Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale Saves Wales

Gareth Bale was Wales’ saviour again as Ryan Giggs’ side kept alive their Euro 2020 qualifying hopes with a 1-1 draw against Croatia last night in Cardiff.

Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale hit the goal in first-half stoppage time his 33rd Welsh goal extending his own Wales record to level out Nikola Vlasic’s ninth-minute strike for Croatia the recent World Cup finalists.

The draw leaves Wales’ qualifying destiny out of their own hands heading into the final two rounds of games next month as they really needed a win at home.

Wins away to Azerbaijan and at home to Hungary would be enough for a top-two spot, but as long as Slovakia don’t get four points from their last two games.

Slovakia’s next game is away against Croatia, and the Group E leaders will have plenty to play for as they have not qualified as yet to next summer’s European Championship.

Wales were dealt a pre-match blow with Juventus and ex-Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey failing to start due to a groin problem.

It was another injury setback for Rambo, who has missed the entire Euro 2020 qualifying campaign for Wales and it added up 11 months since the Juventus midfielder turned out representing his country.

The game was a physical encounter with Wales physio Sean Conelly having to enter the arena on many occasions as manager Giggs looked on.

Joe Allen of Wales was booked during the game and will miss the next match after topping up yellow card points.