Late pain for Wales again

FOR the second time in a week, Wales thought they had claimed a point against Holland only for the Dutch to steal victory. Gareth Bale’s late penalty looked to have earned a draw for Wales, who then saw Memphis Depay score almost immediately.

It was the same story last week, when Rhys Norrington-Davies levelled just before Wout Weghorst sealed the win. With Frenkie De Jong running the show, the home side were quickly into their stride and Noa Lang gave them the lead on 17 minutes, outwitting Wes Burns and drilling in from 18 yards.

Six minutes later, Cody Gakpo made it two when his first effort rebounded perfectly to him and he gave Wayne Hennessey no chance with an angled drive. Yet Robert Page’s injury-hit side fought back with a marvellous goal in the 26th minute. Harry Wilson dropped deep to play a fine pass to Brennan Johnson, whose finish was even better — a first-time strike from the edge of the box.

Bale and Aaron Ramsey came on for the second half and Bale kept his nerve when Connor Roberts was fouled by Tyrell Malacia. But then came the sucker punch as Depay pounced from close range.