WALES will have one foot in the Algarve if they beat - or even draw with - Serbia and Montenegro tonight.

The colossal European Championship qualifying Group Nine battle here in Belgrade can shape their destiny on the road to Portugal 2004.

A positive result in the Red Star Stadium will give pace-setting Wales, with four opening Group Nine victories, a huge psychological advantage over the second-placed Italians ahead of their mammoth meeting in Milan in 17 days time. Italy are two points behind Mark Hughes' men and have played a game more.

Manchester United idol Ryan Giggs spelt out the importance of tonight's Serbia showdown to his Welsh team-mates.

"The Italians are renowned for pulling things out of the bag and fighting to the end," warned the 29-year-old star, who will win his 41st cap tonight.

"So with Italy on our tails we can't afford to take our foot off the gas."