A glaring miss by Ryan Giggs and Wales' inability to hold on to a lead proved their downfall in the loss to Poland at the Cardiff Millennium Stadium.

Wales were given the ideal start to a match they were desperate to win when Nathan Blake's fourth goal for his country gave the home nation the lead after 13 minutes.

But Wales sat back and failed to keep possession after a bright start and paid the price.

Marek Koziminski was an inspirational figure for Group Five leaders Poland, who equalised in the 32nd minute through Emmanuel Olisadebe.

Pawel Kryszalowicz put the visitors ahead after 72 minutes to leave Welsh qualification hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads.

Only Paul Jones's goalkeeping for Wales made sure Poland had to be content with just two goals on an afternoon which had started so promisingly for Mark Hughes' team.

After the referee had allowed play to go on when Giggs was fouled, the ball was played into the Polish area.

Striker John Hartson used his strength to steer a header into the path of Blake, whose left-foot shot squirmed under the body of keeper Jerzy Dudek.

The goal was given despite protests from the Polish players that the ball did not cross the line.

But Wales have struggled to hold on to a lead throughout their qualifying campaign and this occasion was no different.

In contrast, Poland showed why they are top of the group and, even though they were missing several key players, served notice of their threat.

Koziminski was at the heart of their attacks and rounded keeper Jones before seeing his effort cleared from the Welsh goalmouth by Kit Symons.

Koziminski then chipped a ball into the path of Tomasz Zdebel, who tried to unsuccessfully to lob Jones when he might have done better.