Wonder goal puts Wales in box seat
How to solve a problem like missing Gareth Bale was answered in an unexpected manner on a night that brightened welsh hopes of reaching the world Cup in Russia.
Tom Lawrence produced a coming- of-age display to earn a vital three points that brings into focus a place in next month’s play-offs.
Rather than Aaron Ramsey, it was Lawrence who stepped into the Bale- shaped hole, scoring a scorching winner and bringing plenty of bravado besides in what can be regarded as a momentous match for his country.
Manager Chris Coleman said his team could win without Bale and though there were a few hairy minutes, they deservedly did so for the first time since october 2013. This was also their first competitive away win minus Bale since against Azerbaijan in 2009, although in fairness the Real Madrid forward rarely misses the call.
All eyes now turn to Monday’s visit of Republic of Ireland to Cardiff in what promises to be a grandstand occasion. Another win would almost certainly grant wales a place in the play-offs, while a draw might also be enough depending on results from elsewhere.
Ireland have their own ambitions of course. And after Serbia’s shock defeat in Austria, wales could yet finish top if they beat Martin o’Neill’s side and Georgia take a point or more from Serbia.
Coleman was relieved all seven of his players one booking away from a ban left the Boris Paichadze Arena unscathed and there is real momentum about his team now. This was a third win in succession without conceding.
He reinstated Joe Ledley to the starting line-up rather than thrusting in Ben woodburn. The plan worked early and they should have gone ahead after three minutes. Lawrence, starting his third wales game in succession, burst through Georgia’s midfield and weighted a perfect pass to Ramsey. The Arsenal midfielder snatched slightly at his left-foot shot and dragged the ball wide.
Another superb chance arrived in the 17th minute when Joe Allen scooped a fine ball into the path of Andy King, whose shot into the turf bounced up and needed a fine save from keeper Giorgi Loria.
wales went close again on the half hour when Sam Vokes connected well with Ramsey’s cross but sent the ball spinning the wrong side of the far post.
For the hosts, Giorgi Kakabadze whipped a devilish cross to Giorgi Kvilitaia and the forward’s glancing header bounced just wide. But it felt like the breakthrough would come for wales and it did in wonderful style. Four minutes after the restart Ramsey fed Lawrence 25 yards out and he turned, sized up the situation and drove a rocket of a shot into the far corner. Loria got a hand to it but the power was too great, giving the Derby County winger his first international goal.
Lawrence said: ‘I don’t think you can describe that feeling, it’s what you dream of.’
The lead remained slender and with 11 minutes to go Georgia almost made them pay when Giorgi Navalovski’s shot tested wayne Hennessey. otar Kakabadze, too, fluffed his lines. Coleman said: ‘I’m thrilled for Tom. He showed courage, intelligence, and great maturity. The goal was sensational.’ GEORGIA (4-3-2-1): Loria 6; Kakabadze 6, Kverkvelia 6, Kashia 6, Navalovski 6; Merebashvili 6.5, Kvekveskiri 6 (Jigauri 76min), Kazaishvili 6.5; Kankava 6, Gvilia 6.5 (Khocholava 89); Kvilitaia 6 (Skhirtladze 76). Manager: Vladimir Weiss 6. WALES (4-3-2-1): Hennessey 7; Gunter 7, Chester 7, Williams 7.5, Davies 7.5; King 7, Allen 8, Ledley 7.5 (Edwards 81); LAWRENCE 8.5 (Woodburn 90), Ramsey 7.5; Vokes 7.5 (Robson-Kanu 74, 6). Scorer: Lawrence 49. Booked: Lawrence. Manager: Chris Coleman 8. Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain) 8.