- Daniel James (5')
James strikes to give Wales narrow win over Slovakia
Wales made a winning start to their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign as Daniel James scored his first international goal on his competitive debut to give them a 1-0 home win over Slovakia in Group E.
Swansea midfielder James delighted the home fans in a packed Cardiff City Stadium when he robbed defender Peter Pekarik and unleashed a low shot past keeper Martin Dubravka in the fifth minute.
The Slovaks, who beat Hungary 2-0 at home in their opening match on Thursday, went close to snatching a draw in the second half but were denied by a pair of superb saves from Wayne Hennessey.
The Wales keeper thwarted Albert Rusnak from close range in the 54th minute and kept out a Michal Duris header in the 74th as the visitors pressed forward in search of an equaliser.
In between those two chances, Dubravka somehow parried a stinging Harry Wilson volley, while Pekarik almost made amends for his early error when he headed inches wide in the closing stages.
Game Information
UEFA European Championship Qualifying Standings
Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Albania | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | +8 | 15 |
Czechia | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | +6 | 15 |
Poland | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 11 |
Moldova | 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | -3 | 10 |
Faroe Islands | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6 | -11 | 2 |