Lebanon will relive the epic match against Wales from the 2000 World Cup, tonight at Halton Stadium, Widnes. That fixture represents the last time Lebanon was defeated in an international, and since then Lebanon's domestic and international development has gone from strength to strength.

Tonight's double fixture will witness the dramatic ending of at least two teams’ world cup dreams. The evening starts with a USA-Samoa match kicking off at 5:45pm GMT, with Samoa strong favourites to win. This is followed at 8pm by Lebanon's crucial fixture against Wales. The winner of both matches will go through to the final world cup place play-off match, to be held on Wednesday.

Wales must recover from an emotionally shattering game against Scotland on Sunday, which saw them emerge victorious from the game, but lose automatic qualification to Scotland, again on points difference. Their efforts against Lebanon could be impeded by injuries, especially the potential loss of their captain, Lee Briers, who damaged his leg in the match against Scotland.

Lebanon has been forced to replace some of their battered squad, and new arrivals Khalid Deeb, Phillip Takchi, and Danny Chiha all bring previous Cedars experience with them. Initially training was hindered as 7-8 players required daily treatment to recover from knocks received from the previous matches against Russia & Ireland. Even with these conundrums, coach Darren Maroon has been satisfied with preparations and feels primed for the forthcoming Wales match. C.E.O. George Elias remarked, "The team will be competitive and spirits are high; although all that we wish for is a little bit of the luck of the Irish."