A late goal from Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic cancelled out Aaron Ramsey's impudent penalty; Serbia stay top of Group D, and Wales stay third.
Wales were always likely to sit deep and hope for a break, especially without the suspended Gareth Bale, and so it proved. But Serbia, though they dominated possession, struggled to create much, and then on 34 minutes, Wales took the lead. First, Vladimir Stojkovic raced out of his goal to concede an unnecessary free-kick and then Luka Milivojevic pulled back Sam Vokes, conceding an unnecessary penalty; Aaron Ramsey stepped up to chip right as Stojkovic dived left.
Football Soccer - Serbia v Wales - 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone - Group D - Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia - June 11, 2017 Wales’ Aaron Ramsey scores their first goal from the penalty spot
Image credit: Reuters
Little changed in the second half, until, on 73 minutes, two Serbian substitutes, Nemanja Gudelj and Aleksandar Prijovic, combined to create a chance for Aleksandar Mitrovic. And he took his opportunity very well indeed, just as he had in November when pegging Wales back in Cardiff.
In the time that remained it was actually Wales who had the better chance to win the game, Ramsey and Ben Davies both missing presentable opportunities, but in the end, they were satisfied with a draw. They will probably not top the group now, but are reasonably positioned to finish second - if they can win their four remaining fixtures.
TALKING POINT
Have Wales forgotten how to win? Wales have drawn their last five matches, and have led in four of them. They played well tonight, but were gifted a goal and could not take full advantage, losing concentration close to time. If they are to reach Russia, this carelessness must stop.
Football Soccer - Serbia v Wales - 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone - Group D - Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia - June 11, 2017 Wales’ David Edwards reacts
Image credit: Reuters
MAN OF THE MATCH
Aaron Ramsey (Wales) Led his team with intensity and enthusiasm, dragging them up the pitch, chasing back to cover, and behind everything good that they did. His penalty was despatched with confidence; he will just rue his missed chance before the end.
Football Soccer - Serbia v Wales - 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone - Group D - Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia - June 11, 2017 Wales’ Aaron Ramsey celebrates scoring their first goal
Image credit: Reuters
PLAYER RATINGS
Serbia: Stojkovic 5, Rukavina 6, Ivanovic 7, Nastasic 6, Vukovic 6, Kostic 7, Milivojevic 5, Matic 6,Kolarov 5, Tadic 6, Mitrovic 7. Subs: Gudelj 7, Prijovic 7.
Wales: Hennessey 6, Chester 7, Williams 6, Davies 7, gunter 6, Allen 7, Ledley 6, Richards 6, Edwards 5, Ramsey 8, Vokes 6. Subs: Huws 6, Lawrence 6.
KEY MOMENTS
33’ - A long ball draws Stojkovic out of his goal, but Ramsey first worries and then robs him, so the keeper brings him down just by the join of box and by-line; he's booked.
34’ - PENALTY TO WALES! OH MY! Ledley dinks the free-kick into the box, Milivojevic tugs Vokes back for no reason - the ball was behind him - and the ref points to the spot, then books the perpetrator!
34’ - GOAL! Serbia 0-1 Wales (Ramsey pen) Stojkovic dives right and Ramsey chips beautifully into the opposite side-netting! The cat is pigeoned!
Football Soccer - Serbia v Wales - 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone - Group D - Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia - June 11, 2017 Serbia’s Luka Milivojevic is shown a yellow card by referee Jorge Sousa after he awards a penalty to Wales
Image credit: Reuters
73’ - GOAL! Serbia 1-1 Wales (Mitrovic) Just as Wales were looking comfy, they concede! Gadelj slips a clever low pass into the box for Prijovic, who takes a touch and then, just when looks to have lost possession, backheels into the path of Mitrovic. His finish, punched low inside the near post, is exemplary.
80’ - Huge chance for Wales! Allen runs at the Serbia defence and just outside the box, right of centre, he flicks a pass into the space ahead, AND RAMSEY IS IN! But instead of going across goal with his laces, he flicks with the outside of his foot and Stojkovic blocks easily. That was such an opportunity.
90’ - Rukavina crosses from the right and Hennessey starts to come then changes his mind, such that when Mitrovic heads, he's right on his heels. To his relief, the ball scoots wide.
KEY STATS
Wales have drawn five international games in succession for the first time ever.
Aaron Ramsey has had a hand in five goals in his last six international appearances for Wales (two goals, three assists).
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