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Sports / Football

Bale fires Wales ahead against England

Published: 16 Jun 2016 - 04:51 pm | Last Updated: 09 Nov 2021 - 03:06 am
Peninsula

Wales' Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring their first goal. REUTERS/Lee Smith


Lens, France: Gareth Bale drilled home a long-range free-kick to put Wales 1-0 up against neighbours and Group B rivals England at half-time in Lens on Thursday.

Raheem Sterling blazed over inside the opening 10 minutes in what represented England's best chance, while Chris Smalling flashed a header just wide from a corner.

But Real Madrid star Bale hammered a free-kick past England goalkeeper Joe Hart from 35 yards just before the break to put Wales on course for the last 16.

Wales beat Slovakia 2-1 in their opening match and can clinch top spot in the Group with victory, while England drew their first game against Russia 1-1.

AFP