Wales dominated the early stages of the match. Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale had given Wales the lead from the penalty spot in 21st minute, after Dejan Lovren had brought down Joe Ledley. But Bale then wasted two great chances before the break to put Wales in firm control, including a one-on-one.

Croatia enjoyed far more possession in the second half as Real Madrid ace Luka Modric got more involved.

A 59th minute saw a brilliant point blank save by Wales goalkeeper Boaz Myhill from Eduardo's close range effort.

But Myhill was eventually beaten 13 minutes from time when Lovren atoned for giving the penalty away with a long-range effort that flashed

past Wales goalkeeper.

Striker Eduardo da Silva nipped in for the winner three minutes from time, controlling Ivica Olic's cross and clipping the ball crisply through

Myhill's legs on the half-volley.

"We were nearly there. But we sat back and tried to hang onto it a bit too soon maybe, and invite Croatia on, but they're a great team. We can't ask for anymore from our guys", said Wales manager Chris Coleman.

"We made too many mistakes but after throwing an extra man forward we dominated and deserved our win after showing character," Lovren told Croatian TV.

Leader Belgium beat Macedonia 1-0 thanks to a goal from playmaker EdenHazard.

WALES: Myhill, Gunter, Collins, A Williams, B Davies, Ledley, J Williams, King, Robson-Kanu, Bale, Bellamy.

Subs: Richards (Swansea) for Robson-Kanu 63, Church (Reading) for J Williams 83

Booked Robson-Kanu

CROATIA: Pletikosa; Strinic (Olic 73), Corluka, Lovren, Rakitic; Modric, Srna, Sammir (Kovacic 61), Badelj (Schildenfeld 45); Mandzukic, Eduardo.

Booked Corluka, Lovren, Modric, Kovacic

Referee Luca Banti (Italy)