Security enhanced in Moscow prior to Russia vs Wales game

Additional security measures will be taken in Moscow during today's soccer match between Russia and Wales. The first leg of their playoffs for a place in the finals of Euro-2004 Championship takes place tonight at the Lokomotiv Stadium. Organisers have sold more 28,000 tickets for the game.

A spokesman for Moscow's Police Headquarters told RIA Novosti that more than 2,600 policemen and interior troops, including a 300-strong unit of special forces and 50 mounted police, would secure public order during the match. In addition, enhanced police patrols will be on duty at all Moscow underground stations. Plainclothes officers will be assigned to the expected sites of soccer fans' congestion.

Naturally, Russian fans hope for success of their national squad led by a recently-appointed new coach, Georgy Yartsev. According to experts, his appearance at the helm of the national team has encouraged the latter to play with more confidence, drive and shine. Russian team's renewed vigour and sportsmanship let it beat opponents from Switzerland and Georgia in the last two games of the preliminary round.