2 years ago
Wales loses in the Nations League amid drama in the Netherlands, while Scotland recovers from World Cup tragedy.
Wout Weghost pulled Wales back to earth in Cardiff with a last-minute triumph (image)
Wales was brought back down to earth after their World Cup qualification as they were defeated in the Nations League for the second time in a row due to late drama.
Robert Page's side thought they had snatched a last-gasp point against the Netherlands in Cardiff after Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies headed home his first international goal in the 92nd minute to cancel out an opening effort from Teun Koopmeiners, who drilled in low shortly after half-time.
However, Wales were denied a draw when Burnley striker Wout Weghorst scored a winning goal exactly 100 seconds later, diving to head in a cross from Tyrell Malacia. Wales had rested most of their regular starters for last week's loss to Poland in Wroclaw in preparation for their match against Ukraine.
Following Sunday's exertions, Page made more sweeping alterations to his lineup, with Gareth Bale limited to a late cameo appearance and the likes of Aaron Ramsey resting. Only Ben Davies, Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts, and Daniel James were able to keep their spots in the starting lineup.
Scotland bounced back from their World Cup disappointment against Armenia at Hampden Park
Meanwhile, Dutch coach Louis van Gaal made 11 changes from his side's thrashing of Belgium on Friday. The Netherlands are in first place in Group A4, with Wales in last place, before of their match against Belgium. On Wednesday, Roberto Martinez's resurgent side thrashed Poland 6-1 in Brussels, with Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and Brighton's Leandro Trossard scoring.
Scotland began their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Armenia.
Both Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna scored their first goals for Steve Clarke's team, which rebounded from last week's World Cup play-off semi-final loss to Ukraine at Hampden Park.
VAR denied McKenna a second goal, and late on, Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn struck the crossbar, with Scotland producing plenty of chances in a strong performance in Group B1.
Ukraine defeated the Republic of Ireland thanks to a free-kick by Viktor Tsygankov
The Republic of Ireland's problems continued in Dublin with a 1-0 loss against Ukraine in the same group. At the Aviva Stadium, where the visitors made a number of changes after those draining encounters against Scotland and Wales, half-time replacement Viktor Tsygankov's 47th-minute free-kick proved decisive.
After being upset by Armenia in Yerevan at the weekend, Stephen Kenny's Ireland are now winless in their last 12 Nations League matches.
When they play Scotland on Saturday, they will be hoping to snap a 10-match home winless streak, excluding friendlies, while Ukraine takes on Armenia on neutral territory amid Russia's ongoing invasion of their motherland.
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