Cardiff, Nov 20: Russia beat Wales so go through to Euro 2004. Russia broke Welsh hearts with a 1-0 victory at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday (November 19) to seal a place at the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal. Wales tried hard, with an early John Hartson shot going just wide. Then Russian full back Vadim Yevseyev's 22nd-minute header earned Georgy Yartsev's side the narrowest of playoff victories after a 0-0 first leg draw in Moscow and ended Wales's dream of a first appearance at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup. Yevseyev, who was involved in a controversial clash with Wales winger Ryan Giggs in the first leg, nodded home a Rolan Gusev free kick to settle the tie. Giggs hit a post in response for Wales, then Gusev came close with a low shot. In the second half Wales captain Gary Speed headed close from a corner, then Jason Koumas shot well, but Russia goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeyev dived to save. Wales goalkeeper Paul Jones pulled off an even better save, but the Welsh needed goals that never came. Wales had led their qualifying group by five points at one stage, but Russia defended well on the night that counted.


Bureau Report