DAN WARDS OFF DANGER FOR WALES

DAN JAMES saved Wales from a costly defeat after keeper Danny Ward made a horrendous blunder.

Ward astonishingly miscontrolled Aaron Ramsey’s second-half backpass as the shot-stopper conceded a crazy own goal.

It put the hosts 2-1 up after Ramsey’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Jakub Pesek.

But James came to the rescue 21 minutes from time with a fine goal to the delight of 1,400 away fans – and Ward’s huge relief.

The draw keeps alive Wales’ hopes of overhauling the Czechs for second place in Group E and a play-off shot at next year’s World Cup.

Even if they miss out, Wales are likely to get a play-off spot anyway due to their successful Nations League campaign. But their route will be much more favourable if they can finish second after their remaining games against Estonia, Belarus, and leaders Belgium.

This gritty draw still gives them a fighting chance after coping without captain and record-scorer Gareth Bale, who has 36 goals in 99 caps. Ramsey returned to take the armband instead and he ensured Wales took the lead in the 36th minute after a superb, composed finish for his 18th goal in 68 appearances.

Rob Page’s side had earlier been guilty of a lack of composure in front of goal when James blew a two-on-one as Kieffer Moore’s low, right-foot shot was saved. But they were clinical with a slick counter from a Czech corner as Ramsey latched on to James’ flick from Neco Williams’ cross before cutting back inside on to his right-foot to bamboozle the keeper and curl into the net.

Yet the visitors’ lead lasted just two minutes as the Czechs promptly equalised. Ward got down well to his left to keep out Filip Novak’s shot, but the rebound fell straight to Pesek.

Wales suffered another body blow in the 49th minute when Ward miscontrolled Ramsey’s backpass and couldn’t prevent it crossing the line.

Shell-shocked Wales then made two positive changes as Page introduced Harry Wilson and Connor Roberts. Fulham wideman Wilson was deployed in a more central role and he made an instant impact.

It was his ball that released James to level in the 69th minute with a fine right-foot finish for his fifth Welsh goal, which stood despite a VAR check. Wilson also teed up Ramsey for a shot in a dramatic finale as Moore headed wide from Connor Roberts’ cross.

Wales keeper Danny Ward after he put ball in his own net