Moldova 0-2 Wales: Ben Woodburn the hero as substitute sets up Hal Robson-Kanu's late opener before Aaron Ramsey nets to seal huge victory in bid to qualify for 2018 World Cup

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Amid an admission that he bent Ben Woodburn’s ear over playing for Wales, Gareth Bale also tried to alleviate some of the spotlight that has fallen on the prodigious 17-year-old following a debut to remember. ‘Put the pressure on me,’ Bale said.

Dispelling huge excitement becomes even trickier though after another cameo from the bench that only reinforces the belief Woodburn is a very special player indeed. Having delivered when his country needed against Austria, Woodburn did it again four days later in Moldova.

Just as it looked like Wales would be held to the most excruciating of draws by the world’s 159th best side, the young Liverpool forward took matters into his own hands with 11 minutes left.

Hal Robson-Kanu celebrates after scoring an 80th-minute goal against Moldova on Tuesday

Aaron Ramsey jumps for joy after doubling Wales' lead in added time with a deflected effort

Ben Woodburn crossed for Robson-Kanu to score Wales' breakthrough goal against Moldova

He picked up the ball on the left flank, ran hard to defeat his opposing defender, and cut a cross with his weaker foot that Hal Robson-Kanu stooped to head home. It was a very good finish, but the goal owed most to Woodburn.

Four minutes later, he nearly made victory certain, dancing into space in the box and hitting a solid shot that goalkeeper Ilie Cebanu needed to be strong to save. At the final whistle, Wales went above Republic of Ireland into second in Group D and a big step closer to at least a play-off place. Without Woodburn, Welsh prospects would have been extinguished.

‘This was harder for Ben, a long way from home in a game of this magnitude,’ said Coleman. ‘He needs another huge pat on the back for someone so young. But if you’re good, you’re good.’

Coleman had tried to guard against leaving it late by starting an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. But Wales soon realised it would not be straight-forward.

Moldova may not have won a competitive fixture for four years but they have a habit of resisting teams. It took Austria 75 minutes to score in Vienna in March and here the hosts were adept at closing down danger when Wales entered the final third.

Wales continued there recent trend of lining up in a bizarre fashion prior to kick-off in Chisinau

Gareth Bale crosses the ball during the first half of the World Cup qualifying clash

Robson-Kanu heads towards goal as Wales struggled to make the breakthrough early on

Andy King is booked by referee Pawel Raczkowski as Wales endure a frustrating start

Ramsey is denied from close range by Moldova goalkeeper Ilie Cebanu on Tuesday night

Wales best first-half chance came from a slick counter began when Joe Allen released Hal Robson-Kanu, who in turn fed a sprinting Aaron Ramsey. 

The Arsenal midfielder played in Bale, whose firm shot was only spilled by Cebanu. The Moldovan goalkeeper recovered to block Ramsey’s follow-up and then Alexandru Epureanu cleared off the line from Robson-Kanu.

In the second period Bale found the target but his low drive was too slow to really trouble Cebanu. Then Robson-Kanu spun neatly on the edge of the area but failed to put quite enough whip on his finish that flew wide.

Ashley Williams charges forward with the ball during a goalless first half in Chisinau

Bale fires in a free-kick as Wales were reduced to mostly long-range efforts in the first half 

Chris Coleman watches on as Moldova prove stubborn opponents at the Stadionul Zimbru

West Brom forward Robson-Kanu looks dejected after missing a second-half opportunity 

A Moldova fan caused a break in play after invading the pitch midway through the second half

King is pursued by two Moldova defenders as Wales searched for the breakthrough in Chisinau

On the hour, Coleman sent on Woodburn. As anxiety rose and the horror prospect of dropping points grew likelier, Wales’ teen sensation intervened and the relief when Robson-Kanu hit the back of the net was immense.

The closing minutes were not entirely smooth as Wayne Hennessy had to produce a marvellous save to deny Andrei Cojocari’s fierce strike.

But Wales made the win secure when Ramsey scored from range via a deflection in the third minute of injury time to add gloss to the result. There was still opportunity Moldova to hit the woodwork but when the match was over the win was all that mattered. 

Real Madrid star Bale advances with the ball ahead of Moldova midfielder Radu Ginsari

Wales' match-winner against Austria, Woodburn, came on to set up Robson-Kanu's opener

Liverpool's Woodburn once again made a big impact for Wales in his second appearance

Welsh players celebrate at the end of the victory which lifts them to second place in Group D