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Georgia shocks Wales with 1-1 draw in World Cup qualification

Wales v Georgia - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier

CARDIFF, WALES - OCTOBER 09: Gareth Bale of Wales reacts during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Group D match between Wales and Georgia at Cardiff City Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

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Gareth Bale struck just 10 minutes in, but Wales couldn’t find another way through and Tornike Okriashvili punched in a header just before the hour mark as Georgia stunned Wales in Cardiff 1-1 in World Cup qualification on Sunday.

Possession was just about 50-50, and Georgia actually out-shot Wales 16-13, although the two combined for just eight shots on target.

The visitors deserved their point, looking dangers for much of a spell early in the second-half before scoring. Just minutes after Georgia equalized, Wales boss Chris Coleman brought on lightning rod Hal Robson-Kanu looking to go back in front, but he was unable to provide a spark.

Bale came the closest to giving his side all three points, just finding the side-netting in the 86th minute in what surely would have been the game-winner. Robson-Kanu also came close just minutes before full-time but Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Loria had a great performance and was there to smother the chance.

The point is the first of the campaign for Georgia, sitting at 137th in the FIFA rankings, while it leaves Wales vulnerable at the top of the table, just a point ahead of both Serbia and Austria who square off with a 2:45 ET kick on Sunday in Belgrade.

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