Jason's Canada Lose

Last updated : 30 May 2004 By Footymad

De Vos played the full 90 minutes in a match where Paul Parry's first international goal ensured that Wales ended an arduous season on a high with a 1-0 victory over Canada.

The Cardiff City winger's powerful 21st minute header was enough to clinch the win on Wales' return to the Racecourse Ground, with Mark Hughes' side good value for their victory.

Tomasz Radzinski squandered a great chance to give the visitors the lead in the opening minutes, before Ryan Giggs saw his corner strike the crossbar.

Canada's Dwayne de Rosario then had a golden opportunity to put his side in front when he found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Danny Coyne, but his mis-hit shot was well wide of goal.

Hughes' team grabbed the lead when Carl Fletcher put Craig Bellamy in the clear and the Newcastle United striker produced an inch-perfect cross for Parry to convert.

The goal seemed to give the home side more confidence and visiting keeper Pat Onstad had to deflect an effort from Giggs around the post, before Bellamy miscued when clean through on goal.

Although Wales seemed to be in control they had to survive two moments of self-inflicted panic to reach the break ahead, as Coyne twice mis-hit attempted clearances and had to watch as they rebounded to safety.

Canada brought on Derby County's Paul Peschisolido and QPR's Marc Bircham at the break and Peschisolido almost levelled six minutes into the second half, but his shot was deflected narrowly wide.

Fletcher then fired over at the end of a flowing Welsh move, before the visitors' Iain Hume struck the crossbar with a 30-yard free-kick.

The home side dominated in the closing stages but a lack of composure in front of goal from Bellamy and substitute Robert Earnshaw ensured that they had to be satisfied with a single-goal victory.

For full match stats on this afternoons game between Wales and Canada at Wrexham, Click here.