Wales’ Coleman philosophical after Mitrovic steals late point for Serbia

However, this display was much for like it from Wales, who were well-drilled defensively and kept their shape having switched to a back four in the absence of Ben Davies through injury.

“But we need to make a statement, because we don’t play again until after Christmas so it’s a long time”.

Chris Coleman’s side are six centimtres shorter on average than the visiting team, a gap that seems to grow when they reflect on their wretched recent record of defending set pieces. Austria 2-2 Wales (October 2016) They’ve gone for the 4-7 here, and it’s working for them Wales 1-0 Belgium (June 2015) Only slightly wonky Serbia 6-1 Wales (September 2012) Not a bad effort here, and then the match started.

Then the Serbians inflicted yet more pain on the Dragons a year later when they triumphed 3-0 in the Welsh capital. We feel we can beat any side, so while it is still a close group, if we have to win all of our games, we are confident enough we can do that.

“We have to look at it as two points dropped”, said Bale after the match.

It is a game Wales simply cannot lose if they are to enjoy a successful journey on the road to Russian Federation.

“It was early days under the gaffer and we were just getting used to his tactics”.

“That’s not a biased opinion because I’m a Welshman and we all love Rambo”.

“He’s dealt with everything that’s come along so well, and we’re lucky to have such a magical player in the team”.

However, Chris Coleman’s biggest challenge is to now find a system which will ensure Wales climb into the top two over the course of the next 11 months.

Coleman also confirmed that Ramsey would start the game in Cardiff with Wales knowing victory will take them above Saturday’s visitors who now top the group. “But he’ll start the game”.

“We’ll keep our heads and look forward to the next one”. “It’s important that we get what we want”.

“He’s obviously a massive player for us and he’s exciting to watch for the fans as well”, he said. This is another and we’ve always got a great chance of beating anybody when we’re at our strongest.

“All we can do is take it as a positive that we are still unbeaten in this group”.

Costa rejoined the squad for training on Thursday but, following discussions between the player, Lopetegui and the Spain medical team to see if Costa was still feeling any discomfort, he was ruled out of both internationals and replaced by Aspas.