Wales moved to within touching distance of Euro 2016 qualification with a sensational 1-0 victory over Belgium as Gareth Bale scored on his 50th international appearance.
The win moves Chris Coleman’s side to the top of Group B, with 14 points, three points ahead of Belgium and five points ahead of third placed Israel.
Bale dominated much of the pre-match build up and his well-taken goal on 25 minutes means he will also take the post-match headlines.
Belgium failed to deal with a free-kick and Radja Nainggolan explicitly headed the back towards Bale who slid the ball between the legs of Thibaut Courtois.
It was the visitors who started the brightest in front of a packed Cardiff City Stadium and Nainggolan could have put his side ahead in the early stages only to be denied by a great save from Wayne Hennessey.
Eden Hazard came close a couple of minutes later but it was Wales who struck first - sending Belgium, who currently occupy second place in the FIFA World Rankings - into a state of shock. In truth, Belgium rarely troubled goalkeeper Hennessey throughout the 90 minutes.
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke looked off the pace and Everton’s Romelu Lukaka, a second-half substitute, failed to make any sort of impact. Indeed, the hosts looked rather comfortable, even in the latter stages of the match, and secured a vital three points in an unforgettable night in Wales.
-
Latest Stories
-
Harness media power to boost tourism – Deputy Tourism Minister to Ghanaians
28 seconds -
ECG denies allegations of fraudulent activities in Nkawkaw Municipality
3 mins -
Election 2024: EC to deny newspapers, online portals access to collation centres
7 mins -
Metro TV incident: Randy Abbey explains what happened
10 mins -
From reactive to proactive: How data-driven insights are redefining risk assessment in insurance – Coronation Insurance
15 mins -
I was advised to do drugs so I could go wild on stage – Safo Newman
25 mins -
Our officers escorted bailiff, judgment creditor to execute court order at Metro TV – Police
26 mins -
It’s always been my dream to do music from tertiary – Safo Newman reveals
36 mins -
GFA announces one-week competitions break for general elections
39 mins -
Participate actively in December elections – Akufo-Addo tells Ghanaians
42 mins -
Ministry of Education intensifies campaign against sexual harassment in schools
1 hour -
Engage the media further about directive restricting access to collation centres – Prof Gyampo to EC
1 hour -
NDC will work with queen mothers to fight poverty – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
1 hour -
Black Sherif’s Zaama Disco to make explosive return to Untamed Empire on December 21
2 hours -
Arsenal fan gets 3-year ban and £260 fine for online abuse of Thomas Partey
2 hours