4 days ago
Why the Liechtenstein national anthem is likely to be booed in Cardiff tonight
Why the Liechtenstein national anthem is likely to be booed in Cardiff tonight
Cardiff City welcome Liechtenstein to Cardiff City Stadium in a World Cup qualifying match tonight
Cardiff City Stadium is always electric when the anthems are played
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd )
Wales fans attending the World Cup qualifying match against Liechtenstein tonight may be in for a bit of surprise before kick-off.
A familiar national anthem tune will feature before the game at Cardiff City Stadium - but we're not referring to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, which is so passionately blasted out by the Red Wall.
Craig Bellamy's side face the central Europeans tonight in their third qualifier for the 2026 tournament.
They start tonight in the capital on four points, which places them second in Group J, after a win against Kazakhstan and a point away in North Macedonia.
However, when supporters get ready to stand for the respective anthems, the Welsh faithful may recognise both tunes, with one some might arguably not be too keen on.
Alongside Wales' national anthem, the tune of God Save the King, the English national anthem, will be played.
Article continues below
This is down to the visitors, who also use that tune for their national anthem. Instead of the lyrics God Save the King, they will sing their own version, Oben am jungen Rhein.
This translates to 'High on the Young Rhine' in English and uses the same tune as the well-known anthem of Wales' neighbours.
Liechtenstein adopted the anthem back in the 19th Century, and though the original composer of the music is unknown, some historians believe it may have been composed in Germany.
Therefore, although both Liechtenstein and England use the music, the words sung are completely different, giving each anthem individuality.
The FAW posted an explainer ahead of kick-off.
"As Cymru prepare to face Liechtenstein, some fans may be surprised to hear a familiar tune before kick-off, the melody of God Save the King, the national anthem of England," they wrote. "However, it's worth knowing that Liechtenstein's national anthem, Oben am jungen Rhein ('High on the Young Rhine'), is set to the very same melody."
Article continues below
They added: "So, when the anthem plays, it's not a case of mistaken allegiance, just one of those quirks of international football history."
This might just be the spark that Craig Bellamy will want to gee-up his players, creating an electric atmosphere in the capital tonight, as it is a must-win game for Wales if they want to keep their World Cup ambitions on track before a massive away tie in Belgium on Monday.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm tonight. You can follow live updates on our website here.
