Wales win as Wilson proves decisive

IRELAND WALES 0 1

A depleted Wales side beat the Republic of Ireland as Harry Wilson’s beautiful free-kick illuminated an otherwise lifeless Nations League match in Dublin.

Without Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, the visitors were a pale imitation of the team that hammered the Republic 4-1 in Cardiff last month.

But the hosts were no better, mustering only a couple of efforts on goal before Wilson stroked a 20-yard freekick into the top corner in the second half.

Wales squandered chances to extend their lead but wayward finishing from the likes of Tom Lawrence and James Chester mattered little as Ryan Giggs’ side recorded a second win from three Nations League games.

For the Republic, meanwhile, a fourth match without victory made for a despondent atmosphere among the home fans at the Aviva Stadium.

Elsewhere, Antoine Griezmann scored twice as France came from behind to claim a second Nations League victory and continue Germany’s abysmal run in 2018.

The visitors were eyeing just their second competitive win of the year when Toni Kroos scored from the penalty spot after Paul Pogba had handled the ball.

But Griezmann levelled for the world champions with a superb looping header from Lucas Hernandez’s cross.

He scored the winner from the spot after a foul on Blaise Matuidi.