"For Wales, Kazakhstan away means 3,000 miles of travelling across six time zones for a match on an artificial pitch. But when the end game is World Cup qualification, there is little room for excuses which means plenty of planning. Preparation is not only required for far-flung fixtures. The fact is every away day for an international association can be a challenge, with numerous staff members having to painstakingly pull out all the stops to make sure there are no hiccups away from home."
"With a long road to the World Cup ahead of them, Wales' planning for this qualifying campaign began in the back seat of a car in December 2024. The draw for the group was conducted in Zurich, with fixtures released as Wales' representatives were travelling home from the airport that evening. Staff were on standby to put wheels in motion regarding logistics for Wales' away games."
Wales travels about 3,000 miles across six time zones to face Kazakhstan on an artificial pitch during World Cup qualifying, creating significant logistical and practical challenges. The national team's staff coordinate travel, accommodation, training needs, equipment and even food preferences to remove excuses and reduce risk. Planning for the campaign began immediately after the December 2024 draw in Zurich, with staff on standby while the head coach assessed potential friendlies to fill blank dates. Hotels are prioritized and booked early, with suitable properties and function rooms secured even when host venues remain unconfirmed up to 60 days before fixtures.
Read at www.bbc.com
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