Pages of history turn in Cardiff.

A header late in the first half from Kieffer Moore gave Wales an important, if unconvincing win over Latvia in Cardiff as they seek qualification to the European Championships in 2024.

Prior to the game, Wales fans had chance to say a huge ‘Diolch’ to talisman Gareth Bale. The record Welsh goal scorer has retired from football now and at this game – the first home fixture since Qatar – the FAW gave the former Spurs and Real Madrid star an opportunity to wave goodbye to the ‘Red Wall’ of Wales fans.

The fans responded in enthusiastic fashion, lapping up the montage of Bale moments shown on the giant screens.

But this was no night to bask in past glories. A terrific performance in Split in their opening qualifier, had seen Robert Page’s new look side off to a terrific start in their quest to reach Germany. Debutant Nathan Broadband had rescued a point in the dying seconds in Split.

Despite these heroics, Page went with the same starting XI as in Split to tackle the Latvians, so there was only a place on the bench for Ipswich Town striker Broadhead.

Harry Wilson almost gave the hosts the perfect start but visiting keeper Pāvels Šteinbors kept out his firm close-range drive.

Kieffer Moore was a threat for the Welsh and the Bournemouth striker almost eluded the visiting defence after quarter of an hour. Harry Wilson was also prominent for Robert Page’s men.

On the whole though, the game was evenly balanced and, it has to be said, somewhat lacking in flair.

A net flick from the visiting striker Vladislavs Gutkovskis almost caught Wales out and they responded with a firm shot from Moore as the tempo slowly increased. Neco Williams blazed a close effort beyond the crossbar.

Moore continued to pose an aerial threat and Ethan Ampadu fired another shot over as the interval drew near.

Right on cue though, it was that man Moore who headed firmly past Šteinbors on 41 minutes from a cross by Dan James.

The visitors responded to this setback with a series of ugly fouls but the Welsh stood firm to hold the lead at the break.

Williams warmed the Latvian keeper’s hands as Wales started the second half as they had ended the first.

The pace and mobility of James looked threatening for the hosts. Ampadu held things together in midfield as the Welsh maintained a tight grip on the game. The home fans were grateful to Danny Ward though, who blocked a shot from the dangerous Gutkovskis with his feet.

Wales created few meaningful chances as the game sank into something of a stalemate.

Page saw the need for fresh legs, replacing James with Split hero Broadhead with 20 minutes to go.

Wales continued to enjoy possession but that much needed second goal never looked close. Williams again shot over the bar.

With the clock ticking down, substitute Renars Varslavans wasted a chance on the edge of the area for the visitors. Wales held their nerve.

This had been a less than flowing performance from the Welsh. On the face of it, the new dawn had started well for Page’s men with four points from two games, though tougher nights than this may well lay ahead on the road to Germany.

Wales 1

Latvia 0

Att. 32,806

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt