Croatia have moved to the top of Group A of the European World Cup qualification thanks to a two-goal victory over Wales in Osijek.

The playing surface at the Stadion Gradski VRT didn't encourage fast football and the hosts dominated possession early on, with Darijo Srna stinging Lewis Price's palms with a free kick.

Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric then went over in the area but immediately got up and quashed any penalty appeals from his teammates.

© PA Photos

Wales's only threat in the opening period came from Saturday's two-goal hero Gareth Bale, whose speed caused the home defenders regular problems.

Price kept out a dipping Milan Badelj volley before Mario Mandzukic opened the scoring in the 27th minute.

The Bayern Munich frontman tracked down a short Ashley Williams backpass and blocked Price's attempted clearance before sidefooting home.

The lead was doubled soon after the interval when former Arsenal striker Eduardo poked home after Price could only push out a header from a corner.

Price again rescued Wales by denying Eduardo before the visitors had their best opening of the match.

Andy King was left unmarked in the area but the Leicester City midfielder's header went straight at Stipe Pletikosa.

As the game drew to a close, Bale continued to supply the only threat from Wales, twice forcing Pletikosa into saves.

Written by
Pascal Lemesre