Dave Edwards celebrates his winning goal against Azerbaijan

Midfielder Dave Edwards says Wales' 1-0 win over Azerbaijan should give the country hope for the future.

Edwards scored his second international goal three minutes before the break to secure the three points in Group Four of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

"It's maybe got our spirits up a lot more than what it would have been if it was 0-0," he told BBC Wales.

"Azerbaijan is very hostile and a long way from home for a young group of players like us."

The Wolves midfielder added: "It was a great performance in the first half especially.

"In the second half, we had to dig in against a very good Azerbaijan team and to come away with the three points is such a boost for us after disappointing results in the last games against Germany and Finland."

The win was Wales' third of their campaign, but with four defeats and other teams having games in hand, qualification is highly unlikely.

But Edwards is concentrating on building for the future.

"To come and perform like we did it should give the supporters and the country a lot of hope for the future because this Welsh team is going to be around for a long time," he added.

"I've got great belief that one day we will reach a major tournament."

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