World Cup 2022 qualifying: Wales 1-0 Czech Republic – James seals Wales win

Daniel James’ late header gave Wales a valuable win over the Czech Republic in a fiery World Cup qualifier wherein each groups had a person despatched off.

Czech striker Patrik Schick was proven a straight crimson card early within the second half for elevating his hand to the face of Connor Roberts, who was later despatched off for a second reserving.

As each side searched desperately for a profitable aim, Bale delivered an inviting cross from the left wing, which James met with a brilliantly directed header to safe Wales’ first win of the marketing campaign.

The consequence strikes Wales as much as third place in Group E, one level behind the Czech Republic in second and 4 adrift of leaders Belgium, albeit having performed one sport fewer than each.

Regardless of solely being Wales’ second sport of the marketing campaign, this fixture already had a heightened sense of significance for each side.

When the draw was made, Belgium have been overwhelming favourites to high Group E and qualify robotically because the world’s quantity one-ranked workforce.

Because of this, Wales and the Czech Republic have been anticipated to battle it out for second place and a play-off spot, although the guests might need set their sights greater after drawing with Belgium on Saturday.

Wales might also have felt they might likelihood their arm for a shot at high spot as a result of profitable their Nations League group in November had already all-but assured them a play-off place.

In the event that they did have such lofty ambitions, Wales would have parked them throughout a primary half wherein they have been overrun and outplayed.

The Czech Republic began purposefully, passing the ball confidently and urgent Wales into uncomfortable positions, forcing them to play lengthy balls which got here to nothing with their regular goal Kieffer Moore on the bench.

With Wales unable to maintain the ball in assault, the away aspect loved as a lot as 75% possession and created three early possibilities for Jankto, who fired one shot at Danny Ward and one other two narrowly huge.

Wales regarded devoid of concepts, enjoying the type of direct soccer Moore would relish – simply with out the Cardiff Metropolis striker on the pitch.

For all their struggles, nonetheless, it was the hosts who created the most effective likelihood of the primary half.

Neco Williams curled in a tremendous cross from the left and Bale rose effectively to satisfy it, however volleyed his shot into the bottom, permitting Tomas Vaclik to tip it over the bar.

Aside from that squandered alternative, the Czech Republic have been nonetheless effectively on high and, after Schick and Jankto each went shut with one other two possibilities, Wales have been glad to enter the break degree.

The complexion of the match modified early within the second half when Schick was proven a straight crimson card for elevating his hand to the face of Roberts, who made the many of the contact with a theatrical dive.

Regardless of the crimson card, the Czech Republic weren’t content material to carry on for a draw and changed midfielder Tomas Holes with striker Michael Krmencik.

The guests then got here shut as soon as once more to taking the lead, as Vladimir Darida’s lofted move over the Welsh defence freed Lukas Provod, who went previous Ward, however was then thwarted by an excellent masking deal with from James Lawrence.

The match was being performed at a ferocious tempo at this level and it took one other twist when Roberts was proven a second yellow card after his elbow brushed Tomas Soucek whereas difficult for a header.

Though each groups have been now all the way down to 10 males, Wales had grown in confidence throughout their interval with the additional participant they usually nonetheless felt the sport was there for the taking.

Moore got here on and gave their assault a focus, and he slipped a tremendous move to James, who rounded Vaclik, however noticed his shot deflected huge by the Czech keeper.

Then with 9 minutes left, the Manchester United winger discovered himself within the penalty space as soon as extra, this time on the finish of a pinpoint Bale cross which he guided fantastically into the online with a managed header into the bottom.

Wales’ celebrations demonstrated the significance of the aim, however victory was not but assured.

They needed to navigate a couple of anxious moments in added time, none extra so than a Czech nook which fell to Ondrej Celustka, whose shot was heroically blocked at point-blank vary by Joe Rodon.

That proved to be the Czech Republic’s remaining likelihood and, as the ultimate whistle blew, the Welsh gamers’ roars spoke of their aid and delight at securing what might show to be a win of giant significance.