Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole on what could turn out to be an historic day in Welsh football as they host Israel in Cardiff needing just a win to book their place at Euro 2016. The visitors have plenty to play for themselves, though, and will be intent on spoiling the party this afternoon, so we should be in for an intriguing encounter in the Welsh capital. Let's start with a look at the team news...

WALES STARTING XI: Hennessey; Gunter, Williams, Davies; Richards, King, Edwards, Ramsey, Taylor; Bale; Robson-Kanu

ISRAEL STARTING XI: Marciano; Ben Haim, Dasa, Dgani, Ben Harush, Tibi, Bitton, Natcho, Zahavi, Kayal, Dabbur

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, it is no surprise to see that Wales have remained unchanged from their victory over Cyprus as Chris Coleman opts to stick with a winning formula for today's match. One or two of the players admitted that it was a draining encounter on Thursday, so there were question marks over whether Coleman may make a couple of changes, but the Wales boss has kept faith with the XI that did the job in Nicosia.

The one player who will obviously stick out for the hosts in Gareth Bale and, while it would be harsh to call Chris Coleman's side a one-man team, they do certainly rely heavily on the Real Madrid man. He has come up with the goods at international too, and as long as he is fit and on form for Wales then they will feel they have a chance against any team. His importance to the team is perhaps best summed up by the fact that he has either scored (6) or assisted (2) eight of his country's nine goals in this qualifying campaign.

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There is quality elsewhere in the squad, though, perhaps most notably Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey. He has not quite hit top form this season, but there is no doubt that, when he is fit and firing, he is a real danger to defences. His goalscoring record for Arsenal a couple of seasons ago was highly impressive before he picked up an injury, and he will be looking to get back to that level over the next few months if he can avoid another spell on the sidelines.

Coleman has again chosen to pack the midfield today, with Richards, King, Edwards, Ramsey and Taylor making up the five-man unit in the middle of the park. Hal Robson-Kanu is the designated striker, but as already mentioned, the main goal threat will come from Bale, who is handed a free role. That formation means that it is a three-man defence for Wales, led by Ashley Williams, who has started the season very impressively for Swansea.

I will speak more about Wales' defensive record a little later, but Wayne Hennessey has enjoyed a fruitful spell in between the sticks for the Dragons recently. He is by no means considered one of Europe's top keepers, but it is 414 minutes since he last conceded a goal for his country and that record is a big reason why they are so close to making history this afternoon.

As for Israel, they have made three changes to their starting XI from the victory over Andorra last time out, with Dgani, Ben Harush and Kayal all coming into the side in place of Rihan, Hemed and Ben Haim. Hemed in particular may feel aggrieved at missing out having got himself on the scoresheet against Andorra, although his goal did come from the penalty spot.

All of the other goalscorers from that match are including by manager Eli Guttman, with Zahavi expected to play in a slightly more advanced role than he did against Andorra on Thursday. He opened the scoring in that game before Bitton and Dabbur both netted either side of Hemed's penalty.

There will be a few familiar names in the Israel side for fans of British football, with Tal Ben Haim the most high profile following stints at the likes of Bolton and Chelsea. He shares his name with a striker in the Israeli squad who, thankfully for commentary and clarity reasons, does not start today. Nir Bitton also plies his trade in Britain with Celtic, while Kayal used to play for the Bhoys before moving to Brighton, where he is now a teammate of Tomer Hemed.

The visitors are by no means an unknown quantity for Wales today, then, and the hosts will be confident of getting the result required here. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to dub this as the most important match for Wales in more than 50 years as they stand on the brink of finally returning to a major international tournament. Even if it doesn't happen tonight then it looks like a matter of time, but Coleman will want to get it confirmed as soon as possible.

Not since the days of the great John Charles have Wales qualified for a major international tournament. He led them to the 1958 World Cup in Sweden - a tournament that will best be remembered for the emergence of a young Brazilian going by the name of Pele. That is how long Wales have been absent for, and in Bale they have an icon comparable to Charles from his era. They have never reached the European Championships, so this has the potential to be one of the greatest nights in the nation's football history.

They are very much in this position on merit too. They were drawn in what some saw as a tricky, but passable group that including the number two ranked team in the word. Wales have beaten and drawn against Belgium however, and remain unbeaten after seven matches of their qualifying campaign. They are one of only seven teams who can boast that, while they have dropped just four points along the way, with five wins and two draws.

Aside from the heroics of Bale, it is their defensive work that has put them in such a good position with three games remaining. Only Romania have conceded fewer goals in the entire European Championships qualifying campaign, with Wales conceding just twice throughout. They have kept five clean sheets in their last six outings, including four in a row going into this game. They have never in their history gone five consecutive internationals without conceding.

