Bellamy comes to terms with failure

Wales captain Craig Bellamy has faced up to the sad reality of constant failure with a small nation on the World Cup stage.

And in doing so after the shattering 2-0 defeat to Finland in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the 29-year-old put into words the pain and hurt felt by generations of Welsh players and fans.

He said: "It's all over, the qualifying group. I don't want to sound bitter but from what I saw in this match, it is all over for both sides."

Bellamy wears his heart on his sleeve, he plays for his country when he is not fit and shows all the passion and desire expected of the nation's captain.

But his outburst after this Group 4 defeat, to goals from Jonatan Johansson and Shefki Kuqi, summed up another distressing day for Welsh football.

He added: "Neither of us are going to qualify, that was quite evident from what everyone saw out there.

"Russia and Germany are far too good, they have far too much quality for us. And it is the same old situation, it is all about pride now and getting as many points as you can.

"It is the same old story, and that is what is so disappointing. Where we go from here, God knows."

Bellamy insists his outburst is not a prelude to yet another senior player retiring from Welsh football, but he added: "It's tough now. We have Germany next and that will be hard, but we just have to do as well as we can.

"Obviously we are not going to qualify so we have to get as many points as we can. It's just disappointing that we are in the same old situation again."