Simon Davies shrugged off a potential injury complaint to start for Wales tonight and they turned into a much better performance but were still well beaten by Germany in Cardiff.

Controversy surrounded the German first goal, which was a brilliant strike from all of 30 yards by the Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack. The quality of the shot wasn’t in doubt but there were strong Welsh complaints after the referee awarded the visitors a throw that should have gone to Wales.

The home side saw their task go from difficult to nigh on impossible when Ashley Williams put through his own net under absolutely no pressure early in the second half, although to their credit John Toshack’s side never gave up. They played with plenty of heart and if Robert Earnshaw had mustered up a little more composure in front of goal they could have got back into the contest. German goalkeeper Robert Enke did make a fine save from James Collins as well.