Euro 2012: Wales suffer damaging loss to Bulgaria
Wales 0 Bulgaria 1
Wales’ hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 are almost certainly over after an unfortunate defeat to Bulgaria in Cardiff, as Brian Flynn’s first match in caretaker charge ended in defeat.
The hosts failed to take advantage of dominating large spells of the first half, as Chris Gunter drove an effort wide when well placed, Gareth Bale completely missed a cross when he looked primed to score and Steve Morison’s downward header was well saved by Nikolay Mihaylov.
Bulgaria – perhaps inspired by new boss Lothar Mätthaus – emerged for the second half looking much the better, and were soon ahead when Ivelin Popov beat two challenges before firing an effort past Wayne Hennessey via a post.
Morison should have done better when one on one with Mihaylov shortly after, before substitute Hal Robson-Kanu headed over from close range.
Welsh woes were compounded in stoppage time, when Gunter received a straight red card for a professional foul on Dimitar Rangelov.
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