Serbia 1-1 Wales
Serbia and Wales shared the spoils in front of a passionate and hostile crowd In Belgrade, to round off a classic set of football games this weekend.
It’s a point both will be happy with although the betting odds are still against Chris Coleman’s side qualifying for Russia. But then few football betting pundits said they’d prosper in a daunting task against a Serbia side stacked with talent, and one which the Welsh had never beaten.
But against all odds and the run of play, Wales went in front. The home side was getting into its stride as the first half progressed when Wales took their surprise lead. Sam Vokes rose to head a cross, while his shirt was being pulled, and the referee had no hesitation in point to the spot. Aaron Rameay showed all the cool in the world to send the keeper the wrong way and chip the ball deftly into the opposite corner.
So 1-0; and the whole of Wales hoped they could hang on in the second half for a vital win.
But Serbia came out for the second period with great intent, and the home crowd was incensed when they thought they had a stone-wall penalty when the ball struck Chris Gunter’s arm.
Wales held firm in the face of Serbia’s dominance and almost went two up when Vokes headed narrowly over on the hour. But then attack versus defence resumed as Serbia continued their assault. And then on 73 minutes, the Serbs finally broke through when Aleksandar Mitrovic clinically fired home.
For all the hosts’ pressure, it was their first shot on target and that was a huge blow to Wales, conceding a lead is becoming a habit. Mitrovic had a chance to win the game on 89 minutes but, thankfully for Wales, the Newcastle man fluffed his lines.
So Wales still haven’t beaten Serbia, but Chris Coleman’s World Cup dream is still alive. Serbia, at the top of the group are sitting rather more comfortably.
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