Finland

John Toshack's furious expression at the final whistle needed no explanation. This was a chastening defeat for Wales and one that brings to an end their hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals. Toshack may feel aggrieved to have been drawn in the same group as Russia and Germany, but it is difficult to feel too much sympathy for the Wales manager when Finland can record such a comfortable victory over his side here.

The chorus of boos at the end were loud and predictable. Indeed, it was difficult to know whether to laugh or cry when the stadium announcer said: "We look forward to seeing you again on Wednesday for the visit of Germany." Another listless second-half performance like the one Wales delivered here and Joachim Löw's side will run riot. Finland were in total control after the interval and the only surprise was that it took until the 90th minute for them to add a second goal.

It was all too much for Craig Bellamy, whose frustration bubbled over afterwards. "That was two poor sides trying to contest this game and neither of us have a glimmer of hope of qualifying," said the Wales captain. "Where we go from here, God knows. We've got a lot of games to play, but same old story, we're out of the group. They [Finland] are not a good side. I do feel we are the better side, even though we have just lost. They sucker-punched us really."

Toshack suggested beforehand that it was a case of all or nothing for Wales and he made no attempt to change that opinion in the wake of defeat. "I am disappointed with the result," said the Wales manager. "We are probably out now as far as qualifying is concerned. We have five games left and, even if we won all five, we wouldn't have enough points."

The Wales manager refused to criticise Bellamy for his remarks, but he did point out the Manchester City striker "knows he could have done better today". Bellamy was not alone. Having controlled possession for long periods in the first half, Wales lost their way from the moment Jonatan Johansson gave Finland the lead, when he slipped a shot under Wayne Hennessey.

Jari Litmanen was the provider on that occasion and it was no coincidence that the former Ajax and Liverpool striker also set up Finland's second, when his perfectly executed pass allowed Shefki Kuqi to curl the ball home. "I put my arm around him [Litmanen] at the end and said, 'What an amazing man you are'," said Stuart Baxter, Finland's manager.

Wales offered little in response and Jussi Jaaskelainen had only one meaningful save to make, when he denied Jason Koumas shortly after half-time. "We got mugged for the first goal," said Toshack, "but, after that, I can't have too many complaints with the result."

This is not a news report and may contain views expressed by the author which are not supported by GNM.