Trochowski Stunner Sees Germany Past Wales

A perfectly placed shot long-ranged effort from Piotr Trochowski was the difference between Wales and Germany at the Allianz-Arena... Germany 1-0 Wales Despite all three points remaining in Munich, credit must go to the visitors, too. The Welsh put on a tremendous defensive display as centre backs Craig Morgan, James Collins, and Ashley Williams continuously denied the Germans any opportunities in the penalty area. However, Trochowski's winner on 72 minutes was enough to seal the deal for Germany, who now stand four points clear of their British counterparts in World Cup qualiying. FIRST HALF Over the opening 25 minutes, the match was played exactly according to Welsh plans. The visitors lost possession by more than 2:1 during this time, but held Germany to five shots, three of which were blocked and two of which were poorly struck and had little hope of reaching the target. Throughout the first half, Wales almost exclusively defended with ten men behind the ball and, early on, had few troubles against a lethargic-looking Germany. As the half-hour mark neared, the home side showed signs of life. Good crosses from Bastian Schweinsteiger and set-ups from Michael Ballack led to a few half-chances, but the home side were completely unable to break down the Welsh inside the penalty area. The Germans' first real chance came in the 31st minute when Ballack teed up Schweinsteiger for a 25-yard shot. The ball was well struck, but only nicked the top of the crossbar before it went out for a goal kick. The Germans finally got a shot on goal in the 41st minute when Ballack shook free of his defenders and sent a low shot to the left side of goal. Craig Bellamy parried, but scrambled to reach the ball before any German came close. All in all, the first half was a huge success for Wales. With every insightful German through ball and well-placed cross, there were always several Welsh defenders available to block a pass or cut off a run. The first half ended with the score 0-0. SECOND HALF The second half started much livelier than the first, as both sides attacked, resulting in plenty of space at both ends. The first chance of the period went to the Germans in the 49th minute. Lukas Podolski received a cross on the left flank, but was well marked in the penalty area. He turned and passed back for Piotr Trochowski, whose first-touch shot was blocked by Craig Morgan. Two minutes later, Germany ran out on the counterattack and second-half substitute Patrick Helmes had his first effort on goal. The Bayer Leverkusen striker had his shot blocked by Carl Fletcher, however, and the score remained 0-0. Another two minutes passed before the Welsh had their first threatening chance. Following a Gareth Bale corner kick, Bellamy reached a loose ball in the penalty area, but was judged to have fouled Heiko Westermann in the process. In the 54th minute, Wales had the best chance of the match for either side. Following a long ball forward, Bellamy crept behind Westermann and into the penalty area. With only goalkeeper Rene Adler to beat, Bellamy fired on goal, but Adler made a fine save to deny the Welshman. Germany continued to use their one-touch passing strategy, and began to break down the Welsh defense. A five-pass sequence on 58 minutes saw Schweinsteiger through in the penalty area, but the Bayern Munich midfielder was unable to find a teammate available in the penalty area. Long-ranged efforts from Schweinsteiger (60) and Philipp Lahm (64) came close, but were unable to break the deadlock. As the 70th minute approached, the German attack peaked in intensity as the home side sought a winner. The deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute as the home side finally broke down the otherwise impressive Welsh defense. Trochowski received the ball just outside the left corner of the penalty area and cut to his right, his left, and finally his right again as he shook his defender. Having made space, the Hamburg midfielder fired a shot that reached the top right corner of the goal. Three minutes later, Bastian Schweinsteiger drew a foul just outside the penalty area. Michael Ballack blasted the resulting free kick, but was denied by the left post, leaving Wales with some hope of equalizing. As the end of the match drew nearer, the Welsh grew increasingly bold, and earned a gilt-edged chance to earn a point in the closing minutes. In the 80th minute, the impressive Bellamy latched onto a through ball on the left side. He turned and, beating Clemens Fritz, ran down the goal line as Adler ran out of goal. Bellamy sent a cross to an open Chris Gunter, but the right wing-back hesitated just long enough to allow Per Mertesacker to catch up and block his shot. After Gunter's missed opportunity, both sides traded counterattacks, but the Germans were able to deny the visitors of any shots during the last ten minutes. In the end, the numbers seemed indicative of a far different score line: Germany took 27 shots to Wales' 5 and won possession 70%:30%. Germany 1-0 Wales 1-0 Trochowski 72' Germany: Adler - Lahm, Westermann, Mertesacker, Friedrich (Fritz, 64) - Trochowski, Hitzlsperger, Ballack, Schweinsteiger - Podolski (Gomez, 82), Klose (Helmes, 46) Wales: Hennesey - Bale, Collins, Williams, Morgan, Gunter (Riketts, 86) - Edwards (Robinson, 77), Koumas, Fletcher (Evans, 77), Davies - Bellamy Yellow Card: Ricketts 87'