Moore strike gives Wales winning start

Wales opened their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win against fellow Euro 2020 qualifiers Finland in Helsinki.

Kieffer Moore struck ten minutes from time–his third international goal in six games – as he latched on to Daniel James’ inviting cross and rewarded Wales’ superiority at the Olympic Stadium.

The lack of pre-season training for both sets of players was evident and Wales captain Gareth Bale, making his first start since February, lasted only 45 minutes before being withdrawn at half-time.

But Wales called the tune for most of the night and deserved a third successive away win.

Wales started in positive fashion and had the ball in the net inside four minutes.

James sped down the left and cut back on to his right foot to deliver a cross which Moore headed in, although the celebrations were immediately cut short as German referee Daniel Siebert had spotted a tug on Leo Vaisanen.

Finland should have taken the lead four minutes after the break when Vaisanen, unmarked from two yards out, somehow managed to cannon his shot off a post when it was easier to score.

But Wales finished strongly and their good work was rewarded when James broke free and crossed for Moore to send Ryan Giggs’ side top of the group ahead of Bulgaria’s visit to Cardiff on Sunday.