Former Manchester United star, and current Wales boss Mark Hughes came under intense criticism from Welsh football supporters for the negative tactics he played, in a game that Wales needed to score in. Speculation will now undoubtedly do the rounds over where his future lies, with either the assistant managers job at Old Trafford or the hot seat at White Hart Lane both likely moves for Sparky.

The Wales side created little, and at times the players simply didn't look up for what was the biggest game in a decade for the Dragons. The simple long-ball tactic proved ineffective against a solid Russian defence, and after what was a phenomenal start to the qualifying campaign, Wales have got what they deserved after failing to win in their last 7 international matches.

The game will have brought harsh memories back of the World Cup campaign of 1993 to the older Welsh players and supporters. That year, Wales missed out on a place in America with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Romania, with Paul Bodin missing a penalty at the old Cardiff Arms Park stadium.

Giggs himself had the best Welsh chance of the game, sending his shot onto the post from only yards out. A more powerful shot surely would have given the uncapped Russian 'keeper no chance. The miss was a big blow to Giggs' confidence, and he played a lesser part in the second-half after being one of Wales' most impressive men in the opening spells of the game.

The winger, who has never been able to find the form with the principality that he has done with United, will know that the World Cup 2006 could be his last ever chance to qualify for a major tournament, with the draw for the qualification groups being made in December.

The Russian goal came from Vadim Evseev mid-way through the first-half, which gave the visitors a massive advantage, and they then showed real character to keep out Wales for the rest of the game, meaning that it's sadly still 45 years and counting since Wales last qualified for a major championships.

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