Moore strikes first... but Wales have to settle for point in Euro bid
KIEFFER Moore’s first international goal was not enough for Wales as they were held to a 1-1 draw in their Euro 2020 qualifier with Slovakia at the Anton Malatinsky Stadium.
Wigan striker Moore headed home in the first half on what was only his second appearance for the national side.
But Juraj Kucka’s second half volley ensured the spoils were shared, despite Norbert Gyomber’s late red card, meaning Wales remain in fourth place in their qualifying group, albeit with a game in hand over each of the sides above them.
Giggs made four changes from the side that started the last qualifier against Azerbaijan, and two alterations in particular raised a few eyebrows.
Charlton’s Tom Lockyer and Moore were both handed their first competitive starts for Wales while Ben Davies and Jonny Williams were also included from the outset.
It meant Wales boasted yet another new centre-back pairing, with Swansea City’s Joe Rodon partnering Lockyer at the heart of a back four while Ethan Ampadu was chosen alongside Joe Allen in midfield, despite failing to play a single minute for RB Leipzig this term.
The match was due to be played behind closed doors following UEFA’s decision to punish Slovakia due to the racist behaviour of some of their fans in a qualifying match against Hungary last month.
But there was barely an empty seat in the house, with more than 2,100 members of the Red Wall also in attendance after the Slovakian Football Association had successfully appealed their stadium ban.
A falcon circled the 19,200-seater stadium prior to kick-off, as is tradition for the side nicknamed the Falcons.
And while they couldn’t make a flying start as they did in the reverse fixture in March, Giggs’ men started on the front foot, with Moore proving his worth in the air.
Gareth Bale - captaining his country once again with Ashley Williams left on the bench - had a shot blocked early on before Jonny Williams couldn’t quite pick out Moore in the box with a cross from the left.
The home supporters continued to make full use of their cardboard clappers, but Wales were happy enough to soak in the deafening jeers as they attempted retain possession for prolonged periods.
Although the noise levels were ramped up soon after as Lockyer was caught in possession, and Robert Mak drilled an effort at goal from 12 yards out, but Ampadu was alert to make a block reminiscent of Ben Davies’ goal saver against the same opposition at Euro 2016.
Slovakia fans were cheering soon after, although only to celebrate referee Carlos del Cerro Grande’s decision to show Bale a yellow card for fouling Stanislav Lobotka.
But the Real Madrid star very nearly silenced the home supporters after darting up the right wing before crossing to Daniel James, although the Manchester United winger was unable to rise above his marker to head home.
Wayne Hennessey - who is yet to play for Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season - made a routine catch after David Hancko headed Marek Hamsik’s corner goalwards.
Wales went even closer at the other end, with only the crossbar preventing Bale from scoring his third goal against Slovakia after he nodded Connor Roberts’ cross goalwards.
But the away supporters were sent into raptures in the 25th minute as James beat his man on the left before lifting the ball into the box for Moore to head home his first Wales goal on only his second international appearance. It was just the reward Moore deserved after he had become battered and bruised as a result of his efforts early on, with Giggs’ decision to select the forward looking like something of a masterstroke.
And Wales remained dangerous on the break, although they were cut open in the 36th minute which allowed Zenit St. Peterburg’s Mak to fire at goal, but Hennessey was well placed to make the save.
Jonny Williams - and Giggs on the sidelines - were furious after the referee failed to award the visitors a pen