WELCOME HELL
Another red-hot reception awaits Giggs
WALES have been warned to prepare for “hell” when they face World Cup finalists Croatia in the blazing sun at the hosts’ favourite ground today.
Ryan Giggs’ side are set for 30 degree heat at the dilapidated 17,000-capacity Gradski stadium in Osijek, where Croatia are unbeaten.
The hosts, who lost the World Cup Final to France last year, have nine victories from their 11 games at the venue.
Giggs (inset) has compared the challenge with going to Galatasaray in Turkey with Manchester United in 1993.
United drew the Champions League second leg 0-0 to go out on away goals amid a stormy tie, after being greeted by a mob at the airport.
Giggs said: “The first time I went to Galatasaray away as a player we were welcomed at the airport with a sign which said ‘Welcome to the hell’ – and there were 5,000 people there.
“The home team are going to try to make it as difficult as possible for you.
“It’s our job to silence that and turn that into pressure on the home team.
“We recognise it’s an historic venue and we’re up against it. It is an old school stadium and has a big history.”
Wales defender Chris Mepham, who has five caps, said: “It was a shock to the system, hearing about Galatasaray from the manager.
“Hopefully it is not going to be like that. But we are expecting it to be a tough climate with intimidating fans.
“We need to try to look after the ball and not chase it for 90 minutes. We’re aware of how hot and humid it will be.
“We have to stay as focused as we can on the factors we can control.”
Croatia did the double over Wales in qualifying for the 2014 World Cup – including a 2-0 win in Osijek.
Giggs knows the atmosphere and heat will make it tough against a side that has Luka Modric pulling the strings. He added: “It is always a challenge when you come away and face the likes of Modric, who has perhaps been one of the best players in the world the last year or so.
“We recognise the record they have here and they got to the World Cup Final and showed they’re a great team.
“But we’ve got a team that got to the Euro 2016 semi-finals and have younger players pushing the older ones to get into the starting line-up.”
Wales have been boosted by Spurs defender Ben Davies being available after his hernia operation was rescheduled.