Gareth Bale marked his 50th game for Wales with a goal to give his side a 1-0 win over Belgium in their Euro 2016 Group B qualifier in Cardiff on Friday night. The win ensured Wales would go top of the group with 14 points from six games and they are now three points clear of Belgium.
This was also Belgium’s first defeat since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. And the win gave Wales a huge chance to end a 57-year spell of not qualifying for a major international competition.
Wales had won a corner kick in the 25th minute and though Aaron Ramsey’s delivery was initially cleared from the six-yard box, Radja Nainggolan's misguided header unfortunately fell right in Bale’s lap as he was walking back from an offside position. Bale coolly chested the ball down and calmly put the ball past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Although Belgium dominated most of the game, Wales’ resolute defence ensured they would keep a clean sheet and finish the match on top of the group. They are also five points ahead of Israel who are third in Group B.