Shortly before kick-off, the red-shirted players line up to sing Wales's rousing national anthem. Even people who are not Welsh cannot help feeling goosebumps.

Wales's footballers are playing in the World Cup finals for the first time in 64 years. 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. 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. But they have also produced top-class football players, such as Gareth Bale.

Ringing singing The Welsh are famous for their singers, from Sir Tom JonesA Welsh singer whose career began in the 1960s. 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, its people have a strong national identity. It has had its own National Assembly since 1999. 

Living language Welsh is an ancient language which survived being banned by Henry VIII. Today it is spoken by almost 900,000 people.¹

Heroic poets Wales has a strong poetic tradition. It includes eisteddfods - competitions for poetry and singing which go back to the time of the DruidsMembers of the learned class among the ancient Celts. They were priests, teachers and judges.. 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 made a wonderful recording of Dylan Thomas's play Under Milk Wood. Anthony Hopkins, Martin Sheen, Rhys Ifans and Catherine Zeta-Jones are also Welsh.

Scenery greenery Wales has a spectacular landscape, with green valleys inland and 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.  

Six Nations Championship - An annual rugby union championship between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

Sir Tom Jones - A Welsh singer whose career began in the 1960s.

Druids - Members of the learned class among the ancient Celts. They were priests, teachers and judges.

Dylan Thomas - A 20th Century Welsh poet known for his works including "Do not go gentle into that good night".

RS Thomas - A 20th Century Welsh poet known for his dislike of the anglicisation of Wales.