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Chris Coleman said Wales deserved more in their draw with Serbia

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Wales boss Chris Coleman felt his side had done enough to hold out for the win against Serbia

Wales boss Chris Coleman refused to critisice his players and said they deserved more as they dropped points against Serbia.

Serbia's Aleksandar Mitrovic condemned Wales to their third straight draw in World Cup qualifying, equalising five minutes from time to nab a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

It was a cruel blow to Wales as 50 seconds earlier Gareth Bale, who scored the opening goal, had hit the post.

This was a pivotal game for the Welsh, who are now four points behind the table toppers Republic of Ireland after winning just one of their four matches, including drawing 1-1 with Georgia last month.

Wales' Gareth Bale celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Group D match at the Cardiff City Stadiu
Image: Wales' Gareth Bale celebrates scoring his side's goal

"They were the form side who have created the most chances - but we limited them and we were an inch from going 2-0 up and finishing the game - seconds later the ball is the back of our net." Coleman said.

"It would have been a great point if we had beaten Georgia but there's no complaints, they gave everything they deserved better.

"To give up two points late on. It would be a silly man to criticise our lads tonight. We're still unbeaten and have only had one disappointing 45 minutes against Georgia so there's no need to panic."

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Serbia's striker Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after scoring their first goal during the World Cup 2018 qualification match between Wales and Serbia at Ca
Image: Aleksandar Mitrovic netted a late equaliser for the visitors

Wales travel to Dublin to face the Republic of Ireland in their next World Cup Qualifier in March. 

"Ireland have set the tempo and have done well - but there will be twists and turns yet," Coleman said. 

"We still have to play them home and away as well as Serbia so we can shape our own destiny.

"People called this must win and we were so close to doing it - but it's not the end of us because we didn't.

"We have tough games left but we are playing the teams we are fighting against so it's down to us."

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