Sat Nov 12, 2016 10:08 pm
Coleman's bold selection
BBC
Saturday 12th November 2016
The pressure on Wales was increased before kick-off by Ireland's win in Austria, which momentarily moved Martin O'Neill's side three points clear at the top of Group D.
It made victory more or less essential for Wales, and Coleman boldly switched from his favoured 5-3-2 formation to a more attacking 4-4-2.
The changes from October's unexpected home draw against minnows Georgia included returns for influential midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen, as well as forward and Euro 2016 hero Robson-Kanu.
Although a more narrow Wales side struggled as they were stretched by Serbia's width, Robson-Kanu's signature work ethic proved invaluable as he hustled Nastasic out of possession and fed Bale, whose low drive flew past Vladimir Stojkovic.
Having featured only fleetingly for West Brom this season, Robson-Kanu's industrious running took its toll as he had to be replaced during the second half - his effort embodying a gruelling display from Wales.
Another showing the effects was midfielder Joe Ledley, whose exhaustion rendered him motionless on the ground before his late substitution.
Wales' fatigue was to prove costly, as Mitrovic found space between Wales' tiring defenders to glance his header into the bottom corner and spark wild celebrations in the Serbian dugout.