WALES'S chances of getting anywhere near the Euro 2008 finals were left in shreds by their worst home defeat since 1908. Slovakia took full advantage of facing a young, inexperienced side and cruelly exposed their hosts in this Group D game.

It was the worst defeat for Wales since a 7-1 drubbing in Holland under Bobby Gould in 1996, but you have to go back to a 7-1 mauling by England at Wrexham 98 years ago for that worst home battering.

Slovakia scored three goals in 23 first-half minutes to expose the youth in Wales's back line, and even a fine free-kick from 17 yearold Gareth Bale failed to give Wales much hope. Two more goals followed in the second period as Slovakia were able to take off key players to rest them for Wednesday's clash with Germany.

Wales face Cyprus in Cardiff on Wednesday, and you would expect boss John Toshack to make significant changes with the future in mind, and certainly now this tournament's finals in Switzerland and Austria look out of reach.

Wales were looking for a big performance from West Brom's Jason Koumas, back after a four game absence and summer of upheaval in his club career. And they also knew they must start scoring goals after just 10 in Toshack's 14 games in charge. The spotlight fell again on new skipper Craig Bellamy, after a week of controversy over whether he is suitable material to be captain. He had failed to score for his country in two years, three if you only count competitive matches. Add that to a drought at Liverpool and he had managed just one goal in his last 18 for club and country going back to his Blackburn days in early April.

The pressure was on him on two fronts but he and Koumas were foremost in Wales's attacks, clever passes and belligerent running were in evidence even while Slovakia were punishing young defenders behind them. After soaking up sporadic Wales pressure, Slovakia struck on 14 minutes.

Lewin Nyatanga, 18, allowed Robert Vittek to turn and cross from the right far too easily, and Dusan Svento was quicker to react on the far post than Richard Duffy and was able to drive the ball past Paul Jones. Slovakia looked assured and organised, and were quick to hit Wales on the break, Koumas being booked for bringing down Svento on one such burst up field. Simon Davies blasted over from a Bellamy pass with Wales seeking a way back into the game, while Kamil Contofalsky saved well from Robert Earnshaw.

Wales were still coming forward seconds before they found themselves two down Bellamy had netted from a Gareth Bale pass on 31 minutes, but was marginally offside. But Wales were then made to pay for another mistake as Jones, winning his 50th cap, mis-placed a kick out aimed for Duffy. The ball fell to Marek Mintal who lifted a 30-yard shot high over the stranded keeper for Slovakia's second.

On 36 minutes Bale gave Wales hope with a stunning 25-yard free-kick after Koumas had been fouled. But a minute later Wales were slow to shut down Mintal, and he slammed another long-range effort wide of Jones' right hand.

Wales hit back again when Bellamy got clear and crossed for Davies to head wide, and then Bellamy flashed a fine effort across goal and inches wide.

Toshack sent on Cardiff 's Paul Parry at half-time for Earnshaw, hoping to see some of the form the 26-yearold has shown for Championship leaders Cardiff.

But Wales were soon further behind to another goal that should have been avoided. Jan Kozak's pulled back corner from the right went straight to an unmarked Miroslav Karhan and the Slovak captain floated the ball over the stranded Jones into the far corner.

Wales sent on another Cardiff youngster in the form of Joe Ledley, for Rob Edwards on 58 minutes and reverted to a back four. But this just exposed Duffy further and he was beaten Svento on 59 minutes who crossed for Vittek to score with ease from eight yards out.

Bellamy was still trying, taking a Koumas chip and cracking a shot into the body of the diving Contofalsky on 75 minutes, before Slovakia took off Vittek , two minutes later and sent on Filip Holosko.

Bellamy latched onto another Koumas pass but saw his shot blocked by the Slovak keeper at the near post. Jones, who had had a Welsh dragon cut into his new hairstyle for the occasion, was being cruelly cheered every time he made a successful save or catch as the mood of the home fans reflected the score.