They come into this game unbeaten in their last seven outings, last losing a match in June 2014 when Netherlands ran out 2-0 winners in a World Cup warm-up friendly. That is their only defeat in 12, while in terms of competitive games they are already on a record streak of nine games stretching back almost two years since a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Serbia during qualifying for the World Cup.

Chris Coleman's side have won three games on the bounce for the first time since 2011 coming into today's match, and another here would give them four in a row for the first time since 1980-81, while qualifying for the 1982 World Cup. In terms of solely European Championship qualifiers, the Dragons are unbeaten in nine since September 2011, while they have only lost one of their last 11, winning eight of those. Their last Euro qualifying defeat at home came all the way back in March 2011 at the hands of England.

Indeed, they have not been beaten at home in any competition in just short of two years, with Serbia the last visitors to come away with a victory from Wales. They have won four and drawn two of the matches since then, a run which has helped them climb up to ninth in the world rankings - above England. It is an incredible rise considering they were 117th just four years ago, and it could get even better for Chris Coleman's men. Victory today would guarantee them at least fourth place when the new rankings are released in October, and if Germany draw with Scotland then a win for Wales would lift them above the world champions. Should Belgium also lose to Cyprus later tonight then Wales would be second in the world.

Safe to say that Israel are facing a team in form, then, arguably better form than they have ever been in. However, the visitors have plenty to fight for themselves and they will be confident of spoiling the party this afternoon. They sit third in Group B as things stand, but victory would be enough to see them leapfrog Belgium into the automatic qualification places, at least until the Belgians take on Cyprus later tonight.

Even if Israel are unable to overthrow the top two, they could still sneak into the tournament proper with a third-placed finish. They currently have 12 points with three games remaining, with only Ukraine (15) and Norway (13) of the current teams third in their respective groups being able to better that tally. Should that automatic route in not work then they will go into a playoff, although they will also have one eye looking over their shoulders at Cyprus, who are just three points behind them in Group B.

It all started so well for Israel in this qualifying campaign. They won their opening three matches in Group B, including a surprising 3-0 triumph over Bosnia, and looked like being dangerous. They found the net nine times in those three wins, but a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Wales sparked a three-game losing streak that saw them find the net just once more. They bounced back against Andorra on Thursday, but the damage may have already been done.

That run of three defeats on the bounce was the first time since 2012 that they have been on such a run, but some reason for optimism today comes in the shape of their away form. They have won three of their last four games on the road, although their last outing saw Bosnia gain a measure of revenge with a 3-1 victory in June.

Israel are very much a middle-of-the-road side when it comes to qualifying campaigns. They are generally there or thereabouts when it comes to pushing for a place in a major tournament, but they always fall short. They are certainly good enough to beat some of the minnows that crop up in qualifying, as shown on Thursday against Andorra, but when they come up against the traditionally stronger sides, they often struggle. Wales should probably be regarded as one of the big boys now considering their ranking and form, so it will be interesting to see how Israel cope today.

The visitors have won four of their last six European Championship qualifying away games and have scored in each of their last seven, last failing to do so in September 2010. Wales have only scored nine times in this qualifying campaign, so a goal today may be enough for Israel to get something out of the game, although they have left their two hardest away ties - Wales and Belgium - until last. Indeed, they face a crucial double-header in October, taking on Cyprus, who are just behind them in Group B, and then Belgium.

Much has been made of Wales' absence from major international tournaments, but Israel are experiencing a drought of their own too. They haven't qualified for one since the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, when they failed to make it out of the group stages. Indeed, that is their only major tournament, meaning that they, like Wales, have never graced the European Championship stage before.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes away from kickoff at the Cardiff City Stadium, which means that it is time for a prediction! Wales are likely to be spurred on by a raucous crowd today and, considering what is at stake for them, defeat is almost unthinkable. It remains to be seen how their players handle a pressure that they won't have experienced before, but they should still have enough to see off the visitors. I'll go for a 2-0 home win.

Wales may feel that facing Israel is something of a good omen today. The last time they qualified for a major tournament, 57 years ago, it was Israel that they beat in the playoffs to reach the World Cup in Sweden, winning both legs of that encounter. Could history repeat itself today?

The reverse fixture in qualifying was a surprisingly comfortable one for Wales. Bale was on the scoresheet twice in Haifa to add to an Aaron Ramsey goal, handing Chris Coleman's side a convincing 3-0 victory to end Israel's 100% start to the campaign. Indeed, in three meetings with Wales, Israel are yet to even score a goal, yet alone pick up a victory.

