Bale hopes win over Scotland will ´inspire´ Wales

Gareth Bale hopes Wales’ 2-1 victory over Scotland will kick-start their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Chris Coleman’s side had failed to obtain a single point from their first two matches, but a double from the winger – the second a stunning drive from 25 yards – aided his side to a vital three points.

Wales face a tough test in their next encounter against Croatia on Tuesday evening, and the Tottenham man has emphasised the importance Friday’s victory.

“We needed it to kick-start our campaign, and I hope it inspires us,” he told Sky Sports after the match.

“We all knew coming into the game that it was a massive game for us. We had a disappointing result against Serbia and we let ourselves and the fans down.

“We went 1-0 down (against Scotland) but showed character and fought back like men.”

Coleman firmly believes his side deserved to take all three points at the Cardiff City Stadium despite relying on two goals in the final nine minutes to clinch the win.

“To come away with nothing would have been a travesty,” he said.

“Scotland scored against run of play. We were brave, we got caught once or twice, but we moved the ball around well.

“We could have gone in (at half-time) and felt sorry for ourselves, but didn’t. We came out and kept going and chipping away second half. Our players got what they deserved.”

Scotland manager Craig Levein, however, felt that the visitors deserved to take the points, not least because of the referees’ controversial decision to disallow a Steven Fletcher goal.

“One-nil was a difficult score but I did not feel under pressure. I am amazed to have come in and lost, as during the match I didn’t feel we were under any real threat,” he said.

“I’ve not seen the Fletcher goal, but I believe officials got it wrong. As the game panned out that was absolutely crucial, not getting it was a real body blow.”