A triumphant Welsh football team has arrived back in Wales after their famous two-nil win in Azerbaijan.

The victory has left them on course for their first major championships since 1958.

Mark Hughes puts the team through their paces

Football fans across the country spent much of Wednesday celebrating after the final whistle as Wales notched up another competent win in their Euro 2004 group.

Those supporters lucky enough to be given the afternoon off by benevolent bosses enjoyed another inspired display by the national team to leave them top of their qualifying group, with a five-point cushion.

Inspired by the rollercoaster ride of Wales' best ever start to a qualifying campaign, supporter are now hoping for more causes to celebrate when Azerbaijan play in Cardiff next March.

Pubs and bars in towns and cities across Wales were doing brisk business as fans continued their revelries into the night.

Schools, pubs and clubs in Bangor, Carmarthen and throughout Wales were full of fans, young and old, cheering on Mark Hughes' team.

Some firms, such as Cardiff software company Purple Sun, felt the decision to give their staff the afternoon off, was well worth it.

I have a very understanding boss and he knows where I am coming from

Richard Anthony, Wales fan

Managing director Gavin John, who was buying the drinks for staff in Dempsey's bar, said: "Everyone seemed to have a good time and we got the result we wanted. I think it will be a long night now."

And the gesture went down well with his workers: "We got to enjoy the game this afternoon and have a few beers and see Wales go top of the table," said one employee.

For committed fans Andrew Harris and Richard Anthony, Wednesday afternoon was another Welsh footballing moment to savour at the Crwys.

"This was something I could not miss," said Andrew, a travel agent, from Cardiff.

'Great result'

"I have a very understanding boss and he knows where I am coming from," said Richard.

Injured Wales and Everton international Mark Pembridge was a relieved figure after the match, which he watched on the television.

"It is a great result. We knew it was not going to be an exciting game and we were nervous to start with but the boys prepared well for it and we got a tremendous result."

Traditional Cardiff rugby pub the City Arms, opposite Millennium Stadium, was turned over to fans of the round ball game for the day.

A young Wales fan enjoys the result

Landlord Martin Mears said: "It's just as good an atmosphere here with the football as it is with the rugby.

"The fans are quite well behaved on internationals, much more than with the club football."

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, in Cardiff, set up a big screen in the school gym for its Year 7-10 pupils to watch the game live when they should be at lessons.

The 11 to15-year-olds were encouraged to make a small contribution to the school charity in exchange for the treat.