Bale scores late goals as Wales beats Scotland in qualifier

Associated Press

10/12/2012 4:53:03 PM

CARDIFF -- Gareth Bale scored two late goals, his second an 88th-minute screamer, to earn Wales a 2-1 victory over Scotland in World Cup qualifying on Friday.

The Tottenham winger equalized with an 80th-minute penalty he won himself following a theatrical dive, before earning the team a first win in three qualifiers with a rising 30-yard drive at a rainy Cardiff City Stadium.

Wales had been facing a fifth straight loss under Chris Coleman after falling behind to James Morrison's goal in the 27th but the win will revive its already-slim hopes of challenging for top spot in the group.

Scotland, which opened with two draws, is second from bottom in the six-team group with two points, piling the pressure on coach Craig Levein.