Aaron Ramsey's penalty helped Wales to a precious 1-1 draw in Serbia in World Cup qualifying on Sunday as they kept their hopes of a place at the finals in Russian Federation alive.
The Arsenal midfielder said he made a decision to convert his spot-kick with a cheeky chip when goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic tried to use mind games to unsettle him.
Star man Gareth Bale is missing through suspension and James Collins, Neil Taylor, Andy King and Hal Robson-Kanu are also absent. Serbian Eagles relish their chances against the likes of Austria, Republic of Ireland, Georgia, Moldova and Wales and hope they will have what it takes to top the group.
"They'll have to use that team spirit, the work ethic and desire to try and get at least a point in Serbia".
This was always going to be a test of mental fortitude as much as anything else for Wales.
Ramsey, however, succeeded with that remarkable penalty that gave Wales the lead.
It was an audacious piece of skill and came after a comedy of errors from Serbia's point of view.
Ramsey said that he did not know of the historical link before taking the penalty, although the only thought in his mind as he collected the ball from Vladimir Stojkovic and exchanged words of intimidation with the Serbian goalkeeper was to finish audaciously from 12 yards.
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Ramsey's free kick was heading towards Vokes, who was winning his 50th cap on the night, when Portuguese referee Manuel de Sousa spotted a foul on the big Burnley striker and pointed to the penalty spot. But as stated earlier, Wales seem to enjoy being the underdogs and although lagging behind in the group, their destiny still remains in their own hands for the time being.
Branislav Ivanovic has dismissed suggestions that Wales' 6-1 thrashing in Serbia almost five years ago will have any bearing on their World Cup reunion.
He gets a great leap in, Wayne Hennessey doesn't know whether to stick or twist, head it... Previous fights in 2012 and 13 were in favor of Serbia, and the game of the first round of the current selection, as is known ended in a draw.
It was a bitter blow for Wales, who had defended resiliently.
That backline would have known what was coming at the start of the second half as Serbia drove forward.
The two sides face each other again in Belgrade on Sunday with Serbia seeking to hammer home their advantage in the race for 2018 qualification.
Wales were pinned in as Serbia kept pressing. In fact, that disappointing 1-1 draw against Austria was only good enough to make them table-toppers for a couple of hours until Serbia welcomed Wales to the lion's den. Ramsey, breaking into the area with yet another well-timed run, could still have won it for Wales but his shot with the outside of his boot was turned behind by Stojkovic.
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