Football: Wales defeated Latvia in the Euro 2024 qualifying round
With a 1-0 victory over Latvia and the top spot in Group D, Wales maintained their strong start to the Euro 2024 qualifying round. Just before halftime, Moore’s forceful header from Daniel James’ cross nestled into the bottom corner of the goal to give Wales the lead.
In an effort to score a second goal, Neco Williams struck the crossbar for Wales. Before the game, Wales offered Gareth Bale, their all-time leading scorer, a guard of honour as he bid the home crowd farewell. Wales will be pleased with their start as they strive to make it to Germany in 2024, especially in light of their injury problems, retirements, and disappointing World Cup.
In Split, Robert Page’s team unexpectedly earned a last-second draw against the 2018 World Cup champions, giving them a chance to build on their promising start to the Euro qualifying campaign and secure a third consecutive trip to the European Championships.
As the stadium continued to echo after Bale’s speech and the always-energetic Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, Wales may have taken the lead within five minutes when James’ direct run and precise cross found Harry Wilson, but he shot straight at Steinbors in the Latvian goal.
While Danny Ward had to stretch out to stop Marcis Oss’ volley from a corner and Vladislavs Gutkovskis’ back-heeled attempt, Latvia was also guilty of blowing a significant early opportunity.
Only the Netherlands were able to defeat the visitors at home during World Cup qualification, but Ward also made a superb save in the second half to deny Gutkovskis once more.
Nonetheless, Wales was primarily pushing in Cardiff, with Moore shooting wide and shots from a distance being blocked by Moore, Williams, and Ethan Ampadu.
Wilson nearly increased Wales’ lead just before halftime, but Steinbors skillfully stopped him.
Moore, though, gave Wales a boost, and they kept up the tension after the break, with Wilson twice getting close to extending their advantage and Steinbors having to make a remarkable save to deny Williams. In contrast to Split, Latvia pushed as Wales’ anxiety mounted, but there would be no late comebacks.
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