Late Vokes goal saves Wales' blushes
Saturday, 06 Sep 2008 17:42
Toshack's team only just edged past Azerbaijan
A late goal from Sam Vokes saved Wales some blushes after they narrowly beat Azerbaijan 1-0 at the Millennium Stadium in their opening World Cup qualifier.
Azerbaijan are ranked 138th and should have been one of Wales' more comfortable matches in a group that also contains Russia and Germany.
Midfielder Jason Koumas was perhaps the most relieved man in Cardiff when Vokes poked home the winner having earlier missed a penalty.
The goal was the 18-year-old's first for his country and it was a timely effort. Just as Wales looked to be stuttering towards a draw the teenager was on hand to nudge the ball into the net when it fell to him from a corner.
A mere 15,000 people turned out to watch John Toshack's men in the 74,000 capacity stadium giving the match an eerie feeling.
They did little to inspire those that had turned up to watch during a lacklustre first half.
Koumas went close with a long-range effort and Chris Gunter almost managed to turn in Tottenham team-mate Gareth Bale's cross only to have it blocked by a defender close to the goal-line.
Rob Earnshaw, playing in a lone striker role, was struggling to get the necessary support from midfield and Wales could not carve out the clear cut chance they needed to break the deadlock.
The same pattern continued in the second half until Wales were awarded a penalty. But Koumas saw his effort saved Azerbaijan goalkeeper Kamran Agaev who also managed to get a hand to the rebound.
Soon after that Azerbaijan were reduced to ten men when Fabio Luis Ramim was sent off for his second bookable offence.
But it was not for another 15 minutes until Wales could make their numerical advantage pay. Vokes earned Wales a corner when he forced an excellent save from Agaev who stopped his header going in the top corner.
The Wolves man made no mistake with his second chance moments later sweeping home the corner to seal the win.
Wales will have to improve significantly if they are to get anything from their second qualifying match away to Euro 2008 semi-finalists Russia on Wednesday.