Giggs bows out as Wales keep Czechs scoreless

Outgoing Wales skipper Ryan Giggs hailed today's goalless Euro 2008 qualifier at home to Czech Republic as "a benchmark performance".

Giggs said his farewell to international football as Wales produced their best display of the campaign at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

They had started looking short of confidence and wary of what was to face them, but the match ended with Giggs taking a standing ovation having tried everything to fashion an unlikely victory.

The draw will do more for Ireland's chances now in Group D, but Giggs gave everyone a lasting memory of his brilliance in a much-improved Wales second-half display.

He said after the match: "I'm just disappointed, with the chances we created that we just couldn't put the ball in the net.

"But that's the benchmark, a great performance right from the start. Defensively we didn't give them a kick. We created chances, so that's what we need to do in the future."

Giggs produced a trademark dribble forward in the 68th minute but his resulting shot failed to beat Petr Cech.

"I should have scored," he admitted on Sky Sports 2. "I'd done the hard work and beat a couple of players but whipped it too much really. I should have scored and put it in the corner.

"I don't think you could pick a best player today, everyone was outstanding. The Czech Republic are a very good team but we made them look ordinary at times."

A clearly moved Giggs added: "Obviously it's been emotional this week, saying goodbye to everyone.

"I've enjoyed it, it's been great and I wish the lads all the best in the future."

Toshack withdrew Giggs to a standing ovation before full-time and the Manchester United star told Sky Sports 2: "It was great. It was a shame I couldn't have gone off with a win but the fans have been great right from day one right to the end."