Bale saves Wales to keep Euro 2020 dream alive

WALES 1 CROATIA 1

Gareth Bale was Wales’ saviour again as Ryan Giggs’ side kept alive their Euro 2020 qualifying hopes with a 1-1 draw against Croatia in Cardiff last night.

Bale struck in first-half stoppage time – his 33rd goal extending his own Wales record – to cancel out Nikola Vlasic’s ninthminute strike for the World Cup finalists.

The draw leaves Wales’ qualifying destiny out of their own hands heading into the final two rounds of games next month.

But wins away to Azerbaijan and at home to Hungary would be enough for a top-two spot, as long as Slovakia do not collect four points from their last two games.

Slovakia’s next game is in Croatia, and the Group E leaders will have plenty to play for as they have not booked their ticket to next summer’s European Championship.

● Russia became the third team to qualify for Euro 2020 after thrashing 10-man Cyprus 5-0 to guarantee a toptwo spot in Scotland’s group, Group I.

The World Cup quarter-finalists took the lead through Denis Cheryshev before Magomed Ozdoyev added a second.

Konstantinos Laifis was red-carded for a late tackle and then secondhalf goals from Artem Dzyuba, Aleksandr Golovin and Cheryshev sealed an easy win.

Belgium continued their flawless record in with a routine 2-0 win at eliminated Kazakhstan in Group I.

Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi tucked away the opener to put the team ranked as the world’s best nation ahead.

And they doubled their advantage when Real Madrid star Eden Hazard found Thomas Meunier with a pinpoint cross-field pass to fire home.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan scored twice as 10-man Germany won 3-0 in Estonia.

Juventus midfielder Emre Can was sent off after just 14 minutes for a professional foul.

Sub Timo Werner added a third.

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice in the first half as Netherlands beat Belarus 2-1 to edge closer to qualification.

The Netherlands top Group C, with Germany in second place.