Welsh Heartbreak At World Cup Semi-Final

Thousands of rugby fans at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium have been left disappointed after Wales lost to France in the World Cup semi-final on the other side of the world.

Wales have only reached the last four once before, in 1987, but this time the fans were confident they could go all the way.

Before the game, stadium manager Gerry Toms told Sky News: "It will be an amazing atmosphere in here for this one.

"We initially gave out 25,000 tickets for people to come and watch it on the big screens here but they all went inside a few hours. Now we reckon we'll have 60,000. If we win we might need a new roof!"

With Auckland's Eden Park holding only 60,000 people in total, the crowd of 65,000 under the Millennium Stadium's closed roof outnumbered those cheering on Warren Gatland's men in person.

Preparations had been going on all week to ensure everything was perfect for what was dubbed "Wake Up For Wales".

The Millennium Stadium opened its doors this morning to the army of fans who have free tickets and all eyes are on the big screen as Wales holds its breath.

Ahead of the crunch contest, Welsh captain Sam Warburton said the players in New Zealand were "delighted" at the level of support back home.

"It is amazing to think the Millennium Stadium will be so crowded for a game we are playing thousands of miles away," he said.

Hundreds of people had also gathered in Swansea's Castle Square to watch the game. Pubs and rugby clubs across the principality opened up early.

The excitement began on Friday as many workplaces encouraged staff to turn up wearing Welsh rugby jerseys and outside the Welsh Assembly only the flags of Wales were flown.

If the Welsh side had beaten France it would have put them in the final for the first time, where they would have faced either New Zealand of Australia, who play each other on Sunday.