Gareth Bale's late header edges Wales closer to Euro 2016 after Cyprus win
Gareth Bale's late bullet-header powered Wales closer to the 2016 European Championship and closer to the nation ending a 58-year wait to qualify for a major tournament.
The Real Madrid forward's goal clinched a 1-0 victory in Cyprus on Thursday, in what was his sixth goal in qualifying for Wales in Group B.
It had been a frustrating 82 minutes for Bale until the goal, however, but his relief was evident as he charged over the touchline to hug coach Chris Coleman.
Beating Israel on Sunday will now secure Wales' first trip to a tournament since the 1958 World Cup.
Wales, who reached an all-time high ninth place in Fifa's rankings hours earlier, now have a three-point lead over Belgium, who beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 on Thursday evening.
"We know what we have to do," Bale said. "We are a strong team, we are together. We know what our capabilities are. We have earned the right to be in this position."
Belgium nudged closer to the finals in France by beating Bosnia-Herzegovina with first-half goals from Marouane Fellaini and Kevin De Bruyne, and a late penalty from Eden Hazard.
With three games remaining, Israel stayed two points behind Belgium in third after routing Andorra 4-0.
The top two teams from each of the nine groups are guaranteed a place in France. The best third-place team also qualifies and the other eight contest a play-off.
Bale's late header edges Wales closer to Euro 2016 after Cyprus winGareth BaleWalesCyprusEuropean ChampionshipChris ColemanGareth Bale's late header edges Wales closer to Euro 2016 after Cyprus win Jonjo Shelvey's emergence can allow England to plan for a Euro 2016 without Jack Wilshere Spain boss warns De Gea he could miss out on Euro 2016 squad if he doesn't play for Manchester UnitedEngland squad: Jamie Vardy selected ahead of Euro 2016 qualifiers despite alleged racial slurPublishedImageMedium widthThursday, September 3, 2015 - 22:11Winner: Gareth Bale's fine header secured a Welsh win in CyprusOn