Toshack turns on ref as Germans add to Wales´ woes

Furious Wales boss John Toshack slammed the performance of referee Terje Hauge following his side’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Germany here at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday.

Toshack said the throw-in which led to captain Michael Ballack firing Germany into the lead from 30 yards should have gone to Wales and that the home side should have had a penalty after Serdar Tasci handled in the box.

Victory saw Europe zone group four leaders Germany, who scored a second through an Ashley Williams own-goal, take another step nearer next year’s showpiece in South Africa.

As for Wales, last weekend’s 2-0 loss at home to Finland had all but ended their hopes of reaching their first major finals since the 1958 World Cup even before they kicked-off against Germany.

“The first goal was a ridiculous decision, the throw was for Wales and the linesman had given it,” said Toshack.

“Aaron Ramsey was trotting across to take it from an area of the midfield where Ballack was waiting so when the ball was passed by Ballack, Ramsey was not in any position to defend against him.

“As for the handball, it was a penalty and should have been a red card. If that had happened it may not have been so easy for Germany.

“The referee produced decisions you would not see on Llandaff (Cardiff) playing fields in park football.”

Former Liverpool and Wales striker Toshack added: “Mind you, whether we would have scored a penalty is another matter, we have missed three already in this campaign, but that is not the point.

“It is tough enough playing against one of the best sides in the world without getting those decisions from the referee, we didn’t deserve that.”

Robert Earnshaw led Wales’s attack in the absence of injured captain Craig Bellamy, who’d blasted his side after the Finland defeat.

Encouragingly for Wales, Arsenal teenage midfielder Ramsey did not look out of his depth against Germany but he was powerless to prevent Chelsea’s Ballack letting fly with a dipping shot which gave keeper Wayne Hennessey no chance.

Wales though were unlucky not to have a spot-kick in the 26th minute after Gareth Bale and Joe Ledley combined down the left wing.

Tasci stumbled as he backed off the advancing Ledley inside the box and the defender’s hand made contact with the ball. It seemed a penalty but Norway’s Hauge dismissed Wales’s appeals.

Hennessey had to save well from both Thomas Hitzlsperger and Lukas Podolski to prevent Germany doubling their lead and it wasn’t until after half-time they added a second goal.

Mario Gomez managed to send in a speculative cross and Williams, sticking out a leg, diverted the ball into his own net.

This was Germany’s second win in five days after they’d swept aside Liechtenstein and manager Joachim Loew said: “It was extremely important that we won these two games.

“We now have 16 points from 18 in this group with four games left. That means I am absolutely content with the situation.”

Loew also brushed aside an on-field row between Ballack and Lukas Podolski in the second half which only ended after the referee intervened.

“I have not had the chance to talk to them about it, but if a captain gives out orders on the pitch it is the duty of any players to carry them out.”