Hughes said: "Friendly performances have been good and so has the preparation, but we now have to do it when it really matters.

"Because of the experiences they've had in the past when they have been knocked down, the players know the bad times.

"Now we want the good times to start and the lads are excited by the challenge in front of them. We don't go into it with fear and dread."

But Finland are no international novices - especially when playing at home in Helsinki.

Before losing 3-0 to the Republic of Ireland in an uncharacteristically inept performance last month, the Finns had gone 12 games unbeaten at home.

They held England and Germany to draws and swept Greece aside 5-1 in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.

With the class of Jari Litmanen up front and the composed authority of Sami Hyypia at the back, it is hardly surprising that even the top international sides struggle against them.

Craig Bellamy eventually joined the squad on Thursday after the Football Association of Wales spent �8,000 on a chartered flight to bring the striker to Finland.

But having only played 30 minutes of competitive football in the past seven months, Bellamy looks destined to start the match on the bench.

Savage, Mark Pembridge and Andy Johnson will probably marshal the midfield, with Ryan Giggs and Simon Davies providing the width.

The only doubt surrounds Cardiff City defender Daniel Gabbidon, who has picked up a foot injury.

Hughes added: "It's important that we get off to a good start. Our last World Cup campaign was always on the back foot because we started off with a defeat.

"It took us a while to get going in that group. For confidence it certainly sets up your campaign if you can get a positive result in your first match.

"I think a draw is a good result here."

Wales: P Jones (Southampton), M Delaney (Villa), A Melville (Fulham), D Gabiddon (Cardiff), G Speed (Newcastle), S Davies (Tottenham), M Pembridge (Everton), R Savage (Birmingham), A Johnson (WBA), R Giggs (Man Utd), J Hartson (Celtic).