Wales failed to secure back-to-back victories by losing 2-1 to Croatia in the dying minutes of the clash at the Liberty Stadium despite a one-goal lead by Gareth Bale in the first half.

The Tottenham Hotspur star produced the first chance of the game by winning a free kick outside of the box after storming past three players following a 30-yard run, but his effort soared over the bar.

The visiting side almost found the breakthrough via Sammir, but his shot was deflected behind the goal. The visitors were pushed on the back foot minutes later.

Joseph Ledley played a one-two with Ashley Williams before nipping round Dejan Lovren, who brought the Welshman down in the penalty area.

The referee pointed to the spot, which Bale hovered over to take the penalty and blast Wales into the lead.

Towards the close of the first half, Mandzukic had a chance to equalise, but he shot wide after freeing himself away from James Collins, leaving Croatia trailing at half time.

Croatia emerged the more dominant side in the second half, stopping Wales from keeping the ball, and almost found the back of the net via a headed effort from Eduardo, but he was unable to connect with the ball as it drifted wide.

Following a spell of possession from Croatia, Luka Modric collected the ball short from a corner to glide it across the face of goal, but none of his teammates were able to latch onto it.

The equaliser eventually came for Croatia via Dejan Lovren, who fired a shot through a hoard of red shirts.

In the remaining seven minutes of the clash, Wales were dealt a double blow when Eduardo latched onto a missed header from Rakitic to fire the ball into the back of the net.