Battling Wales make a point without Bale
History repeated itself in more ways than one at the rajko Mitic stadium last night.
First there was Aaron ramsey’s glorious reprisal of the Panenka penalty that was introduced to the football world at this ground in 1976.
then there was Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring a late equaliser to break Welsh resistance seven months after he did the same in Cardiff.
Minus Gareth Bale and in the knowledge a draw was the result in Group D’s other meaningful game in Dublin, Wales would have taken a point before kick-off. But having led for 40 minutes, it will be another case of regret at what might have been.
this was the fifth time in six World Cup qualifying games that Chris Coleman’s side have led but failed to win. so they stay four points behind leaders serbia and republic of ireland with four matches left. Victory in all might be required to reach russia 2018.
this contest will be remembered best for ramsey’s contribution from the spot in the 35th minute, arguably an upgrade on the original chipped kick made famous by Antonin Panenka when winning the European Championship for Czechoslovakia in 1976.
in the absence of Bale — serving a one- match ban — ramsey certainly provided a memory to cherish.
Wales had started well and Joe Ledley’s early corner found three players at the far post, but neither Edwards nor Ashley Williams could make a clean connection.
that settled the visitors, who kept possession well to begin with, Joe Allen an influence in particular.
As the first half drew on, though, serbia asserted control. More than once the defensive trio of James Chester, Williams and Ben Davies were required to make crucial interventions.
on the half hour, Mitrovic finally found space — peeling off Chester to meet Antonio rukavina’s cross in space but the Newcastle striker got his header from eight yards horribly wrong.
Just as it seemed Wales might submerge under the pressure, they were granted the most glorious of lifelines.
serbia goalkeeper Vladimir stojkovic attempted to ferry out Davies’s ball down the channel but ramsey chased hard and nipped in — prompting a tug from Nottingham Forest’s No 1. yellow rather than red was referee Jorge sousa’s decision, a fortunate call for serbia. He went Wales’s way seconds later, however.
Ledley’s free-kick on the edge of the area found sam Vokes, whose header went harmlessly over. But sousa had spotted a tug from Luka Milivojevic and pointed to the spot.
How Wales might score without Bale was the big question but here was a golden ticket and ramsey seized it in spectacular style.
As Wales celebrated 1-0, the serbian fans showed their anger, running at the fence separating the two groups and pulling down flags. Missiles and punches were thrown from both sides and it was a good few minutes before riot police arrived. the atmosphere remained on the edge into the second half.
the whole serbian bench leapt up to appeal for a penalty for handball four minutes after the restart and Wales began to sit deep to protect their lead.
Aleksandar Kolarov sent a 35yard free-kick flying narrowly over and although serbia were pressing, Wayne Hennessey’s only acts were to punch crosses clear.
then Mitrovic struck and it was honours even.