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The lost port that kick-started Wales' epic journey

Chris Coleman during North Macedonia v Wales in 2013Getty Images

Chris Coleman won 32 caps for Wales before managing the team from 2012 to 2017

Chris Wathan
BBC Sport Wales

2026 World Cup qualifying: North Macedonia v Wales

Venue: National Arena Todor Proeski, Skopje Date: Tuesday, 25 March Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC One Wales, iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app, plus S4C via iPlayer. Text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website & app. Listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

A missed flight and an absent manager on the eve of a World Cup qualifier.

As Wales take on North Macedonia on Tuesday as part of a campaign they hope will result in a trip to north America next summer, they return to the city made memorable for the time Chris Coleman forgot to check his luggage.

It is 12 years since Skopje was the setting for one of the more bizarre tales of Welsh football history, one that drew sniggers and sneers, not to mention damning headlines for their under-pressure manager.

But while it will be long ed as the time the Wales manager lost his port – before losing the game – it was also the night the team found their voice.

And with it, discovered a path to qualification they still travel upon today.

'Where's the manager">