Soccer
Wales demolish Norway
2011-11-12 19:41
Cardiff - Wales won three games in a row for the first time since 2008 with a 4-1 friendly victory over Norway here on Saturday.
Substitute Sam Vokes's late double inside the final three minutes ensured a resounding victory for Gary Speed's improving side.
The build-up to the match had been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the appearance of Wales captain Aaron Ramsey and Tottenham star Gareth Bale in promotional photographs for Team GB, who will compete at next year's London Olympic Games.
Welsh officials don't want their players involved in a combined British team as they fear such a move will be the first step towards ending their status as an independent football nation.
Bale's worth was emphasised when the Spurs man opened the scoring with a well-struck volley in the 11th minute.
Veteran striker Craig Bellamy made it 2-0 just five minutes later with an excellent curling shot from just inside the box.
But Wales then relaxed and Erik Huseklepp's goal just after the hour mark gave Norway hope.
However, Wolves striker Vokes then seized his chance superbly with two goals in as many minutes.