WALES CZECH IN TO MAKE A POINT
WALES were unable to turn an impressive display into victory as they drew 2-2 in their World Cup qualifier with Czech Republic in Prague.
Aaron Ramsey put the away side ahead at Sinobo Stadium in fine fashion before Jakub Pesek equalised 90 seconds later.
The hosts went 2-1 up through a bizarre own goal from Danny Ward, although Daniel James’ fifth international goal earned Rob Page’s men a share of the spoils ahead of Monday night’s clash with Estonia.
Decked out in a full yellow strip, the visitors didn’t make the brightest of starts as Ramsey was booked inside the first minute due to a stray elbow.
But they looked incredibly lively on the counter attack through the likes of James, Kieffer Moore and the Juventus star.
However, they had Ward to thank on eight minutes as he pulled off a fine save to keep out Adam Hlozek’s driven shot after Ethan Ampadu gifted Czech Republic the ball from a throw-in.
With Ramsey pulling the strings, the visitors remained threatening, and they spurned a glorious chance to go 1-0 up as the skipper sprayed the ball to James who dithered before squaring to Moore whose shot was straight at Tomas Vaclik.
Jaroslav Silhavy’s men looked frustrated, and Wales struck gold in the 36th from a sublime counter attack that started with Ramsey heading into the path of Ampadu just outside his own box.
Ampadu fed Neco Williams whose cross ran all the way through to Ramsey who sprinted some 60 metres to reach the box before coolly cutting on to his right foot and slotting home.
It served as yet another reminder of just how important the 30-year-old is to the Red Dragons, although Wales’ ecstasy turned to dismay two minutes later as Ward could only parry Filip Novak’s shot into the path of Pesek who lashed home with the goal at his mercy.
And Wales were the masters of their own downfall as Ward made a hash of Ramsey’s firm back pass five minutes into the second half which led to the ball rolling into his own net.
Harry Wilson and Connor Roberts replaced Joe Morrell and Chris Gunter after an hour as Wales continued to push for an equaliser.
And Wilson registered a fine assist eight minutes after being introduced, with James firing beyond Vaclik to level proceedings.
Ramsey had a shot saved soon after before Moore headed inches wide as Wales threw the kitchen sink at the Czechs while defending their own goal heroically when required.
Although neither side found a late winner to ensure the race for second place in Group E remains wide open. Czech Republic: Vaclik; Mateju, Kalas, Celustka, Novak (Wiesner 84); Kral (Kuchta 84), Soucek (C); Pesek (Vydra 76), Barak (Sadilek 76), Hlozek (Zmrhal 90); Schick.
Subs not used: Mandous, Stanek,
Zima, Brabec, Kopic, Havel.
Yellow cards: Barak 26, Sadilek 90+1 Wales: Ward; Mepham (T Roberts 86), Rodon, Ampadu; Gunter (C Roberts 60), Allen, Morrell (Wilson 60), N Williams (Thomas 76); Ramsey (C), Moore, James.
Subs not used: Hennessey, ADavies, Lawrence, J Williams, Harris, Vaulks, Johnson, Cabango.
Yellow cards: Ramsey 1, Ampadu 26, Moore 90+2
Attendance: 16,856
Referee: Deniz Ayetkin
WALES Under-21’s slipped to a disappointing 1-0 defeat in their European Championship qualifier in Moldova yesterday afternoon.
It left Paul Bodin’s team with a record of one win, one draw and a defeat from their first three qualifiers.
They have another away game next Tuesday when they play The Netherlands in Nijmegen.