A four point start from two games for Wales : Euro2024 report, stats, pics
We look back to the game back in March which Cymru won 1-0. Having secured a draw in Croatia Wales were highly confident going into this game and it proved to be accurate.
Wales secured a 1-0 win against Latvia in Cardiff last night in front of a nigh on sell out red wall crowd. Good possession based football ensured the win with very little coming back at the home side. This win means Wales top their qualification group after two games.
A stunning Kieffer Moore header in the first half gave Wales a fully deserved win. Numerous chances were then spurned to increase the home sides lead, however four points from the opening two games is more than many expected. Swansea City’s Ollie Cooper got on the pitch right at the end for his first Wales cap.
Wales manager Rob Page has seen a marked improvement from his players since the World Cup disappointment. "We knew the challenges we were going to be up against. We got a point in Croatia and and have then won the home game, so it's job done. We created chances to win that game comfortably, and we nullified their threat. We know the importance of Kieffer. He played 90-odd minutes for us and the goal was excellent. We won't get carried away. It is a great start for us. It's an eight-game season, and the first two games have gone really well for us. There is a good energy in the changing room." On Bale, he added: "Gareth was with us last night. He had an evening meal with us, and he came in to see the lads before the game. He had his moment with the supporters, and rightly so. It would have been really special for him."
Latvia head coach Dainis Kazakevics: "Wales were stronger. While we could have done better, they had more possession and chances. Moore and (Aaron) Ramsey were two of the players we had identified before the game and, along with their wingers, were the main threats. In our preparations, we gave them most attention. We cannot be satisfied with the result."
Wales: Ward; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Williams; Morrell, Ampadu; Wilson (Cabango 90+3) Ramsey (C) (Cooper 90 ), James (Broadhead 72); Moore.
Subs not used: King, A Davies, Fox, Lockyer, L Harris, J James, Bradshaw, Thomas, Burns.
Goal: Moore 41
Yellow card: 🟨 Wilson 35
Latvia: Steinbors; Savalnieks, Oss, Cernomordijs (C), Sorokins (Jurkovskis 46); J Ikaunieks (Jaunzems 58), Zjuzins (Saveljevs 82), Tobers, Ciganiks (Varslavans 70); Uldrikis (Krollis 82), Gutkovskis.
Subs not used: Ozols, Purins, Tonisevs, Emsis, D Ikaunieks, Stuglis, Balodis.
Yellow cards: 🟨 Sorokins 45, Černomordijs 58, Zjuzins 62
Attendance: 33,000
Referee: Giorgi Kruashvili 7/10 : Allayed fears of favouritism from the start
Coming up
Wales continue their Euro 2024 Qualifying campaign on June 16 when they host Armenia in Cardiff - kick-off 7.45pm. Robert Page's side then travel to Turkey on June 19 - kick-off 7.45pm.
When is Germany 2024 ?
Germany are hosting the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from June 14 to July 14 2024. The format will be the same as Euro 2020, where the top two in each of the six final tournament groups will proceed to the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed finishers.
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