Wales vs Azerbaijan
European Qualifiers Group E
7:45pm Friday 6th September
Cardiff City Stadium
Gareth Bale spared Wales a night that was shameful in Euro 2020 qualifying with a winner in a 2-1 home victory .
Bale struck his 32nd goal for Wales six minutes from time, increasing to head home following Joe Allen’s shot had been deflected high.
Wales was gifted a lead when Pavlo Pashayev scored a bizarre own goal, but Mahir Emreli punished a home display using a equaliser.
Azerbaijan are ranked 109th in the world – a whopping 85 areas below Wales – and also their just wins came from the Faroe Islands and San Marino.
Bale fell deeper as Wales sought a route but there was little cause for optimism before the bizarre intervention of Pashayev.
Summoned into the air and the Wales captain turned on infield to hit a shot that struck Dmitry Nazarov. Salahat Agayev came rushing from his target and the ball struck the head of Pasahayev and trickled in to an unguarded net, although azerbaijan appeared to have little to worry about.
Azerbaijan had their moment of good fortune when Emreli escaped on Chris Mepham, the Maltese referee showing off his own side with a swinging arm.
Wales were struggling to get out of first gear once Azerbaijan landed a sucker punch. Neil Taylor’s mistake allowed Emreli, who had the freedom of the Wales half to rush into to be released by Ramil Sheydaev.
Wayne Hennessey didn’t maintain the shot and the rally was dispatched, although the effort of emreli was staged.
Wales poured forward in search of a winner, but time was running out until Bale – since he has done previously – established their saviour.
Wales sponsor Belarus on Monday night, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7.40pm; kick-off at 7.45pm. Azerbaijan’s next game at home to Croatia can also be live on Sky Sports Football from 4.55pm Monday; kick-off in 5pm.
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