there as one of the Azerbaijan players requires some treatment after that corner.

30 It's a corner to Wales but when the ball is played in the whistle goes for a freekick - it's hard to see why, even from the replays.

29 Bale is again to the fore down the left and he plays the ball back to Koumas who curls in a great shot which is just tipped around the post by the keeper.

28 This is much better from Wales as they are starting to look more dangerous, with Bale again the key man down the left.

27 That's the closest Wales have come to the opening goal as the freekick evades everyone apart from Azerbaijan keeper Arhayev who saves with his legs. Earnshaw almost gets to the rebound but it's hacked clear.

26 There's a rash challenge from Nodar Mammadov on Davies and it's a freekick out on the right to Wales.

25 There's another worrying moment for Wales as Djavid Huseinov beats first Ledley and then Bale before unleashing a rasping shot which just goes over the bar.

24 Wales win the ball back and suddenly Gunter finds himself in a great position upfield but the offside flag goes up.

23 A lovely pass from Morgan frees Davies down the right but he can't take advantage and loses possession.

22 It's an inswinging corner from Koumas but Arhayev is again equal to the task and punches clear.

21 A lovely ball from David Edwards finds Bale in acres of space down the left and his low cross is deflected out for another Wales corner.

20 This time it's Koumas down the left who tries to find Earnshaw but again the striker is crowded out. Wales are enjoying the bulk of the possession right now but are yet to create a clear-cut chance.

19 Morgan tries a hopeful ball over the top for Earnshaw but Azerbaijan clear the danger.

18 Wales are getting plenty of joy down the left flank, with Bale and Ledley both prominent, and there are calls for a penalty but they are waved away by the referee.

17 Carl Fletcher is perhaps a little lucky to escape a caution after a meaty challenge with Subasic.

16 There's another corner to Wales, this time out on the left. Craig Morgan again trot forward from the back but he can't get his head on the ball and Azerbaijan clear.

15 The corner is fizzed into the box but Azerbaijan keeper Arhayev does well to punch it clear.

14 It's going to be a corner to Wales down the right as they look to get back on track after those two chances for Azerbaijan.

13 The first caution of the game goes to Elmar Bakhsiyev who kicked the ball away after Wales are awarded a freekick for a foul on Earnshaw.

12 Hennessey turned the ball around the post so it's a corner to Azerbaijan and they again threaten the Wales goal but the ball just flies over the bar.

11 There's a chance out of nothing for Azerbaijan as the ball drops to Branimir Subasic just outside the area and he fires in a great shot which draws a superb save from Hennessey.

10 A great run from Bale sees him drive infield from the left but he's just crowded out when he tries to cut into the area.

9 Brazilian-born Fabio Luis Ramim does indeed have a shot at goal from fully 40 yards out but it's high and wide and Wayne Hennessey lets is sail past.

8 It's a freekick to Azerbaijan around 40 yards out but it looks as if they are going to have a pop at goal.

7 Earnshaw is penalised for a foul - the Forest striker has a key role to play this afternoon as he's up front on his own for Wales.

6 Simon Davies and Gunter link up well down the left-hand side for Wales - it's been a promising start for the home side.

5 Koumas takes the freekick and the ball drops to Cardiff's Joe Ledley but his effort is just wide of the left-hand upright.

4 There's an early freekick to Wales - it's going to be a decent chance for Koumas to float the ball into the Azerbaijan area.

3 Gareth Bale does well to shepherd the ball out of play under strong pressure. It's a goalkick to Wales.

2 Wales are on the attack early on and after some good work by Chris Gunter they work the ball out to Jason Koumas on the left but his cross is too close to Azerbaijan keeper Kamran Arhayev.

1 Azerbaijan have got us under way against a Wales side which has an average age of just 23.

We're just minutes away from the kick off and Wales open their World Cup campaign fielding a side which includes five players still eligible for the under-21s, with Wolves youngster David Edwards given the chance to stake a claim for a central midfield role. He wins his sixth cap and replaces veteran Carl Robinson, a fixture in John Toshack's side for four years. Robert Earnshaw leads the attack as a solo striker, with Jason Koumas in an attacking midfield role. Azerbaijan's new boss Berti Vogts is in charge for his first competitive match, having drawn in Iceland last week and lost to Iran. His only win is a victory over England's opponents today, Andorra.

Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Morgan, Ashley Williams, Bale, Davies, Fletcher, Edwards, Ledley, Koumas, Earnshaw. Subs: Myhill, Steve Evans, Ched Evans, Vokes, Parry, Ricketts, Robinson.

Azerbaijan: Arhayev, Melikov, Bahshiev, Yunis Oglu, Huseynov, Samir Abbasov, Subashic, Sadygov, Nodar Mammadov, Elvin Mammadov, Ramim. Subs: Mehdiev, Shukurov, Nabiyev, Gurbanov, Javadov, Nduka, Gomes.

Both sides are walking out to a sparsely populated Millennium Stadium - just 10,000 tickets had been solid up to the close of business yesterday.

We'll have the teams shortly but the first thing to report is that Nottingham Forest striker Robert Earnshaw has got the nod up front for Wales in the absence of injured duo Craig Bellamy and Freddy Eastwood.

Our friends at Sky Bet are expecting a clear-cut win for Wales in this, with the Dragons the hot 2/7 favourites. Azerbaijan are 9/1 for a shock win while the draw is on offer at 7/2. It's worth noting that Berti Vogts' visitors haven't lost by more than a single goal in their last five matches though so this might not be the stroll that the odds imply.

Wales may have plenty of injuries to contend with but surely nothing less than a win will suffice in their Group Four opener. John Toshack has a talented crop of youngsters at his disposal and there's the small matter of 85 places between this pair in the FIFA rankings - e-mail your thoughts on the game to jonathan.turner@bskyb.com