Sunday 29 March 2015 23:25, UK
Wales manager Chris Coleman is convinced their European Qualifying campaign will not fizzle out as they look to secure their place at a major finals for the first time since the 1958 World Cup.
Gareth Bale scored twice as Wales defeated previously unbeaten Israel 3-0 in Haifa on Saturday to move top of Group B.
They have impressed in qualifying competitions before, but then fallen away in the latter stages but Coleman is convinced his side has what it takes to stay the distance as they look to secure their place at the finals in France next year.
Aaron Ramsey rewarded Wales' superiority with a looping header to give Coleman’s side the lead on the stroke of half-time before Bale answered his critics at Real Madrid by scoring twice after the break to move to 16 international goals and sixth place on his country's all-time scoring list.
Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen also impressed as Wales' possession game kept Israel at bay and there was no way back for the home side when defender Eytan Tibi was sent off moments after Bale had put them 2-0 ahead.
"We knew how big the game was and I bigged that up before we got there because I don't want us to fall away like we have done in the past,” said Coleman.
"We don't want to let it fizzle out like it has done so many times - and I don't believe it will. It was about keeping them calm and we told them to stay in the game and be brave with the ball.
"We need to keep playing well, we've got a distance yet to go before we can get too excited."
Coleman also revealed his side was the victim of ‘dirty tricks’ ahead of the game.
"As a player I remember going to places, you know the shenanigans, the game-playing starts," added Coleman.
"Something goes wrong at the hotel, something's wrong with the food at the hotel.
"We arrived there on Thursday and the journey from the airport is 45 minutes, but it took us an hour and 55 minutes because our escort 'missed the turn off'.
"And then our bags arrived three or four hours later. So, the games were starting to be played but we said to the players 'laugh, joke'.
"I remember as a player we used to get angry about it and you walked on the pitch and you wanted to tear someone in half.
"Someone gets sent off, you're 2-0 down after 20 minutes and it's all over. But we just said, 'keep calm, we've worked hard to get here, let's not do anything stupid."'
