Kieffer Moore got the only goal as Wales beat Latvia by a goal at Cardiff City Stadium. Moore’s first-half header was enough for the win.
After Cymru had controlled most of the game and had the better possession it took to the 40th minute for Kieffer Moore to open the scoring. Cymru had chances throughout the half and Moore went close as did Ethan Ampadu. Harry Wilson also saw two shots blocked and a late chance saved.
Cymru continued the same way in the second half as they looked to get the second goal. The visitors allowing the host to have large periods of the ball. Latvia were sitting deep but were looking dangerous when they ventured forward. However they rarely threatened Danny Ward’s goal in the second half and Cymru secured their first win of the campaign.
Cymru go top of the group with Croatia, both on four points after Croatia beat Turkey 2-0.
Early chance for Cymru as Dan James was able to break down the left. James whipped a low ball into the box where he found Wilson who first time hit was saved by Steinbiors.
Janis Ikaunieks had a shot for the visitors, but it was well blocked by the Welsh defence. Latvia had another chance from the preceding corner which forced a reflex save from Danny Ward.
Kristers Tobers forced Ward into action again when he flicked on a pacy ball into the box. Ward was quick to react and divert the ball from goal.
Connor Roberts did well down the right to get to the by-line and cut the ball back to the edge of the area to Moore. Moore set himself and sent a shot just over the bar.
A cross from Dan James found Kieffer Moore at the back post who headed back into the centre. Harry Wilson came in at pace and hit a shot that was blocked. Wilson convinced it was hand ball, but nothing given.
In the 40th minute the Cymru pressure told with Kieffer Moore rising at the back post to head home. Great cross into Moore from Dan James.
A well worked free kick on halfway set Harry Wilson away for an effort outside the box which the keeper was forced to turn around the post.
Half Time: Cymru 1-0 Latvia
Neco Wiliams almost had the second as he cut inside and unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot towards the top corner. Latvia keeper Steinbiors with top draw save to deny Williams.
Wilson went close again with a curling effort from the edge of the box. Linking up with Morell and Ramsey just outside the box Wilson saw a chance to shot went close to getting the second goal.
Vladislavs Gutkovskis went post Rodon and was able to get a shot on goal. Ward again with a smart save to deny the Latvian forward.
Latvia sent the ball into Gutkovskis in the box, but Neco Williams was in with a fine tackle to stop him having a chance at goal.
Aaron Ramsey picked the ball up on the left from Nathan Broadhead and fed it into Williams. Williams stuck a low shot just wide of the post.
Latvia threw the ball forward in added time trying to find captain Cermorordijs but Ward collected and held the ball.
Full Time: Cymru 1-0 Latvia
Cymru: Danny Ward (G), Neco Williams, Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Harry Wilson (Ben Cabango 90+1), Aaron Ramsey © (Ollie Cooper 90), Kieffer Moore, Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Morrell, Dan James (Nathan Broadhead 72).
Goals: Kieffer Moore 40.
Yellow Cards: Harry Wilson 35.
Latvia: Pavels Steinbiors (G), Vladislavs Sorokins (Raivis Jurkovkis 46), Marcis Oss, Antonijs Cermorordijs ©, Kristers Tobers, Vladislavs Gutkovskis, Janis Ikaunieks (Alvis Jaunzems 59), Roberts Savajnieks, Andrejs Ciganieks (Renars Varslavans 68), Arturs Zjuzins (Aleksejs Savelijevs 82), Roberts Uldrikis (Raimonds Krollis 82).
Yellow Cards: Vladislavs Sorokins 43, Antonijs Cermorordijs 58.
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