Both sides come into today's match off the back of victories on Thursday, with Wales edging past Cyprus thanks to a late header from Bale (who else?), to set up what they hope will be a qualification party today. Israel's victory was more convincing as they hammered Andorra 4-0, with all of their goals coming in the first half of that match. It all eyes forward now, though, ahead of what is a crucial Euro 2016 qualifier.

The anthems have been sung - blared out in Wales' case by a packed Cardiff City Stadium - and we're just about ready to get going now in the Welsh capital. Can the hosts end more than 50 years of heartache?

KICKOFF: The hosts get us underway, perhaps just 90 minutes away from joining France and England at Euro 2016.

SAVE! Israel look like they have set up to frustrate Wales, but the hosts make an early break in behind the defence through Robson-Kanu. Ramsey's initial volley is blocked behind for a corner, but he plays that set piece short, gets the ball back and forces a save from the keeper at his near post. Good start from Wales, just what they would have wanted.

Nice football from Wales as they move the ball around nicely, keeping possession. They are playing like a team full of confidence at the moment.

This really has been a positive start from Wales. Ramsey does well to steal possession in midfield, poking the ball through to Robson-Kanu. He only has one thing on his mind as he collects the ball, but he blasts a long-range effort high and wide.

CHANCES! Two huge chances for Wales to grab an early lead. Richards does really well down the right to harass Ben Harush before winning the ball back. Robson-Kanu slides it through to King, who finds himself with only the keeper to beat. However, Marciano makes a good save with his feet, while Ramsey can't keep his header down on the rebound with the goal gaping.

Wales may have been expecting a largely frustrating afternoon today given Israel's preferred defensive tactics and the back five they have employed. However, they have cut that defence open on a couple of occasions already and will be very encouraged by the start they have made to this match.

Israel haven't been able to get anything going in an attacking sense so far. It has been all Wales and, at the moment, it seems like a matter of time before the hosts break the deadlock.

PENALTY SHOUT! A hint of a penalty shout for Wales as the ball appears to clip an arm having been put into the box by Taylor, but the referee was having none of it. A number of red shirts were convinced, and the replay shows that it did strike a hand, but it would have been a very harsh one.

From the resulting corner, Bale's cross is met by Robson-Kanu, but he can't direct his header on target, instead sending it wide. Marciano takes too long over the goal kick, which leads the ref to issue quite possibly the earliest ever time-wasting warning.

Bale picks the ball up on the right flank before cutting inside and finding a yard to shoot on that deadly left foot of his. He can't squeeze this one through, however, as Israel get the block in and survive.

YELLOW CARD! Dabbur becomes the first name in the book for preventing Edwards from taking a quick free kick.

Almost a chance for Robson-Kanu as he gets in front of his man to attack a cross at the near post. Richards delivers the ball into that area, but it looks like a defender that got the last touch to just poke it back to his keeper.

The pressure has been almost relentless from Wales in this opening 20 minutes or so. They have started the game really well, both on and off the ball, but they will be eager to make the most of this spell on top by grabbing a goal or two.

The packed crowd inside this stadium are treating the team to a rousing acapella version of the Welsh national anthem right now. They like what they have seen so far, and it would take something special from Israel to dampen their moods at the moment.

The referee brings the game to a halt to give treatment to Ben Haim, who clashed heads with his own player when clearing the ball from inside the box. He will be fine to continue, but it looked like an eye-watering one for the Israel skipper.

UPDATE: There are four other qualifiers currently taking place, and there is one very interesting result brewing. Netherlands, who are struggling in third place in their group, find themselves already 2-0 down to Turkey, which would be another big dent in their qualifying hopes. Elsewhere, Czech Republic lead Latvia by the same scoreline.

Richards has been heavily involved down Wales' right flank so far, giving Ben Harush a difficult time. He has been able to push very far forward give the hosts' dominance, and he is making the most of it.

The chances have dried up a little for Wales in the last 10 minutes or so. Israel have gained something of a foothold in the game, but it is still the hosts who are on top and dictating the tempo of the match.

Israel have shown very little attacking intent so far today. They have a rigid defensive formation with at least nine players behind the ball at most times, and even when they get possession, they aren't venturing too far from their own half.

A little better from Israel as they keep Wales penned into their own half for a change. The hosts have gone a little flat since that bright opening 20 minutes, with a number of passes going astray.

Wales have been very impressive off the ball today. They have been quick to close their visitors down in possession, which was why Israel struggled to keep hold of the ball in the opening exchanges. That had tailed off a bit in the last 10 minutes or so, but Bale leads by example to chase down the keeper and force him to kick it straight out of play.

