Wales marked Gareth Bale’s 100th appearance for his country, with a sensational 5-1 victory over Belarus to move second in their world cup qualifying group. Aaron Ramsey opened the scoring in only the second minute, with a simple tap in after the Belarus keeper failed to clear Ben Davies’ shot. Wales then doubled their lead as Gareth Bale set up Neco Williams, whose shot somehow managed to find its way into the bottom corner, after another mistake from the Belarus keeper, Syarhey Chernik.
At half time, Bale was subbed off and five minutes later Ramsey scored his second, and Wales’ third of the night from the penalty spot. Things got even worse for Belarus as Ben Davis scored his first international goal off his shoulder from a Harry Wilson corner. Belarus did score due to a superb out of the box strike, from substitute Artyom Kontsevoy, which only turned out to be a consolation. Wales’ four goal lead was then quickly restored by Conor Roberts, who tapped it in at the near post after a Harry Wilson free Kick, which gave Wilson his second assist of the game.
This result now leaves Wales' second in group E, three points in front of the Czech Republic with one game to go. As the Czech Republic are expected to beat Estonia, it may all come down to Wales against Belgium to see who comes second in their group. Although Wales already have a guaranteed play off place, due to their success in the nations league, if they want any chance of a home draw, they must finish second in their group. Wales can secure that spot, on Tuesday if they manage to earn at least a point, at home against Belgium, who are ranked the number one team in the world.
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