Trochowski strike sinks Wales

11:02pm Wednesday 15th October 2008

Wales came close to an unlikely draw against Germany - but in the end fell to a second-half strike from Piotr Trochowski in their World Cup group four qualifying match in Monchengladbach.

Almost a year ago in Frankfurt, Wales had fought out a remarkable goalless draw against a German side who had already qualified for the Euro 2008 finals.

However, Russia had beaten Finland earlier on Wednesday, so Germany could not take any chances - and that made Wales' defiance even more commendable. James Collins, playing his first senior game in a year, was outstanding in defence. He was ably helped by Ashley Williams and Craig Morgan.

Wales started maybe in fear of a hammering, but ended feeling their blood, sweat and tears deserved more. From the start Wales bodies were getting in the way of German attacks, with Collins hurling himself in front of a Michael Ballack drive and Carl Fletcher doing the same with a Thomas Hitzlsperger effort.

Bastian Schweinsteiger's cross was cleared by Williams straight to Miroslav Klose, who fired into the side-netting.

Schweinsteiger flashed a 20-yard effort inches over and Hitzlsperger did likewise, before goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a fine save to his right to keep out a fierce low drive from Chelsea midfielder Ballack.

There was a greater sense of urgency from the hosts in the second, and Trochowski saw a low shot deflected wide by Collins, who then charged down Schweinsteiger's effort.

Craig Morgan saw a header scrambled clear, then Bellamy forced Rene Adler into a sharp save, as Wales started to believe they could get something out of the game.

But Germany posed a constant threat and Hennessey made further saves from Schweinsteiger and Heiko Westermann before Germany finally made the decisive breakthrough after 72 minutes.

Trochowski twice sent Fletcher the wrong way with twists on the edge of the box before finding the space to lash a rising shot past Hennessey. And the home side almost doubled their lead when Ballack hit a post with a free-kick.

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