Wales' youngsters cut to shreds by Slovakia

Wales 1 Slovakia 5

Wales suffered a humiliating home defeat as their team of youngsters were cut to shreds by Slovakia in this Euro 2008 Championship qualifier.

Marek Mintal scored twice before the break, with Dusan Svento adding another - all three in a 23-minute spell – and Wales were up against it despite a fine free-kick struck home by 17-year-old Gareth Bale.

In the second half, Slovakia took an even firmer grip with goals from Miroslav Karhan and Robert Vittek to leave John Toshack’s men embarrassed and well beaten.

Bellamy was still trying, taking a Koumas chip and cracking a shot into the body of the diving Contofalsky in the 75th minute.

Bellamy then ran onto another Koumas pass, but saw his shot blocked by the keeper on the near post.

Jones, who had had a Welsh dragon cut into his new hairstyle, was now being cruelly cheered every time he made a successful save or catch.