Patkai’s late winner leaves Giggs’ men struggling to qualify for Euro 2020 after second loss in three days
MATE PATKAI’S late winner left unlucky Wales struggling to qualify for Euro 2020 – after Gareth Bale wasted a glorious chance.
Below-par Bale looked sure to score on the hour but shot straight at Peter Gulacsi as Ryan Giggs‘ men slumped to their second successive loss from three Group E ties – putting them six points behind leaders Hungary.
Derby winger Tom Lawrence had the only two efforts on target from either side before the break but Wales still lacked attacking threat.
And Hungary not only edged first-half possession they also looked the more creative team, albeit mainly through skipper Balazs Dzsudzsak’s set-pieces.
Real Madrid flop Bale had the least touches of any player in the opening 45 minutes – just 11, including only two in the final third of the pitch.
The 29-year-old did, though, show his value in the air, with two clearing headers inside his own area.
Wales looked more assertive early in the second period, especially once Manchester United-bound pace ace Dan James switched to the left
And Bale somehow drilled at Gulacsi after appearing certain to tuck home Lawrence’s pull-back.
The visitors even seemed the more confident side in the closing stages, only for Patkai to snatch victory for Hungary on 81 minutes.
Adam Szalai shrugged off Jamie Lawrence and veteran midfielder Patkai surged in to fire home the loose ball.
most read in football
Bale tamely headed directly at Gulacsi four minutes into stoppage time.
And Hungary went wild with joy after clinging on for victory – as they now head Slovakia and much-fancied Croatia by three points.
But the Hungarians have played four games, compared to three for everyone else.