Azerbaijan 0 Wales 2
Wales' new heroes can now look the legends of 1958 in the face after yet another courageous Euro' 2004 qualifying triumph.
Goals from Gary Speed and John Hartson had the records tumbling as Wales maintained their 100% record at the head of Group Nine, significantly now five points clear of Italy and with the return against the battered Azerbaijan side next up in Cardiff in March.
But by making their run eight games without defeat, stretching back 14 months, Wales have now matched their nation's best-ever run. Mike England's side went eight undefeated in 1981 but the real feather in the caps of boss Mark Hughes' men is that they have also equalled the eight games undefeated that the Welsh World Cup finalists of 1958 achieved before being beaten by Brazil in the quarter-finals in Sweden.
Wales have also never won their first three qualifying group games in any tournament in their history, and only twice before in 1985 and 1975 have they won three successive qualifying matches.
This was achieved with another display of dogged determination, guts and running and a perfect understanding of the team plan. It was never pretty but the end result was another victory with Portugal edging just that little bit closer.
With fog sweeping in off the Caspian Sea and over the Tofig Bahramov Stadium here, Wales were looking for some glory at last for their own nation.
With a squad stripped of seven star names - and then losing Danny Gabbidon after a late fitness test on his back problem - Hughes was forced to move skipper Gary Speed back into a depleted midfield from his now familiar left-back spot for his country.
And that meant a recall in the heart of defence for Robert Page with Grimsby's Darren Barnard taking Speed's place for only his second start in 18 months.
Portsmouth's Carl Robinson also won his 10th cap in midfield, while Robert Earnshaw, the Cardiff youngster with 16 goals already for his club this season, played in Craig Bellamy's right-sided role.
It was the same tried and trusted shape to Hughes' side, with John Hartson the loan striker supported by runners from midfield.
From a set-piece delivered by Davies, Speed appeared unmarked beyond the far post to head Wales ahead, his first goal for his country since September 2000.
However, Wales did not look secure at the back and when Rashad Sadiqov fed Samir Aliyev, clear in the box, only a fine diving, point-blank block from Jones avoided an equaliser.
At the other end Giggs won a corner following a swaying, high speed run down the left and when Davies curled it in and Hasanzadekh made a mess of his punch, allowing Hartson to power a header against the crossbar and down onto the line.
Wales doggedly hung onto their lead but further chances were rare as they opted to defend in depth. But Wales did get their priceless second on 67 minutes when Davies curled in another free-kick and Hartson rose unchallenged to power a header into the net.
PA