Chris Coleman hails Wales' performance against Moldova

Chris Coleman has hailed his Wales side for grinding out a result in Chisinau on Tuesday night.


The Euro 2016 semi-finalists looked destined to settle for a 0-0 draw against Moldova in the World Cup qualifier but late goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Aaron Ramsey sealed a hard-fought 2-0 win over their European counterparts.

Following the game, Coleman was full of praise for his side, who secured three points despite not playing at the best of their ability, he said: "It was a good win, obviously not our best performance, but it was always going to be tough, we had to come here and win. We talked for three days about being patient and it was hard to break them down, but I thought the lads did everything we asked. In this campaign, 50% of the game we've kept clean sheets, only one game we haven't scored in. We've got must-win games now but we've been here before."

Though Wales dominate the game in terms of possession, it was once again left to young Ben Woodburn to turn the match after he came on as a substitute in the second-half.

The Liverpool graduate grabbed the vital winner against Austria in his debut, and the 17-year-old followed it up with an assist which allowed Robson-Kanu to break the deadlock.

As a result of the victory, Wales have jumped into second place in their qualifier group, and Coleman is excited by the challenge to qualify for the World Cup. Nevertheless, the West European nation will have to guard against complacency when they face Georgia, who have earned credible draws against both Ireland and Austria.

Ramsey and Bale remain fundamental to Wales' prospects of reaching a first World Cup since 1958 but the playoffs could present a stiffer challenge with the likes of Italy, Sweden and potentially Portugal in the mix.