Wales eased to a 2-0 win over Group E s bottom side Azerbaijan in Baku on Saturday to ensure their Euro 2020 qualification bid will go down to the wire.
Kieffer Moore scored for the second away game running to get Ryan Giggs side off the mark inside 10 minutes and Harry Wilson on target in Wales last away win 11 months ago added a second before half-time.
Despite creating chances there were no further goals for the visitors, who are already guaranteed the cushion of at least a play-off place, regardless of where they finish in their qualifying group.
Wales are now unbeaten in five games since back-to-back away losses in June and are within a point of second-place Hungary, who they face in their final qualifier on Tuesday, while Slovakia are a point behind and have a game in hand to play.
FULL-TIME | 0-2 |
The full-time whistle has been blown and it s a qualifying win in Baku with goals from and .
Together We Are Stronger
— Wales (@Cymru)
Azerbaijan have just one point from their seven group matches and were behind early on through Moore s back-post header, the Wales striker leaping highest to meet Wilson s whipped corner.
Emil Balayev produced a good save to deny Moore a second goal but there was no keeping out Wilson, who headed home the rebound after Daniel James curled shot from distance struck the crossbar and then the post.
Wales thought they had a third goal five minutes into the second half when Tom Lockyer headed in from close range, only for the referee to rule it out for Ethan Ampadu s shove on Balayev.
Wilson was next to be denied by Balayev with an angled drive just before the hour mark, while Moore was wayward with a couple of efforts as Wales were made to settle for just the two goals.
What does it mean? Wales remain on course
This first away win in over a year for Wales lifts them a point above Slovakia, who face Group E leaders Croatia in their game in hand later on Saturday, and a point behind next opponents Hungary.
Giggs men require a victory against Hungary in Cardiff on Tuesday to automatically qualify for Euro 2020, though maximum points for Slovakia from their two remaining matches would render that result immaterial.
Moore making big impact
Wigan Athletic striker Moore only earned his first cap for Wales in September but has played a huge part in their recent revival.
He scored his maiden international goal in the 1-1 away draw with Slovakia last month and doubled his personal tally with his early header here to settle any lingering Welsh nerves.
Bale on the periphery
Bale has not played for club or country in a month and that showed as he completed just 11 passes before being replaced by Aaron Ramsey himself not fully fit with an hour played.
Key Opta Facts
Wales are unbeaten in eight meetings against Azerbaijan, winning seven games and drawing once; they have faced no other side as many times without ever losing.
Azerbaijan are winless in 12 European Championship qualifying matches (D4 L8), and have failed to keep in a clean sheet in their last 10 such games.
Wales have won a European Championship qualifying match away from home for the first time this campaign, having not done so since September 2015 vs Cyprus under Chris Coleman.
Kieffer Moore has scored two goals in four appearances for Wales this season, one more goal than he has scored in 14 matches in 2019-20 for club side Wigan Athletic.
Moore had 10 shots against Azerbaijan, five of which were on target; the last Wales player to have as many in a single match was Aaron Ramsey versus Moldova in September 2017 (also 10).
2 Kieffer Moore has scored more goals in four games for Wales in 2019-20 than he has in 14 club appearances for Wigan this term (1). Continental.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe)
What s next?
Wales welcome second-place Hungary to the Cardiff City Stadium in a crucial clash on Tuesday, while Azerbaijan conclude their campaign with a trip to Slovakia the same day.
