Daniel James’ late goal secures victory for Wales over the Czech Republic

Manchester United star Daniel James added a magnificent late goal to clinch an important win for Wales as they strive to reach the World Cup finals in Qatar.

Wales began without Cardiff striker Kieffer Moore, manager Robert Page choosing to start with Gareth Bale and James up top. Harry Wilson added a Cardiff dimension in midfield while Connor Roberts hoped to produce his Swansea form at wing-back.

The Czech Republic included Ondrej Kudela, who some had expected to miss the clash over security concerns following a recent Rangers racism row.

This would be no easy task for the home side, the Czech outfit having taken four points from their opening two games.

Three longish throws into the box from Roberts came to nothing, which showed an early indication that Moore was sadly missed in the box with his height and strength.

At the other end, a shot from Jakub Jankto flashed wide. A slip from ex-Swansea star Joe Rodon almost let Jankto in again moments later.

In the 17th minute, James fell to a hefty challenge but Wilson’s cross failed to find a Welsh head. Bale danced his way to a corner but again the cross found no Welshman as a theme emerged in all of those chances.

Slavia Prague’s Lukas Provod was effective for the visitors as the Welsh failed to unpick a stubborn and composed defence.

In the 35th minute, we finally saw a Welsh threat. Bale’s close-range prod brought out a wonder save from Tomas Vaclik in the Czech goal.

The visitors ended the half on the front foot as you wondered if Page would make any interval changes. In the dying embers of the first-half, James tumbled in the box but the referee saw little in it of interest and waved appeals away as the half was ended.

Patrik Schick saw red early in the second-half for an innocuous-looking tangle with Roberts as the balance potentially shifted towards Wales.

Former Wrexham manager Dean Saunders had labelled Page a “Supply Teacher” but perhaps the Wales boss finally learned his lesson after 55 minutes, bringing on the Cardiff talisman Moore to replace Chris Mepham. Seconds later Wales were grateful to James Lawrence for a stunning last-ditch tackle to prevent a certain goal.

Moore’s inclusion had added some bite upfront as the game became almost end to end, Provod falling in the Welsh box as the 10 men continued to make a fight of it.

Inevitably Wales were more of a threat, with the pace of James and Bale an obvious outlet. Czech skipper Vladimir Darida blasted one over on the hour mark to remind Wales that they were still in a game.

One Bluebird replaced another as Jonny Williams took over from Wilson but the numbers game evened up almost immediately as Connor Roberts was sent off for an untidy but harmless bit of shoving.

With just nine minutes left, James found space to magnificently head home a cross from Bale. Wales had a chance to make it two as Moore curled an effort wide in the 84th minute.

Wales dug deep as the Czech invaders poured forward. An eye-watering block from Rodon brought cheers worthy of a goal.

The hosts clutched onto the three points and were able to hold on to an expertly converted victory against a pressing Czech side.

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