Football
Reuters 15y

UPDATE 1-Soccer-Finland victory dents Welsh World Cup hopes

* Bellamy writes off Welsh qualification chances

* Kuqi seals win for Finland

(adds Wales quotes)

LONDON, March 28 - Finland coasted to a 2-0
victory over Wales in their World Cup Group Four qualifier at
the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

The defeat means Wales drop into fourth place in the table
and leaves them little chance of qualifying via the group
playoffs.

"You've probably seen two poor sides trying to contest this
group and none have a glimmer of hope of qualifying," Wales
striker Craig Bellamy told Sky Sports.

"Where do we go from here? God knows."

Finland took the lead on 43 minutes when striker Jonatan
Johansson collected a Jari Litmanen pass to slot the ball past
stranded goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Striker Mikael Forssell forced Welsh goalkeeper Hennessey
into a number of good saves after the break and Joe Ledley
cleared defender Hannu Tihinen's header off the line, before
substitute Shefki Kuqi scored a second in injury time.

Wales have played a game more than second and third-placed
Russia and Finland and lie seven points behind group leaders
Germany.

"We have five games left and even if we win all five of
them, it might not be enough," Wales manager John Toshack added.

"I've no complaints overall, the Finns deserved their win
and good luck to them."
(Reporting by Neil Maidment; editing by Rex Gowar and Alison
Wildey. To query or comment on this story email
sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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