Cyprus vs Wales. European Championship Qualifying Group B.
GSP Stadium.
Friday 4 September 2015 11:58, UK
Gareth Bale’s 82nd-minute header secured a 1-0 victory in Cyprus and put Wales on the brink of their first major tournament since 1958.
The Real Madrid forward - who has now scored six goals in the European Qualifiers - rose highest at the far post to power home Jazz Richards's cross and seal a precious three points.
Chris Coleman's side, who saw a Dave Edwards goal disallowed in the first half, now need only to beat Israel in Cardiff on Sunday to secure their place at France 2016.
Wales had earlier moved above England in the FIFA rankings for the first time and victory in Nicosia stretches their unbeaten run in competitive matches to nine games as they move a step closer to their first European Championships.
Bale left it late in the end but so nearly made an instant impact, bursting through the home defence in the sixth minute before laying the ball off to Ramsey, who curled a shot inches wide.
The visitors, who were without the injured Joe Ledley, thought they should have had a penalty minutes later when Ramsey's cross hits Jason Demetriou's arm in the penalty area, but referee Szymon Marciniak waved play on.
Bale was involved again in the 10th minute, firing a swerving 35-yard free-kick goalwards but though Antonis Georgallides could only parry the ball, full-back Neil Taylor's tame shot on the rebound was straight at the keeper.
Despite Wales' early dominance, Cyprus were looking a threat on the counter-attack and in the 21st minute Nestoras Mitidis was released in behind the Welsh defence, only for Ashley Williams to make the a excellent clearance.
Coleman's men thought they had the breakthrough in the 28th minute but Edwards' header was ruled out because of an alleged push from Hal Robson-Kanu.
Seconds later Bale was through on goal but was denied by a crucial last-ditch challenge from Konstantinos Laifis.
After a quiet first half for Wayne Hennessey he was called into action immediately after the break as he palmed away Marios Nikolaou's dipping shot.
Cyprus were starting to control possession with Wales making some worrying unforced errors as both Andreas Makris and Giorgos Economides fired shots off target.
Wales continued to hold firm at the back and as the game wore on the visitors started to threaten at the other end with Bale's pace causing all sorts of problems.
With just 20 minutes remaining, Coleman threw on Sam Vokes in place of Robson-Kanu and the move nearly paid instant dividends as Bale found the substitute in the box, his shot lacking sufficient power to trouble the keeper.
While a point would have been crucial in Wales bid to reach a first major tournament in 58 years, they continued to press forward as Ramsey fired Taylor's cross goalwards, Georgallides pushing the ball to safety.
However, minutes later Wales were in dreamland as Bale's determination got him to Richard's cross, the Real Madrid star giving Georgallides no chance with his 18th international goal on a famous night for his country.
