WALES must wait until next month to secure European Championship qualification after Eden Hazard dashed their dreams of qualifying today.
The Chelsea winger’s finish on 86 minutes secured Belgium a 1-0 win in Cyprus, when a draw would have been enough to confirm Wales for France.
While Chris Coleman’s charges couldn’t get the three points they need to assure themselves a place in France next summer, drawing 0-0 with Israel, they knew they would be home and hosed with two games to spare if Cyprus could secure an unlikely point.
As Belgium face Israel in the final round of group games, it would have been impossible for either side to exceed the 18 points Wales have already accrued.
But Hazard’s late goal means the wait continues, though a draw in Bosnia or at home to Andorra next month will assure Wales a place at Euro 2016 and end 58-years of hurt at missing major tournaments.
One point is the new magic total.
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