There had been suggestions the game should have been played at a smaller venue, such as Swansea.

On Friday the team was named and unfortunately I was not in it, but after doing so much travelling and having a tight hamstring from Los Angeles I was not too downhearted.

Of course I was disappointed but the older you get you tend to deal with things better.

I still trained hard, had a laugh with the boys and kept smiling. I have great respect for John Toshack so when decisions don't go your way, you respect and move on.

Everyone expected us to win easily, but international games are never easy and we knew this would not be a walk in the park.

They put 10 men behind the ball, worked hard as do all Berti Vogts teams, and tried to break on us at all times.

After 66 minutes Chris Gunter, outstanding throughout the match, was felled for a penalty.

This was our chance. Jason Koumas, who has as much ability as I've seen in a player, stepped up – but their keeper guessed right and saved it, as well as the follow up.

They celebrated as if they'd won the match, but we still had 20 odd minutes to go. In the 83rd minute and after constant pressure we managed to score as sub Sam Vokes prodded in from close range.

I came on in the dying minutes as we saw out the game for a 1-0 win in our first World Cup qualifying game. It was what we deserved after so much effort.

Special mention should go to Gareth Bale, who was excellent, and Chris Gunter, who I thought was outstanding, and has come on so much since his move from Cardiff to Spurs, where he trains and plays with top players.

He is still a young boy, but that move seems to have taught him so much already.

Sunday was a recovery day and I drove back to see the family in Mid Wales, through all the floods on the road.

I know I get fantastic weather in Toronto but this week it's rained every day, and has made me realise how lucky I am. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm living in a warm climate, with my family and I get to train in shorts and a vest, what more could I askfor?

We then had to prepare for the trip to Russia. We had a blow with Jason Koumas pulling out, and Paul Parry retiring but we ensured we stuck together.

Now talking about players retiring, well what can you say. It's a honour to play for your country, a dream for many, so why would you just give it up? People have reasons which I accept, but when you finish playing, you can't go back.

We travelled to Moscow, totally the opposite direction from Canada, so no doubt I'll have a great return journey!

The game started in front of a full house. We knew we would be put under pressure, and would have to work our socks to get anything from the game.

We were set up in a solid formation as we went for a 4-2-3-1. We tried to be solid through the middle while having the ability to break. After 17 minutes we got a penalty with Gareth Bale brought down.

He stepped up and sent a left footer which was saved by the keeper. Ouch, we knew this was a great chance for us, but had to move on. After 30 minutes the referee evened up the contest as I went in for a challenge in the box and their player fell over.

My foot never left the floor, he just wanted me to leave my leg there and went over. It was a penalty and they scored. We managed to then get in at half time just a goal down.

We knew they would not be able to continue at this pace for 90 minutes.
We got a foot in the game and after 66 minutes Joe Ledley rolled in the equaliser to the joy of the travelling Welsh fans.

We were in the last 15 minutes of the game level but after a cross and shot was saved they managed to score from the rebound. We created half chances but no more.

A great effort but could not get the result we wanted.

While being away with Wales I had to miss Toronto's match against LA Chivas at the BMO Field.

We were missing nine players and still had to play the game. I find this very strange with so many players missing that the game must go ahead.

I watched it live on the internet but unfortunately they lost 3-1. They worked so hard, but a couple of missed chances came back to haunt them.

I fly directly back to Toronto in preparation for our massive game against Colombus Crew.

They are top of the MLS and we need to win if we are to have any chance of making the play offs