France, Nov. 21 -- A 17-year-old Brazilian named Pelescored the only goal ofthe quarter-final that ended the run of Wales at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. The teenager went on to inspire his team to claim their first World Cup trophy at the expense of the hosts in the final. There was also glory for Pele and Brazil in 1962 and 1970.

And while the Brazilians have notched up two further triumphs since Pele's heyday, Wales have languished in the World Cup wilderness.

But on Monday night at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium just outside Doha, theywill take to the World Cup stage for the first time since the heartbreak oft the Nya Ullevi Stadion in Gothenburg when they play the United States in their opening game in Group B.

"It's incredible to be ...