Wales clear big hurdle in battle for finals spot
WALES continued their unbeaten start to European Championship 2016 qualifying with a brilliant 0-0 draw away to Belgium on Sunday.
Chris Coleman’s men cleared the toughest hurdle in their Group B schedule with a fantastic defensive effort against the World Cup quarter-finalists and are now rated 11-8 by bet365 to qualify for the finals in France.
The surprise result – Belgium had been 3-10 – continued the shock outcomes in this round of qualifying with Faroe Islands winning away in Greece, Lichtenstein beating Moldova and San Marino snapping a 61-match losing streak to hold Estonia.
Belgium will remain favourites to top the section but they are three points behind Wales having played one match fewer. Cyprus beat whipping boys Andorra 5-0 with Georgios Efrem helping himself to a hat-trick.
Holland also made sure they were not part of any giantkilling story as they crushed Latvia 6-0.
The result was never in doubt from the moment Robin van Persie headed the Dutch in front after six minutes and Arjen Robben doubled their advantage with a stunning second.
Robben scored again and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar bagged a brace with Jeffrey Bruma also on target.
It was tougher for fellow favourites Norway but they also obtained maximum points away to Azerbaijan. Haavard Nordtveit scored the only goal of the game.
England, who will rest Joe Hart, are 11-10 to beat Scotland in Tuesday’s friendly at Parkhead with the hosts 3-1.
Goalkeeper David Marshall is doubtful for Scotland so Celtic’s Craig Gordon could start between the sticks on his home ground.
Ireland are 29-20 to bounce back with a triumph over USA in Dublin. Martin O’Neill released Robbie Keane and Darron Gibson from duty after training on Saturday.
