Ryan Giggs salutes the fans after the final whistle

Wales are now guaranteed a play-off spot, which would see them take on a runner-up from another group in a dramatic winner-takes-all contest over two legs in November.

BBC News Online spoke to fans of both Finland and Wales to ask what they thought of Wednesday's match.

Okko Kuivalainen, 25, is chairman of the Finnish national team supporters association, and travelled over for the match.

What did you think of the game?
I am disappointed - we deserved to win. We had most of the game, and could easily have scored two or three. Wales were a big disappointment - they had one scoring opportunity and they took it.

Okko Kuivalainen said most people in Finland do not think the team will qualify

Are you disappointed Finland cannot qualify now?
It is something we expected - at least we won't have the trouble of going through the play-offs. But I still thought it was possible - it has been written in Finland that hope has been destroyed several times in the campaign, but it was still there.

How do you think Wales will do in the play-offs?
It is very difficult, thinking about the teams there like Spain and England. I will support Wales, and they will get players like Savage and Delaney back.

What did you think of the atmosphere?
The atmosphere was quite good compared to other big stadiums. I noticed a lot of people wearing rugby shirts - that is quite strange. I would like to have seen more Finns there.

Lois Roberts, 27, translator, from Cardiff, cheered Wales in the stadium.

What did you think of the game?
I know we should be pleased, but it is quite annoying as Italy only drew in Serbia. Had we won we would have been top of the group and still able to get an automatic spot.
In the match itself, I though we scored too early for our own good and sat back. The players were tired in the second half, especially John Hartson. We needed some supersubs, but there weren't any.

Lois Roberts is nervous about Wales' game, but is still optimistic about qualifying

Did you enjoy it?
Yes but it was infuriating and the second half seemed to go on forever, especially after the sending off. We were unable to finish it off.

How relieved are you to get a play-off spot?
Very relieved - it is what we wanted realistically - we are there now and that's what is important.

Who do you want in the play-offs?
I know there are a lot of big teams, but maybe we need a challenge to play at our best. Hopefully our best players will be back by then too.

Can we make it to Euro 2004?
Yes - we have got so close, we have to finish it off - we can't let it go after coming so close.

Finnish student Tinna Marja Kanninen, 22, is studying at Aberystwyth University and came to Cardiff for the match.

What did you think of the game?
It was good - I really enjoyed the whole event. The first goal was a bit of a surprise. To me, Finland dominated the game but could not get the goals. I am happy with the result.

The stadium was packed to the rafters for the match

What was the atmosphere like?
Everyone was really friendly. I was supposed to sit with Wales fans, but security told us there was space in with the Finnish fans, so I went there. There were 70,000 fans in the stadium and only 800 Finns, so there was not a lot of noise we could make!

Are you disappointed Finland cannot qualify?
Not really - I hope Wales go through now - it seems to be an important thing for people here. It is not a big thing in Finland - more people are watching the ice-hockey.

How will Wales do in the play-offs?
Anything can happen - they are good players. I would find it very interesting to see Wales play England. I truly hope Wales go through - they have played well and deserve it.

Arwyn Hughes, 29, is a farmer on Anglesey - he watched the game in his local pub.

What did you think of the game?
Finland played well and were the better team on the night, but the hearts of the Welsh team got them through. The minute Koumas went off, Wales played really well, especially in the last 10 minutes.

Arwyn Hughes believes Italy will win the group now

Did you enjoy it?
I drank a lot in the pub because I was so nervous, but we are there now - so it was a good result in the end.

How relieved are you to get a play-off spot?
Very relieved. It is a missed chance after Italy drew in Serbia, but I am just proud of the team to get to the play-offs. In all the time I have supported Wales we have finished fourth or fifth, so it is good to be in with a chance - it makes a change.

Who do you want in the play-offs?
I would like to avoid Holland and Turkey, but would love to have any of the home countries - it would be a good test.

Can we make it to Euro 2004?
I really hope so - if we get Savage, Bellamy and Delaney back, and get everyone in their right position, no-one will want to play us, especially in the stadium. I will be saving up now to go to the play-offs home and away! But I don't want to tempt fate by saving for Portugal yet!