David Brooks avoided Wales and saved the precious 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw against North Macedonia with almost the final kick in the match at Skopje.
Wales was on the better side, but they suffered from sucker punches in a dramatic finish.
Alternate Joe Allen’s horrifying backpass was aimed at Joe Rodon, but was cut off by Bojang Mioffski, who finished brilliantly and slotted the ball under Carl Darlow.
Wales seemed to have gone down and out, but in a sixth minute, Kiefer Moore lifted his head to the long ball, and Brooks squeezed the ball across the line.
Belgium is still a favorite who hasn’t kicked the ball in Group J, and could prove Wales’ costly draw in automatic place races in the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the US.
North Macedonia claims six consecutive victories – the longest winning victory in their history by brushing Liechtenstein aside on Saturday, continuing a strong start to the World Cup qualifiers at another point on Tuesday evening.
Bellamy was shocked after “best performance” after taking over
Wales boss Craig Bellamy:
“I’m probably a bit shocked about how I played in the last few minutes. We felt like a better team. We have to be honest.
Brooks hit it with the virtually last kick of the game.
“And that’s not rude at all. I thought we had control of the game. We could have made a better decision or two in the final third, but the goals were still being cleared.
“I was really pleased with this performance. Now I want results. And leaving here on the point disappoints me, but I have to accept it.
“It’s trying to give us that kind of strength. I thought it was one of the best performances since I came here, and it’s a very difficult place to come and play football.
