There are few more rousing moments in sport. Shortly before kick-off, the red-shirted players line up to sing Wales's wonderful national anthem. Even people who have nothing to do with the country cannot help feeling goosebumps.

Wales's footballers are making their first appearance in the World Cup finals for 64 years - and if they are to reach the next stage, they must beat England this evening.

There is a strong rivalry between the two countries. Wales has been ruled from England for almost 1,000 years, and some feel that its interests are overlooked by its larger neighbour.¹ But there are plenty of reasons why it can hold its own.

Pitch rich The Welsh are famous for their skill at rugby. They have won the Six Nations ChampionshipAn annual rugby union championship between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. 28 times - more than any other country. But they have also produced top-class soccer players, such as Gareth Bale, and reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Ringing singing The Welsh are famous for their singers, from Sir Tom JonesA Welsh singer whose career began in the 1960s. and Katherine JenkinsKatherine Jenkins OBE is a Welsh singer. She is a mezzo-soprano and performs operatic arias, popular songs, musical theatre, and hymns. to their many male voice choirs. Great Welsh bands include Stereophonics and Bullet For My Valentine.

Mighty ID Although Wales lost its independence in 1282, when Edward IThe King of England from 1272 to 1307. defeated Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, its people have kept a strong national identity. It has had its own National Assembly since 1999. 

Language gauge Welsh is a melodious ancient language which survived being banned from official use under Henry VIII. Today it is spoken by an increasing number of people - almost 900,000 according to the latest figures.²

Heroic poets Wales has a strong poetic tradition, to which eisteddfods are central. These competitions for poetry and singing go back to the time of the DruidsMembers of the learned class among the ancient Celts. They were priests, teachers and judges.; the first documented one took place in 1176. Dylan ThomasA 20th Century Welsh poet known for his works including "Do not go gentle into that good night". and RS ThomasA 20th Century Welsh poet known for his dislike of the anglicisation of Wales. are the most famous Welsh poets of modern times.

Actor factor The Welsh are also known for their beautiful speaking voices. Richard Burton's narration of Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood is considered one of the greatest theatrical recordings. Anthony Hopkins, Martin Sheen, Rhys Ifans and Catherine Zeta Jones are also Welsh.

Scenery greenery Wales has a spectacular landscape, from the green valleys inland to the sandy beaches on the coast. It also has amazing monuments, such as the great castles at Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech.

Yes: Many English people move to Wales because it has a better quality of life. The pace is less rushed, and there is a stronger community spirit, as its many choirs and sports clubs demonstrate.

No: Wales is a backwater compared to England. There are fewer career opportunities, and it has less of a presence on the world stage. Only four of the 26 players in its World Cup squad play for Welsh clubs.

Or... The dividing line between the two is extremely blurred. If you walk along the border, it is hard to know which you are in. Some English towns have Welsh names, and vice-versa.