Joe Cole goal sinks Wales

Just 18 arrests were made, largely for public order offences.

Tens of thousands of football fans poured into the capital for the game, which England won 1-0.

South Wales Police had warned hooligans they would be dealt with severely if there was any trouble after the match at the Millennium Stadium.

Fans poured into Cardiff streets, pubs and clubs after England's victory thanks to a second-half deflected Joe Cole goal.

There were a minority who were intent on causing problems for an hour or two after the game but we had more than enough officers to deal with whatever came our way Ch Supt Bob Evans

Just after the final whistle, police said one or two "minor altercations" beforehand were dealt with quickly.

There were 18 arrests for minor public order offences, but police said their operation was successful.

England fans were warned beforehand that they would not be allowed into Welsh sections of the ground if they wearing English shirts. In the event, about 10 people were ejected from the ground during the game because they had bought tickets for the "wrong" end.

Event commander Ch Supt Bob Evans said: "The vast majority of fans left peacefully after the game and I hope they enjoyed their time in Cardiff.

"Unfortunately, there were a minority who were intent on causing problems for an hour or two after the game but we had more than enough officers to deal with whatever came our way.

"Overall, I am absolutely delighted with the operation and the success of the day which I think it is testimony to the city as a whole."

Medical staff in the stadium freed up resources in local hospitals

Ch Supt Evans was also pleased with the response to an England "fans' village" in Coopers' Field, close to the stadium.

"It went down extremely well with the supporters and is something we will be looking to repeat in the future," he said.

Medical teams

Between Friday night and early on Sunday medical teams were based in the city centre for a speedy response to calls and to ease the pressure on hospital accident and emergency staff. A field hospital was in place in the stadium, staffed by doctors, paramedics and volunteers.

The city centre ambulance responded to 26 calls, nine of them the result of an assault. In total, eight people were transferred to the University Hospital of Wales.

Alun Harris of the Welsh Ambulance Service said the city centre presence meant medical care could be given as soon as possible.

"By working this way we are also able to deploy valuable resources more efficiently to the greater community of Cardiff during periods of exceptional high demand."

The police operation was bigger than those for the FA Cup finals that the Millennium Stadium has staged since 2001, with 400 officers backed by mounted police and dog handlers.

Ch Supt Evans had warned before the game that the vast majority of fans were in Cardiff to enjoy the game, and police would "stamp very hard" on any troublemakers.