Wales pegged back in Slovakia

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Highlights of the European Qualifier Group E game between Slovakia and Wales.

Highlights of the European Qualifier Group E game between Slovakia and Wales.

Kieffer Moore’s first international goal helped Wales stay in pursuit of qualification for Euro 2020 with a 1-1 draw in Slovakia.

Ryan Giggs’ selection gamble to hand Moore his first competitive start was vindicated inside 25 minutes in Trnava as the Wigan striker headed Wales in front with his first goal for his country.

Wales had the better of the first half but Slovakia got their reward for a spirited second-half fightback as Juraj Kucka’s sumptuous volley levelled the contest within eight minutes of the restart.

It was backs to the walls for Wales from there on, with the hosts laying siege on their goal until Norbert Gyomber’s late dismissal for two bookable offences, but they dug in to secure a credible point on a night where they might have had all three.

Giggs sprung two surprises ahead of kick-off by handing Moore and Tom Lockyer their first competitive starts for Wales, and the latter’s blushes were spared on 11 minutes when Ethan Ampadu’s brilliant blocked prevented Robert Mak from punishing his indecision on the ball.

Wales utilised their pace on the counter to ensure both side weather the early Slovakian pressure, Daniel James saw a near-post header deflect wide of goal on 17 minutes before Gareth Bale’s struck the angle of post and bar with a header of his own seven minutes later.

And the breakthrough followed soon after for Wales as James stood a cross up from the left which allowed Moore to head his landmark goal beyond the wrong-footed Martin Dubravka.

Bale and James both tested the Newcastle goalkeeper before the break, but his resistance was rewarded on 53 minutes when Kucka pounced on a Connor Roberts defensive header and lashed a stunning equaliser past Wayne Hennessey.

Slovakia sensed an opportunity to put Wales’ qualification hopes to bed with a sustained period of pressure, but Hennessey’s stunning save at full stretch prevented Albert Rusnak low drive from put the hosts ahead.

Centre-back Joe Rodon nearly snatched a dramatic win on two occasions, but his deflected close-range header and acrobatic overhead kick flashes over as Wales settled for point ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash with Croatia in Cardiff.

What’s next?

Wales vs Croatia

October 13, 2019, 7:15pm

Live on

Wales host World Cup runners-up Croatia at the Cardiff City Stadium at 7.45pm on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Football from 7.15pm. Slovakia entertain Paraguay in an international friendly in Bratislava at the same time.

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