World Cup qualifiers: Wales frustrated by Serbia as Ireland stun Austria to go top

Bale’s wonder strike cancelled out by late Mitrovic equaliser, while Irish win 1-0

PARIS: Wales conceded an agonising late equaliser as Serbia battled to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday as former champions Italy and Spain both won 4-0.

Earlier Saturday, the Republic of Ireland stunned Austria 1-0 in Vienna to go top of Group D with 10 points, with Serbia second on eight and Wales third on six.

"It was a disappointing result, we feel like we threw away two points. We're at home, 1-0 up after 85 minutes, it's two points lost," said skipper Gareth Bale, who scored his side’s goal.

Wales coach Chris Coleman was less disappointed and was looking down the road. "We are four points behind Ireland but we play them twice," he said. "We have a massive chance. Tonight the boys deserved all three points."



It was the third game in a row the Welsh have gone ahead only to draw.

"We can be proud of ourselves. We are on the right track. Today we can be happy with one point," said Serbia captain Branislav Ivanovic.

The Irish top Group D thanks to a James McClean strike three minutes after half-time in Vienna.

"This is going to be a very tight finish. But this has been a splendid start for us and we are delighted with the 10 points," said Ireland boss Martin O'Neill.

Spain and Italy continue to set the pace at the helm in Group D and both have 10 points.



Spain played at Granada where Macedonia's Darko Velkovski scored a 34th minute own goal before Votolo on 63 minutes, Nacho Monreal (83) and veteran striker Aritz Aduriz (85) gave them a comfortable win.

Taking on minnows Liechtenstein, Italy's Anfrea Belotti scored either side of strikes from Ciro Imobile and Antonio Candreva. Eran Zahavi converted an 18th minute penalty to set Israel on their way with Dan Einbinder and Eliran Atar making sure they beat Albania 3-0 in Tirana.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.