Gareth Bale was involved in all three goals as Wales cruised past Iceland 3-1 this evening.
The Real Madrid star was at the forefront of everything for his country, with only an Ashley Williams own goal putting a dampener on proceedings.
After a pretty even start, Bale drew a foul before picking himself up and delivering a dangerous ball into the box, where James Collins was on hand to nod home.
The 24-year-old then forced two good saves from the Iceland goalkeeper, one with a low drive and another with a swerving effort from 30 yards.
Wales's enthusiasm was halted when Johann Berg Gudmundsson picked the ball up inside the box and fired a tame effort towards goal. The ball was actually going wide until it deflected off Williams and wrong-footed the goalkeeper.
Youngster Emyr Huws, making his debut for Wales, then showed some nice touches either side of half time to help the hosts regain control before Bale took charge once more.
With half-an-hour to go the winger danced his way past a couple of challenges before firing at goal. His effort was somehow cleared off the line, but fortunately for Wales, Sam Vokes was on hand to restore their lead.
Bale then got onto the scoresheet himself. After showing good strength to burst past his marker on the halfway line and steaming into the box, he cut back on his right foot and fired the ball beyond the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
Wales were comfortable from then on in, resting a couple of players but still managing to provide enough of a threat through Hal Robson-Kanu on the break.
Daniel Cross
