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 11 v 11 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."
Bale's double strike took him to 16 goals and joint sixth on the Welsh scoring list and came after his club form at Real Madrid had been the subject of major scrutiny.
"What's a plus with international football is when you come away from your clubs, then you are concentrating on something different and your mind is on something else," Coleman said. "It's been wildly publicised about what's going on with Madrid, there's a bit of criticism flying at Gareth, but he did tonight what he's been doing for sometime with Wales.
"He's got the jersey on, he's got his sleeves rolled up and he's mucking in like everyone else. When you've got the ability that boy has got, then anything possible of course. But he's doing the hard work as well and that was another good performance from him."
Wales made it five games unbeaten in a qualifying campaign for the first time in 40 years to boost their hopes of reaching the 2016 finals.
"We controlled the tempo of the game and it was a great performance," Coleman said. "Israel is a good team and a difficult place to come in front of a big crowd and very passionate supporters, but we stayed calm and composed.
"Our objective after five games was to be in the top three and we have done that. We have not done half a job but we are improving and that's a good sign.
"To come away from home and beat a team that's top of the league 3-0, a team that beat one of the favourites, Bosnia, here 3-0; that's definitely one of the best results, for sure."
Coleman believes 20 points will prove enough to claim one of the two automatic qualifying spots on offer. Group favourites Belgium play in Israel on Tuesday night before Wales welcome the Red Devils to Cardiff in June.
"You've got to be really unlucky if you get to 20 and you don't get to the first top two," Coleman said. "We've done some good work and we're on the right road but there's some distance left.
"We've got the chance to prove we are the best Welsh team since the one that qualified for the 1958 World Cup.
"I played in Welsh teams in 1994 and 2004 where we nearly did it and now we have the opportunity to go a step further. People say it's a golden generation but we need to earn it. We're doing it but we've not done it yet. But we want the chance to prove since 1958 this team is as good as anything that's gone before."
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."
Israel coach Eli Guttman admitted his side could not handle Bale when they were reduced to 10 men by Tibi's dismissal but he insisted their qualification hopes were far from over.
"Bale is a great player but he showed more in his performance after the red card when he had the space to work with," Guttman said. "They created more chances than us but I am disappointed not shocked by the result.
"They are in a better position than us but nothing is finished in the group. We are coming to the middle now and there is still a long way to go."