Wales leapfrogged over Ireland into second place in group
Customized Jersey D thanks to late goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Aaron Ramsey in Chisinau. Robson-Kanu broke the deadlock with a diving header 10 minutes from time – set up by the again impressive teenage substitute Ben Woodburn – and Ramsey settled the game with a deflected effort in stoppage time. “I would rather say that was scary, but we got three points,” said the manager Chris Coleman. “Once we got the first one I felt we’d win it. They could have scored at other end but it didn’t matter. It’s all about the wins at the moment, rather than saying we were brilliant, but we did not score. We’ve been here before and that experience will stand us in good stead. We can only do what we can do, take care of business.” Wales famously lost in Chisinau in 1994 when Moldova celebrated their first competitive fixture as an independent nation following the break-up of the old Soviet Union. But the Dragons arrived in high spirits following the dramatic win over Austria which had rekindled hopes of World Cup qualification. The fact the top two, Ireland and Serbia, were meeting in Dublin added intrigue to the evening, but Wales knew they had to look after themselves to stay in the reckoning for a finals place in Russia next summer. Robson-Kanu had the first chance of a cagey opening when he headed Ramsey’s corner wide and there was concern for Wales when Gareth Bale was left in a crumpled heap by Alexandru Epureanu. The Moldova captain was booked as Bale rose gingerly to his feet, but the challenge seemed to stir the hosts as Alexandru Dedov and Artur Ionita tried their luck from distance. Wales were
http://www.officialcalgaryflames.com/Hoodie almost ahead after 19 minutes when a quick break saw the goalkeeper Ilie Cebanu fail to hold Bale’s shot, but neither Ramsey nor Robson-Kanu could force the rebound home. Their first-half superiority was threatening to turn into a siege as Moldova struggled to find a way out of defence and Tom Lawrence and Ramsey both had half-chances but failed to test Cebanu. Advertisement Wales turned to Saturday’s saviour Woodburn on the hour and the Liverpool teenager was instantly into the action with a clipped cross which Robson-Kanu was just unable to reach. But a horrible mistake in the Wales defence, James Chester hesitating and Ashley Williams missing his kick, almost gifted Radu Ginsari the opener. But Ginsari dwelled on the ball and Chester got back to atone for his error. Ramsey fired over and it looked as if was going to be one of those oh-so-nearly nights for the Welsh. But then, with 10 minutes remaining, Woodburn burst down the left and his brilliant cross was met by Robson-Kanu. Wayne Hennessey then produced a fine stop to deny Andrei Cojocari before Ramsey’s sealed the points for Wales. Wales host the Republic in the final qualifier in Cardiff, and that could resolve second spot – and a possible play-off
http://www.officialdallasstars.com/Adidas-Patrik-Nemeth-Jersey place – with Serbia now looking strong favourites to win the group. “It is in Serbia hands,” Coleman said. “A draw would have been quite good in Dublin. Ireland winning would have been better. Fair play to Serbia, they set the pace. It’s theirs to lose. “If we have to get through the play-off, no problem. Absolutely, no problem at all. We said we had to win the last four games. Fifty per cent is done. “We’ve got a huge game in Tbilisi next [against Georgia], we have to try to keep it alive and keep going.” Wales were once more indebted to the rich promise of Liverpool teenager Woodburn. “It was harder for him in some ways,” Coleman said. “His experience was harder than in Cardiff, as we’re a long way from home. So for him to come on in a game where it was frustrating for us most of the evening, and to do what he did, then he needs another
Tyler Seguin Authentic Jersey huge pat on the back. “He’s so young, but he showed again that he’s good enough and capable enough
