Hello and welcome to our LIVE text commentary of Wales' crucial World Cup Qualifier in Moldova. All looked lost ahead of the midweek clash with Austria for Wales. Chris Coleman's men had picked up too many draws to trail Republic of Ireland in second by four points, but a vital win over Austria in Cardiff, coupled with the Republic's disappointing draw in Georgia, blew Group D wide open. Win tonight in Chisinau, and the pressure will be firmly piled on the Boys in Green, who take on group leaders Serbia in Dublin. Wales' goal difference could do with a boost, too. I'm Pete Hall, and I will be bringing you the action, as it happens, live!
World Cup Qualification UEFA / Matchday 8
Stadionul Zimbru / 05.09.2017
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- H. Robson-Kanu(81')
- A. Ramsey(90+4')
Live
Live Updates
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Updated 05/09/2017 at 20:41 GMT
5'
Four Wales players on the cusp of a ban tonight. They mustn't get over excited.
4'
Ashley Williams looks long and direct, but that is never going to find the run of Bale and it is headed clear.
2'
4-4-2 for Wales, with Bale up front with Hal Robson-Kanu. Scrappy so far.
1'
The Polish match official gets the game under way here in Chisinau. Wales must win, with goal difference in need of some TLC.
19:40
We are minutes away!
19:39
However, Wales have lost just one of their last 19 qualifying matches (W9 D9) for either the European Championships or World Cup since losing 3-0 to Serbia in September 2013. Moldova haven’t won a home international match since October 2013, when they beat San Marino; they have drawn four and lost 10 since that win. That win over San Marino in 2013 – by a 3-0 scoreline – is also the last time the Moldovans have kept a home clean sheet.
19:38
This is not a foregone conclusion this evening. Wales are winless in six away games (D3 L3), their worst run since August 2002 under Mark Hughes (a run of seven).
19:15
HEAD-TO-HEAD: This will be the fourth ever meeting between these two sides. Wales have won the last two, after losing their first game against them back in 1994 (2-3). No Welshmen has scored more goals against Moldova than Gareth Bale (2 – level with Gary Speed.) Wales lost their only previous fixture in Moldova 3-2 in October 1994.
19:13
Men on a mission...
19:06
Amazing what one win can do for confidence...
18:58
ALLEN ALERT! Huge boost for Wales as Joe Allen returns to the heart of the Wales midfield. Andy King also comes into the midfield, with Dave Edwards and Jazz Richards on the bench. Hal Robson-Kanu is handed a starting berth, replacing Sam Vokes.
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Image credit: PA Sport
18:55
TEAM NEWS - WALES: Hennessey, Gunter, Chester, Williams, B. Davies, Allen, King, Bale, Ramsey, Lawrence, Robson-Kanu... Subs: Davies, Ward, Taylor, Ampadu, Lockyer, Richards, Evans, Edwards, Ledley, Woodburn, Vokes, Watkins. /// MOLDOVA: Cebanu, Posmac, Epureanu, Bordian, Rozgoniuc, Graur, Ionita, Dedov, Anton, Pascenco, Ginsari. Subs: Pascenco, Namasco, Armas, Carp, Cociuc, Cebotaru, Cojocari, Ivanov, Antoniuc, Platica, Ambros, Bugaiov.
18:54
The teams are in...