NEED MOORE OF THE SAME
Hero Kieffer gets Wales off to a flying start
KIEFFER MOORE struck a late winner for Wales as Ryan Giggs’ big gamble paid off in Helsinki.
Dragons boss Giggs substituted skipper Gareth Bale at the break – but Moore showed how key he has become to the Welsh cause by hitting the 80th-minute winner.
It ensured the injury-hit visitors got their Nations League campaign off to a flyer.
The Cardiff targetman hit his third goal in six matches, slamming home Daniel James’ cross to inflict a rare home defeat on the Finns.
Bale has barely played for Real Madrid following his fall-out with boss Zinedine Zidane, and he looked rusty last ni g ht. Gi g g s decided to save his legs ahead of Sunday’s home tie against Bulgaria.
And there was a huge turning point after Leo Vaisanen somehow hit the post from two yards out for Finland after the break. Giggs ( right) handed Manchester United teenager Dylan Levitt a surprise first start in midfield.
It was the 16th debut Giggs has given in his 20 matches in charge since he was appointed in 2018.
His side almost made the perfect start when Moore found the back of the he net with a header. But the big man’s effort from a right-footed cross from James was ruled out for a tug on Vaisanen.
Wales started better, talisman Bale curling a left-foot shot wide from the edge of the box in the 16th minute after James intercepted a loose pass.
Finland showed their capabilities when Joni Kauko also hit the back of the net but his effort was ruled out after Joel Pohjanpalo was flagged offside for his headed lay-off.
Wales remained the more dangerous side as they controlled the possession with Ethan Ampadu helping Wales with his assured distribution from the back.
Bale made his 84th appearance for Wales but only played the first half, as planned. l He looked well short of hs dynamic best on his first competitive action since June 24.
He was replaced by Harry Wilson and Finland, perhaps encouraged by Bale’s withdrawal, were significantly better after the restart. They almost took the lead in the 50th minute when Vaisanen somehow hit the post from three yards out.
Giggs then gave Liverpool’s Neco Williams his debut off the bench.
And he was able to celebrate a winning start to his international career thanks to Moore’s side-foot finish to ensure Wales’ third successive win.