14 Oct 2012

Wales beats Scotland in World Cup qualifier

2:20 pm on 14 October 2012

Wales manager Chris Coleman hailed Gareth Bale as a "different class" after his double strike clinched a dramatic late 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Scotland.

Scotland led at the Cardiff City Stadium thanks to James Morrison's first-half goal only to see Tottenham Hotspur star Bale single-handedly mastermind a stunning turnaround.

Bale slotted home an 80th minute penalty after he was felled in full flight by Shaun Maloney following another surge at the heart of the Scottish defence.

And with just two minutes remaining, Bale, the best player on the pitch by some distance, proved the difference when he fired home the winner with a sumptuous left-footed shot.

The result handed Wales their first points in Group A ahead of Tuesday's trip to unbeaten Croatia and also lifted the cloud hanging over new boss Coleman who had lost his first four games in charge.

Scotland's under-fire manager Craig Levein admits his team must win in Belgium on the same night after missing the chance to move up to third in the group.

The heartbreaking loss in Cardiff was another significant blow to Scotland's hopes of qualifying for Brazil in 2014, having failed to win either of their opening games at Hampden Park.

Levein was left angry after match officials judged Charlie Adam's cross had swung out of play and ruled out Stephen Fletcher's goal in the 74th minute that would have given Scotland a 2-0 lead.