Wales v Kazakhstan player ratings: Nantes star gets 9 in opening victory
Sorba Thomas of Wales ahead of kick off. Iceland v Wales in the UEFA Nations League at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium on the 11th October 2024.
Wales began their 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign with a 3-1 home victory against a tricky Kazakhstan at The Cardiff City Stadium.
Daniel James opened the scoring in the ninth minute thanks to a deflected effort before the visitors levelled from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after Connor Roberts was judged to have handled in the area.
Captain Ben Davies restored the lead two minutes into the second-half with a well taken header before substitute Rabbi Matondo sealed victory with his first international goal in the 90th minute.
Here is a look at the player ratings from the Wales victory that extended Craig Bellamy’s unbeaten start as head coach.
Karl Darlow – 6
In a relatively quiet night for the keeper he only had one real stop to make and came close to stopping the penalty. It will be interesting to see if he retains the shirt on Tuesday night.
Neco Williams – 7
A solid defensive display from the Nottingham Forest man with some well timed tackles denying the visitors. He came close to extending the lead forcing a great save from Alexandr Marochkin.
Joe Rodon – 7
Rodon as he so often is was dominant in both boxes and won near enough every aerial ball that entered his box. A shame that there was no clean sheet for him tonight.
Ben Davies (C) – 8
Davies stepped up with a captain’s goal when they really needed it to ease the pressure around the stadium following a frustrating first half. He was solid defensively and will be frustrated not to keep a clean sheet.
Connor Roberts – 6
It was a relatively strong night from the Burnley man but he did get caught out in giving away the penalty to the visitors leaving the home side under some pressure.
Josh Sheehan – 7
You can see why Bellamy likes Sheehan in midfield because of his calm presence in possession and ability to break up opposition breakaways. there was one mistake early that went unpunished but overall recycled the ball well in midfield.
David Brooks – 6
Brooks showed a really intensity on both sides of the ball and there is no doubt he can produce moments of magic to open up defences, but we just didn’t see it tonight. He could have done better with the opportunity to play in Sorba Thomas in the first half.
Liam Cullen – 6
The opening goal came from his hard work to regain possession. He looked to be more involved later in the game when in his more natural advanced midfield position.
Sorba Thomas – 9
He looked dangerous down both flanks and delivered some great crosses including the pinpoint corner for the second goal and setting up the third in a great attacking performance. He also worked hard off the ball as expected in this Bellamy system.
Daniel James – 8
His speed is always an issue for any defender and it’s a real weapon for Wales going forward. He created plenty of crossing opportunities although his delivery was mixed. He took his chance well to open the scoring and had a real intensity to his press.
Brennan Johnson – 5
Johnson lead the line well and did a good job at applying pressure to the opposition defence forcing some turnovers. There is still a need for him to improve his attacking output in the red shirt and didn’t get on the end of the many Welsh crosses.
Jordan James – 7
A second half substitute and he looked to try and assert himself on the game straight away coming close to extending the lead with one of his first touches and looked a threat in the final quarter of the game. His presence on the field provided more balance to the Welsh midfield.
Mark Harris – 5
A second half change from Bellamy who looked to maintain the high pressing intensity in the forward line.
Rabbi Matondo – 7
A late substitute for Wales to help them see out the final minutes. He done his job well getting his first international goal to seal all three points.