Decent chance for Robson-Kanu to slide a pass through to Bale having turned into space in midfield. The through-ball was there, but the striker puts too much on it and it runs all the way to the keeper.

Very good piece of defending as Williams keeps his composure with Zahavi hot on his heels. It was a long ball forward from the defence that interested the Israel playmaker, but Williams always looked on command, flicking the ball back over his head, collecting it on the other side and calmly playing it clear.

There is a scenario where Wales' qualification can be confirmed today even if they fail to win, although they would need a favour from Cyprus for that to happen. A draw, coupled with a Belgian defeat in Nicosia later, would seal Wales' spot at Euro 2016.

There will be just the one added minute at the end of this first half.

YELLOW CARD! Dasa picks up a booking for time wasting over a throw-in late in the first half.

We're still goalless at the break in Cardiff, then, as Wales are made to wait for their party to begin. The hosts have been on top in the opening 45 minutes so far, but Israel have grown into the game and, while their attacking intent has been minimal at best, they will be content with how they weathered an early storm before gaining a foothold in the match.

Wales came flying out of the blocks, looking very much like a side full of confidence and keen to get an early goal to put any nerves to one side. The best chance of that first half fell to Andy King, who raced on to a through-ball from Robson-Kanu after good work from Richards to win the ball back. King's low effort was well saved by Marciano, while Ramsey put the rebound over with his header.

The hosts signalled their intent inside the opening couple of minutes, with Ramsey seeing a volley blocked behind for a corner before playing that corner short and getting the ball back. The angle was against the Arsenal man as he went for goal, and in the end it was a simple save for Marciano, but it was a very bright start from Wales.

Israel have clearly set up to frustrate Wales here, with the midfield rarely straying too far from the defence, leaving very little room for Ramsey and Bale to exploit between the lines. The visitors really could do with a victory today as well, so I'd expect them to open up a little more as the match wears on, but Wales may be forced to wait until the last 15 minutes or so for that to materialise.

It is important to note that this is not a must-win game for Wales. They have two more games to come after this and, with one of those coming at home to minnows Andorra, the win they need to seal their qualification is almost inevitable. Of course, the fans, players and staff will be desperate to seal progress today, but patience is key and, having already waited 57 years since their last major tournament, I'm sure they can wait another month if needs be!

KICKOFF: The teams are back out and Israel get us underway for the second half. The first thing to tell you is that Israel have made a double change at the break, with Tomer Hemed and the attacking Tal Ben Haim coming on for Dabbur and Kayal.

Those changes have resulted in a tactical switch from the visitors, and it looks more like a 3-5-2 for them now. That should give them more of an attacking threat but, at the same time should also open up some more space for Wales' dangermen.

This is much better from Israel at the start of this second half. They have taken control of the ball in the opening exchanges and look like they are lot more willing to play some football now.

Wales haven't started as quickly in this second half as they did in the first, with Israel keeping the ball better to ensure that the hosts don't have things all their own way. It has been pretty even since the restart.

CHANCE! Decent opening for the hosts as Richards whips a ball in from the right towards Robson-Kanu, who has peeled off his man into a yard of space. However, he can't get over the ball and his header ends up comfortably off target.

Bale gets his first chance to run at the defence in this second half, collecting Ramsey's pass beautifully to send him charging towards the edge of the area. He has a number of white shirts around him so chooses to go for goal, only to lash a wild effort well off target.

Concern for Wales here as Bale goes down following a clash of heads. It looked like quite a nasty one, but the Real Madrid man should be fine to continue. It would take something a lot more serious than that for Coleman to withdraw him!

YELLOW CARD! Dgani is the latest player in the book, and it is an interesting one from the ref. A ball over the top seemed beyond Robson-Kanu, who threw himself to ground following a tussle with Dgani right on the edge of the box. The ref awards the foul, but points for a free kick rather than a penalty. Still a dangerous position with Bale standing over it, though...

SHOT! If anything, it was too close for Bale. He takes some power off his shot in an attempt to get it up and down in time, but the dip arrives too late and it goes a yard or so over the crossbar.

YELLOW CARD! Richards becomes the first Wales player to get his name taken by the referee, and it is a harsh one for the full-back, who won an aerial battle a little too robustly for the official's liking.

YELLOW CARD! Bitton receives a retrospective yellow card for a late challenge on Robson-Kanu. The ref played advantage initially but, after Wales win a corner, goes back over to the Celtic man to book him.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Wales to get that elusive opener! King gets his head to the corner, but plants his effort straight at the keeper, who makes a diving catch to his left.

