Intro:

Wales are set for an emotionally charged friendly when they take the field against Costa Rica on wednesday for the first time since the death of manager Gary Speed.

British football was stunned by the death of the respected Speed, found hanged at his home in November.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto:

The Cardiff City stadium will be the venue as Wales remembers Gary Speed. Craig Bellamy will lead the Welsh side in a match dedicated to the memory of his former friend and manager.

It'll be Wales' first international match since Speed's death, last november. The opponents Costa Rica, whom against Speed won the first of his 85 caps for Wales.

It will be the Central American nation's first friendly of the year and coach Jorge Luis Pinto understands its importance.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto:

"We were profoundly sorry about what happened. I had the opportunity to see him play, he was a brilliant player. So it will be emotional to pay tribute to a fellow coach. We are very sad and we want to honour his memory and pay our respects to his children and Welsh football." (Approximate translation)

The match will provide some food for thought for Costa Rica as they prepare for upcoming CONCACAF and 2014 World Cup qualifiers

"Yes, this is very important for Costa Rica. We know what Wales represents in international football. We are preparing a team for qualifiers. So it's a very important game we are playing here in Cardiff."

Wales have not qualified for the finals of a major international tournament since the 1958 World Cup
In his first match in charge, Chris Coleman will be looking to the future whilst remembering and paying his respects to the man he succeeds.