By Chris O'Brien
October 16 2004

Daniel Gabbidion, James Collins, Paul Parry and Tony Vidmar have all been on international duty during the week. The headline story was at the Millennium Stadium, where Wales' World Cup qualification hopes crumbled with defeat at the hands of Poland.

Wales' World Cup qualification hopes lay in tatters as Mark Hughes' reign in charge of the principality ended in defeat. Despite Rob Earnshaw giving the hosts the lead, Wales went down 3-2 to an impressive Polish outfit leaving the Dragons with only two points from their opening four qualification matches.

City duo Daniel Gabbidon and James Collins were fairly impressive at the heart of the defence, but a poor twenty minutes after Earnshaw's opener saw Poland strike three times meaning John Hartson's late header was little more than consolation for the Welsh. Paul Parry was introduced as a substitute in the second-half, but the Bluebird had little affect on the left flank.

Meanwhile, Tony Vidmar was on the scoresheet as Australia completed a two-legged victory over the Solomon Islands in the Oceania Cup. As reported, the formers Rangers centre-half was booked during the 5-1 win in the opening leg, but found the net and could have scored more in the return fixture where a rampant Aussie side were comfortable 6-0 winners. Graham Kavanagh was an unused substitute as the Republic of Ireland beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 in Dublin.