Not the most convincing piece of goalkeeping from Marciano, but he gets away with it. A ball is hoisted into the box from deep and he comes a long way to claim it but, under pressure from Bale, he initially fumbles. However, it drops kindly for him to gather at the second attempt.

Almost a sight of goal for Wales again as Richards swings a cross in from the right flank, but it is a little too high for Ramsey, who can only flick it on rather than going for goal himself.

PENALTY SHOUT! Big shout for a penalty as Bale's clipped cross is turned behind, seemingly by the arm of the defender. Robson-Kanu is adamant, and the replays show that he has a point. It was the slightest touch, but it helped to take it away from the Wales striker.

CHANCE! From the resulting corner Edwards attacks the near post and manages to flick the ball on, but it is intercepted and eventually cleared by the defence.

Natcho looks to provide something special for Israel from range, but it is far from a crisp strike from the midfielder. He sends a 35-yard effort a long way high and wide.

Good spell of possession for Israel, but it comes to an end with a misplaced pass. The visitors have committed a few more men forward in this second half, but they have still offered very little in the final third. Hennessey has been as yet untested.

Wales have just over 15 minutes to find a goal which would seal their place at the European Championship next summer. A reminder that a draw could still be enough today if Cyprus manage to beat Belgium later this evening.

Israel may begin to open up a little more in these final 15 minutes, with a win putting them above Belgium temporarily at least in Group B. A draw, coupled with a Belgium win later, would leave them with a mountain to climb in October if they are to achieve automatic qualification.

The pressure continues to arrive from Wales, but Israel have enough bodies back there to deal with it. It hasn't been particularly pretty form the visitors today, but they would be delighted with a clean sheet away to the group leaders.

YELLOW CARD! Robson-Kanu goes into the book for a challenge on Ben Haim, who throws himself to the floor and rolls around in pretend agony, clutching his face.

WALES SUB: The hosts make their first change of the afternoon as Simon Church comes on to replace Robson-Kanu.

Less than 10 minutes remain for Wales to find a goal here! They could do with someone coming up with something special to break down this stubborn Israel rearguard. All eyes on Bale...

CHANCE! Almost a smash-and-grab job from Israel! The winger Tal Ben Haim picks the ball up on the left and beats his man before playing a cross into the middle. It is slightly behind Hemed, but he still manages to turn his header goalwards, forcing Hennessey to tip it over.

SHOT! Wales have a chance to break up the other end of the field, and Ramsey manages to find Bale despite initially being held up. Bale creates space to shoot, but puts his 25-yard strike over the crossbar.

WALES SUB: Chris Coleman is going for this one. He makes another change in the closing stages, bringing Sam Vokes on in place of King.

SAVE! Bale so nearly comes up with the goods again! The ball is worked in to the Madrid man just inside the box and initially there doesn't appear to be much on. He slips when shooting too, but his low effort requires a fingertip save from the keeper to prevent it sneaking in.

A hint of a penalty shout for Wales as Dgani goes to ground inside the area, but it was a very good challenge from the defender. Risky, but successful to prevent the ball from reaching Vokes.

There will be four minutes of added time at the end of this match. Can either side find a dramatic late winner?

ISRAEL SUB: A third and final change for the visitors as Zahavi departs to be replaced by Ben Sahar.

SAVE! Ramsey's looks to make himself the hero in the dying stages with an effort from 25 yards, but it takes a deflection on the way through and loops safely into the arms of the keeper.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Ohhhh drama at the end here as Wales think they have got the goal, but the flag is up! A long ball forward wasn't dealt with by Israel and Bale nodded it on one more to Church, who finished from close range from an offside position.

Israel successfully hold out despite that late, late scare, and Wales are forced to wait for their place at Euro 2016 to be confirmed. That could still happen this evening should Belgium fail to beat Cyprus in Nicosia, but in all likelihood their fate will be decided in the final round of fixtures. Bosnia are next up for the Dragons before a home tie with Andorra, and Wales just need a point from those two games.

It was Wales who created pretty much all of the chances tonight, with Israel's only hint of an opening coming in the final 10 minutes. The likes of Andy King and Aaron Ramsey both squandered good openings for the hosts, while Bale had a few long-range efforts that failed to find a way through, before testing Marciano in the Israel goal with a late low drive. They couldn't find the breakthrough, however, and were ultimately forced to settle for the draw.

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole on a day that saw Wales' Euro 2016 party put on hold as they only managed a goalless draw with Israel. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. There is plenty more international football to come over the coming days too, so check back in with us for that. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!