Wales have drawn 0-0 against the Czech Republic in a hugely entertaining EURO 2008 Group D qualifier at the Millenium Stadium on Saturday, with the result meaning that Wales are unlikely to qualify for next years EURO 2008 tournament.

The game, which was the last match that Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs would play for his country, started with both sides being very wary of each other, but with Wales seeing some good possession in the early part of the game.

The home side had their first chance on goal in the 11th minute after Giggs crossed the ball into the path of Craig Bellamy, but the ball was tucked away for a corner with an excellent last ditch tackle from David Rozehnal.

Tomas Rosicky had an attempt in the 18th minute as the Czechs started to get into the game, with Jan Koller and Rosicky both having shots at goal, but nothing to heavily test 20-year-old Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Wales earned a couple of corners from their attacks, but failed to capitalise on them, with Giggs preferring to play them short and with the Czech defence dealing well with Bellamy and the other Welsh attackers.

As the half progressed the Czech Republic began to get into their swing and the home side were lucky to not concede after an excellent piece of build-up play led to Jaroslav Plasil having a shot off target and Marek Jankulovski forcing a very good save from Hennessey.

Minutes later Wales had a good chance to break the deadlock, with Jason Koumas just going wide of Petr Cech’s right post with a fierce long-range right footed shot.

The half ended 0-0, with the visitors looking the stronger of the two teams.

The second half saw an immediate attack from the Czech’s, with Sam Ricketts defending well from a shot from Jan Koller, heading the ball away from Marek Kulic who was waiting behind Ricketts at the back post.

Wales were next to have a decent shot. Jason Koumas, whose shots prior to this were way off-target, rattled the crossbar with a stunning 22-yard free-kick, which left Petr Cech rooted to the spot.

This gave the Wales players and fans a much needed boost, and the game was now far more evenly matched, with chances on both sides.

Wales had their first attempt on target in the 57th minute after Ryan Giggs’ curling effort was saved well by Cech, and minutes later the Wales skipper made another mazy run through the Czech defence, going past four defenders and snapping his shot from the edge of the penalty area to force Cech into another good save.

The game was now end-to-end, with chances for both sides. Marek Kulic forced a good diving save from Hennessey as the Czech’s made an excellent break, but it was Wales who were in the ascendancy and defending brilliantly.

Simon Davies came close with a long-range strike, and at the other end, just seconds later James Collins made a stunning defensive block to deny Kulic and his fellow defender Danny Gabbidon denying Jan Koller a shot minutes later.

With two minutes remaining, and after Wales had thrown everything they could at the Czech’s, Ryan Giggs made his farewell to international football to an emotional standing ovation from the whole crowd at The Millenium Stadium, being substituted for Robbie Earnshaw.

Giggs, who featured for his country for the past 16 years, played 64 games and scored 12 goals for his country and will be sorely missed by the Dragons fans.

The Czech Republic go top of Group D - at least until tonight - with Wales staying in fifth position in Group D of qualifying.

Wales Team: Wayne Hennessey, James Collins, Daniel Gabbidon, Lewin Nyatanga, Samuel Ricketts, Simon Davies, Ryan Giggs, (Robert Earnshaw, 88), Jason Koumas, Joe Ledley, Carl Robinson, Craig Bellamy.

Wales Substitutes Not Used: Danny Coyne, Steve Evans, Andrew Crofts, Arron Davies, Carl Fletcher, Chris Llewellyn .

Czech Republic Team: Petr Cech, Marek Jankulovski, Radoslav Kovac, David Rozehnal, Tomas Ujfalusi, Jaroslav Plasil, Jan Polak (David Jarolim, 66), Tomas Rosicky, Tomas Sivok (Marek Matejovsky, 84), Milan Baros (Marek Kulic, 46), Jan Koller.

Czech Republic Substitutes Not Used: Jaromir Blazek, Tomas Hubschman, Tomas Zapotocny, Lubos Pecka.