RYAN GIGGS said his farewell to international football as Wales produced their best performance in their Euro 2008 qualifying group to earn a goalless draw at home to the Czech Republic. 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 the Republic of 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.

The Czechs were near to full strength for this Euro 2008 Group D qualifier, with skipper Tomas Rosicky back after five weeks out with a muscle problem and they settled into their effective, organised style. They were dangerous at every setpiece and had Rosicky controlling the possession.

Wales, though, were bright and keen to attack. One neat pass from Jason Koumas was scooped off the waiting Craig Bellamy's toes in the six-yard box by David Rozehnal early on, while Giggs curled a 13thminute free-kick just over Petr Cech's crossbar.

But when the Czechs constructed quick, accurate passing moves through the middle, Jan Koller and former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros were always a threat. On 18 minutes Rosicky was just wide with a side-footed effort from 18 yards, the Czechs being given far too much time to work themselves into a good position.

Wales' clearances consistently fell to grateful Czechs and the pressure continued to mount. Collins was outstanding against Koller, and Wayne Hennessey produced a fine diving save to his left to turn away a 25-yard drive by Rosicky.

Davies, Bellamy and Koumas combined well on 42 minutes to allow the West Brom man to force Cech into his first genuine save of the game, down to his right to touch the bouncing effort wide. The Welsh revival continued in the second half and they almost took the lead on 50 minutes, a foul by Kovac on Koumas led to a 30-yard freekick which the midfielder curled against the bar.

Koumas had a shot saved by Cech before Giggs set off on a stunning 50-yard, weaving run, the sort that used to bring this crowd to their feet in years gone by. He got past four defenders and found the angle for a blistering shot from 15 yards. Cech could only parry it into the air before defenders got back to clear in a moment to remind everyone just what Wales will be missing.

There was confidence about Wales now, Koumas fired just over from a Giggs free-kick, then on 85 minutes, Koumas and Giggs combined to almost send Bellamy clear, the final chip being just too strong.

With a minute to go, Giggs was taken off to allow him a hero's exit, the skipper waved and applauded all sides of the stadium as he exited the international arena.