Wales maintained their good start to Euro 2024 qualifying as Kiefer Moore’s header earned them a 1-0 victory over Latvia and put them top of Group D.
Wales took the lead shortly before the break as Moore’s powerful header curled into the bottom corner of the net from Daniel James’ cross.
Nico Williams rattled the crossbar as Wales attempted a second goal.
Wales gave record scorer Gareth Bale a pre-match guard of honor as he bid farewell to the home supporters.
It proved to be a night to celebrate for Wales as they topped their group thanks to an away goal in Croatia, who were 2-0 winners in Turkey and have four points from their opening two games. .
Considering their injury problems, retirements and disappointing World Cup, Wales will be delighted with their start as they bid to reach Germany in 2024.
Wales impress after Gareth Bale goodbye
Ahead of the start of this campaign there was much talk about how Wales would move forward following the retirement of their captain, record caps holder and top goalscorer Bale, a giant of Welsh football. On the shoulders of the whole nation.
Wales fans were given the chance to say goodbye to their talisman before the match as he was introduced to the crowd and given a standing ovation.
“What an honor it is to represent this country and play in front of the best fans in the world,” he said.
“You have supported me and my family and the entire team through the lows and highs.
“I can’t thank you enough and it’s been the greatest pleasure of my entire career to play in front of you.
“I will miss playing in front of you but make sure you keep supporting the boys.
“You, the fans, are Welsh football. You make it so special. Hope to see you soon in the future. Thank you.”
There was a feeling that Bale’s appearance would add to another special night for Wales fans at the Cardiff City Stadium as the atmosphere crackled and their breakthrough moment came four minutes before the break when Moore headed James K. Powers home a header after a pinpoint cross.
It was no less than Wales deserved for a positive, front-footed display and they went close to a second goal when Latvian goalkeeper Pivels Stanbors made a superb save to tip Williams’ effort onto the crossbar.
Having been outplayed for a spell in Croatia, Wales knew the dangers of going into the game with a one-goal lead, but were disciplined enough to hold on to their lead without fear. .
Wales build on surprise Split point
After an unexpected last-half draw against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia in Split, it was a chance for Robert Page to make a strong start to their Euro qualifying campaign as they reach a third consecutive European Championship. They were bidding.
Wales might have gone ahead within five minutes as the ground was still buzzing with noise after Bale’s speech and the ever-rousing version of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, as James’ direct run and pinpoint cross found Harry. Finds Wilson, but he fires straight at Stanbors in Latvian. the aim
However, Latvia were also guilty of missing a big early chance as Danny Ward needed to do his best to save Markus Oss’s volley from a corner, while Vladislav Gutkoskis also had to save a backheel effort. .
Ward also made a fine second-half save to deny Gutkowski again as the visitors showed why they have been a tougher test on the road than at home in World Cup qualifying, where only the Netherlands could beat them. I succeeded.
However, it was mostly Wales pressing in Cardiff with Moore running wide and Moore, Williams and Ethan Ampadu all seeing shots from distance go straight over the top.
Wilson almost extended Wales’ advantage on the stroke of half-time, but was brilliantly denied by Stan Bors.
However, Moore gave Wales the lift and they kept the pressure on after the break, with Wilson twice going close to extending their lead and Stan Bors making an incredible stop to deny Williams.
Latvia pushed on as Wales’ nerves grew, but unlike in Split, late heroics were not to be had.
