BELGRADE, June 11 Wales and Serbia kept alive their hopes of reaching next year's World Cup finals in Russian Federation after battling out a tense 1-1 draw in an absorbing Group D qualifier on Sunday.
Serbia and Ireland remain at the top of Group D with 12 points each, followed by Wales (8), Austria (8), Georgia (3) and Moldova (2).
The visitors had taken the lead through defender Martin Hinteregger in the 31st minute but might have left the Aviva Stadium with nothing had Shane Duffy's last-gasp effort not been ruled out. It was an outrageous piece of skill and came after a comedy of errors from Serbia's point of view.
Aaron Ramsey scored a Panenka penalty against Serbia in the same stadium where the technique was first made famous. "I'm just happy it went in", Ramsey said.
Although Wales' winless run goes on without suspended star man Gareth Bale, they will surely ruefully reflect on the opportunities passed up in four consecutive draws prior to visiting Belgrade - rather than a hard-fought point here - if they fail to close the gap to Serbia.
'I'm gutted we couldn't hold on to the win.
Wales remain unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying group, but a fifth successive draw means they still have a mountain to climb if they are to reach the finals of a second successive championship.
But Wales know that but for Mitrovic's latest intervention, they'd have been in a far healthier position.
Serbia had pressed to no effect in the first half and were floored by a sucker punch after goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic committed what turned out to be a costly mistake. And one of the reasons is that I suffered there, we suffered there - and it was my fault.
Singapore detains woman for pro-IS activities
Writing on a Facebook post, the Minister said, "I strongly condemn the extremists who abuse Islam for their own twisted agenda". They could be steered away from the path of radicalisation and may not need to be severely dealt with under the law".
Wales have drawn five global games in succession for the first time ever.
The Arsenal midfielder has been criticised in the past for his form and injury problems for both club and country but his goal against Serbia could prove vital, like his victor for the Gunners in the 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.
"The experienced players in the squad like Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ashley Williams will help the youngsters and they won't feel overawed because we've seen the spirit that Welsh team have got and I'm sure that'll carry the younger players through".
Chris Coleman knows he will never get Serbia out of his system no matter what happens in Belgrade on Sunday night.
"I felt at the end we were looking to win it, we had two or three breakaways where it could have been different".
"I didn't see that coming if I'm honest with you".
Ramsey had the best chance to win the game just 10 minutes from time, as him and Joe Allen combined well. Anything less probably leaves them with too much to do.
Ireland came from behind to draw 1-1 with Austria earlier with Stoke City striker Jon Walters volleying in the equaliser with five minutes left in Dublin.
Comments