• Euro 2016 qualifiers

Wales in great position to reach Euro 2016, says Bale

Gareth Bale scored twice as Wales took a commanding Group B position © Getty Images

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Gareth Bale believes Wales are in a "great position" to qualify for the 2016 European Championships in France after beating Israel 3-0 in Haifa to top their qualifying group.

Aaron Ramsey opened the scoring with a well-placed header right on half-time, before Bale doubled their advantage three minutes after the interval with a delightful free kick.

Israel defender Eitan Tibi's 51st-minute dismissal gave Wales' attackers further room and Bale scored his second in emphatic style 13 minutes from time to complete a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

The victory propelled Wales to the top of Group B - with 11 points from their five matches - and Bale admitted they have put themselves in the driving seat to qualify for their first major tournament since 1958.

"We knew what a big game it was, it's a top-of-the-table clash and we don't often get to say that, and to come out on top is amazing," the 25-year-old Real Madrid forward told Sky Sports 5.

"We've put ourselves in a great position. We're only halfway there, there's still a lot of games to go and anything can happen.

"But we've put ourselves in a good position and all we can do is keep fighting, keep working hard and hopefully our performances and results can do the talking."

Bale also posted a photo of his happy teammates on Twitter:

What a performance from the lads! pic.twitter.com/LeDUAl8qOW

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) March 28, 2015

Wales manager Chris Coleman was delighted with Wales' third victory of the qualifying campaign but felt Tibi's sending-off made it harder for his side.

"I think we could have scored more goals," he said. "I think the worst thing that happened was when they had a man sent off funnily enough because we were a bit sloppy for 10 or 15 minutes.

"When it was 11v11 I thought we were magnificent - we were always in control of the game, controlled the tempo, some of our passing was fantastic, creating chances.

"I think they had one chance in the first half and overall I thought our players were really brave tonight."

Defender James Collins, who could have opened the scoring in the 19th minute had he not missed a gilt-edged headed chance at the far post, is enjoying Wales' current success after years of disappointment.

"The squad we've got, the bench and the boys who are injured and not involved - it's great time to be involved in Welsh football," he said. "Years gone by I've come to places like this and had an absolute tonking so to be involved in a team as young and as enthusiastic as they are is great."

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