Youthful Wales lose to Germany

A youthful Wales side, including teens Aaron Ramsey and Sam Vokes in John Toshack’s starting eleven, lost valiantly 2-0 to Germany at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The match will be remembered for any number of aspects, from the realization that this surely is the end of Wales World Cup hopes, to a dreadful goal that preceded the first goal and an otherwise superb performance against the powerful German side.

With Craig Bellamy absent, striking duties were left to Nottingham Forest's Robert Earnshaw and young Sam Vokes of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Showing a hearty work-rate, Wales were no pushover to the efficient Germans put gave up the lead eleven minutes in when Michael Ballack drove the ball in from thirty metres. The goal was a highly controversial one as Germany was awarded a thrown-in just before the strike in a clear error by the linesman. Wales went on the hunt for the equalize and showing bales Aaron Ramsey, who left Cardiff City for Arsenal this past summer, was the architect of a number of attacking volleys. Forest's Robert Earnshaw came close mid way of the half before Hannover 96 'keeper Robert Enke denied him in the final moment. Wales hearty effort continued but misfortune fell their way three minutes into the new half as Swansea City defender Ashley Williams re-directed Mario Gómez's cross in. Down by two, Wales searched for a way back in but Germany was clear cut in their tactics and ground the match down without further incident.

A tough loss for the Dragons but one that a great deal of pride can be had from a tenacious performance. In the long process of building for the future, this match will serve as a key cornerstone.