Classy Serbia inflict third straight loss on Wales

Wales sank to the bottom of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A after a heavy 3-0 home defeat by Serbia.

The only cheer from the home crowd at Cardiff City Stadium was for the second-half appearance of Gareth Bale as Serbia stormed in front through Filip Djordjević and never let up. Aleksandar Kolarov and Lazar Marković struck either side of half-time in a convincing 3-0 scoreline.

Serbia made their attacking intentions clear in the opening exchanges and took the lead on eight minutes, Djordjević reacting quickest to nod in the rebound after Kolarov's header was parried by goalkeeper Boaz Myhill. The goal lifted Serbia, who proceeded to test Wales with their strength and pace from midfield, with Marković the most influential.

Despite Wales' best efforts – headed by captain Aaron Ramsey – Kolarov doubled Serbia's lead on 39 minutes with a perfect strike that gave Myhill little chance. Wales striker Sam Vokes might have reduced the arrears before the break, but his header was off-target.

After 55 minutes the match was over as a contest, the unmarked Marković scoring at the back post. Wales introduced Bale a few minutes later, and though he had a well-struck free-kick tipped over late on, he could not inspire a comeback.

"Two wins and six defeats is not a good record," admitted Coleman. "But, I look at the players we have available to us and I am excited for the next campaign. I've seen progress, not tonight, but over the last 12 months."