Late double lifts Welsh hopes

Wales struck twice in the final ten minutes to record a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Moldova and boost their World Cup qualification hopes.

Chris Coleman’s side dominated for long periods in Chisinau but were missing the final touch to punish Group D’s whipping boys.

But Wales – again inspired by Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn – finally found the way to goal with Hal Robson-kanu and Aaron Ramsey on target.

Woodburn’s role in the deadlockbreaker was crucial as he surged down the left and his cross was met by the diving head of Robsonkanu.

Wayne Hennessey produced a brilliant stop to deny Andrei Cojocari in stoppage time, but the result was put beyond doubt seconds later when Ramsey’s deflected effort spun in.

The win lifted Wales into second place in Group D after the Republic of Ireland lost 1-0 at home to Serbia, who are now firm favourites to top the pool

But Wales will now be expected to at least take the runners-up spot, with the probable reward being a play-off place.

SERBIA

Kolarov 55 Aleksandar Kolarov wrecked the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dream as ten-man Serbia eased themselves to the brink of qualification on a controversial night in Dublin.

Kolarov’s 55th-minute piledriver secured a precious 1-0 win at the Aviva Stadium and guaranteed his side a top-two finish in Group D despite defender Nikola Maksimovic’s 68thminute red card.

Serbia’s winner came when Filip Kostic guided the ball perfectly on to the fast-arriving Kolarov’s left boot and he dispatched it off the underside of the crossbar with a venom which left Darren Randolph helpless.

But Ireland were furious not to be awarded a penalty for Jagos Vukovic’s challenge on substitute Daryl Murphy in the 74th minute as Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir waved away their appeals.

Martin O’neill’s misery was compounded by Wales’ 2-0 victory in Moldova, which means the Republic now sit third in the group with just two games to play and with key men Robbie Brady and James Mcclean suspended for the Moldovans’ visit to the Aviva next month.