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Page last updated at 16:47 GMT, Tuesday, 31 March 2009 17:47 UK

Welsh players share strong words

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Wales v Germany
Venue: Millennium Stadium Date: Wednesday, 1 April Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Wales, BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and online, live text commentary on BBC Sport website & mobiles and live on Sky Sports 1


Toshack cagey on Wales fall out

John Toshack admits Wales' dejected stars have held clear-the-air talks in a bid to save their flagging 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Wales hope to make amends for their 2-0 home defeat by Finland against Germany at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday.

Toshack said: "We had a brief chat and got a few things off our chest."

Wales midfielder Joe Ledley added: "Strong words have been said since Saturday, we must be honest about things as it didn't work out planned."

Wales' experienced centre-back James Collins led the calls for a change of approach after Saturday's disappointing loss to Finland in Cardiff.

Both Wales boss Toshack and captain Craig Bellamy virtually conceded their World Cup qualification chances were over after Saturday's defeat and that let to rumblings of discontent within the Welsh camp.

James Collins
It's all right having all the possession in the world and knocking it about but we're not getting the end product at the minute and something has got to be looked at

Wales defender James Collins

Collins, whose diving header against Finland was Wales' only real chance on Saturday, said: "It was only me who got a header on goal, which is disappointing when you're playing at home in a game you've got to win.

"It's all right having all the possession in the world and knocking it about but we're not getting the end product at the minute and something has got to be looked at.

"Maybe a change of attitude to what we're trying to do.

"Everyone is technically good on the ball and we are knocking it about lovely but we have not got that final cutting edge."

Ledley was equally frustrated following the humbling by Finland and was in the post-match debrief where Wales' players vented their frustrations.

The Cardiff City star said: "We have to hold our hands up, we need to go out with confidence and attack teams.

"Saturday was a blow to us, now we have to get over the disappointment as quick as we can, learn from that game and move on."

Toshack has to rally his wounded troops for their huge Cardiff clash with footballing giants Germany at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday.

606: DEBATE

A section of the Welsh support showed their discontent at the final whistle of the Finland defeat and Toshack conceded: "Whatever happens against Germany, it will take a while to get over the disappointment of Saturday.

"We must get some pride back. Some of our players are still very young and they would have learned a lesson over the past few days which has given us food for thought for the future.

"That is no conciliation for the supporters and I can only apologise for letting the public down as the customer is always right.

"I would never criticise the crowd for criticising me or the team, it is part of the territory and we hope we can do better next time."

Collins, 25, accepted Wales' chances of qualifying are not good but insisted: "As long as the points are still there you're not going to say you're not going to qualify, but losing to Finland was a massive dent to us."




see also
Pick your Wales XI
05 Feb 07 |  Internationals
Savage predicts Welsh 'hammering'
31 Mar 09 |  Internationals
Wales 0-2 Finland
28 Mar 09 |  Internationals
BBC Sport Wales coverage
03 Feb 09 |  Wales


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