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Wales is bidding for their first World Cup since 1958
Estonia was defeated by Wales in Tallinn, but Wales managed to beat Estonia. This win keeps their World Cup qualification group hopes alive.
Kieffer Moore stepped in from about a yard away to give his defensively shaky, but attack-minded side a half time lead.
They were disjointed during the second half, and were lucky to keep their lead. Mattias Kait and Erik Sorga from Estonia missed great chances.
Although the hosts were ranked 111th worldwide, they pressed hard for the goal that would have secured them a second draw against Wales in a month, Robert Page's men held on to a crucial win.
The Czech Republic's win in Belarus by 2-0 keeps them in second place in Group E. They are ahead of Wales on goal differential, but have played one more game.
The play-offs are Wales' best chance of reaching the World Cup finals, considering that Belgium is almost certain to win the automatic qualification spot for group winners.
Their success in the Nations League has effectively guaranteed them a place in the play-offs, but they could be drawn in the knockout stage if they finish second in their qualifying group.
Wales will end their regular qualifying campaign next month with matches at home against Belarus and Belgium, while Estonia hosts the Czechs in their final fixture.
Wales attacks but is shaky from the back
If Wales and Czech Republic finish with the same points, the goal difference will determine second place.
Page, Wales manager, stated that his team would attack Estonia in an effort to avoid another frustrating goalless draw in the reverse fixture last month in Cardiff.
Page supported this claim by choosing an attacking line-up at Tallinn, recalling Harry Wilson, and giving a first start for Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield winger), who was only nine months old.
Estonia seemed to be following similar principles as Taijo Teniste scored the game's first goal after only 40 seconds. This was one of few chances Estonia were given by a sometimes erratic Welsh display during the first half.
Despite their defensive jitters the visitors were still dominant with Wilson firing a narrow free kick over and Connor Roberts curling well saved by Karl Hein.
The 12th minute corner saw Aaron Ramsey and Joe Rodon's headers prompt a scramble that led to Moore kicking the ball over the line, a yard away.
Moore was saved by Hein's backheel effort as Wales continued to march forward. Page, however, also got into trouble, just like in the Czech Republic.
Wilson was in his own penalty box when he passed the ball to Sergei Zenjov. Ward was able to finish the pass but Rodon was there to clear the line.
The Bloodied Wales holds on
The worse Wales performed, the less important this game was about increasing goal difference and more about preserving victory.
Estonia continued to threaten in second half. An unmarked Sorga headed narrowly over Markus Poom's free kick before Kait could only shoot straight towards Ward from a promising place.
Wales is still weak in defense, but it has also lost its ability to attack.
Although they might have been penalized for Marten Kuusk's flailing elbow caused Moore to get a bloody nose in the Estonia box, referee Sandro Scharer did not give Wales a spot-kick.
Estonia's confidence was growing and substitute Vlasiy sinyavskiy nearly levelled the score in the 77th minute, but Ward saved it with an arcing shot.
The rare Welsh counter-attack saw substitute Mark Harris get a shot saved from Hein, but Page's men remained on the back foot in the final stages.
They were able to repel Estonia's last attacks. Despite the disappointment of yet another poor performance against Estonia, this win was still valuable and will set Wales up for their final two group matches in Cardiff next month.
