DAN James’ second half goal earned Wales a point in their World Cup Qualifier against the Czzech Republic on Friday night (Oct 8).
Wales took the lead in the first only to see the Czechs hit back just a minute later. Danny Ward’s bizarre own goal put the home side ahead but James scored with twenty minutes to go to make it 2-2.
Chances followed for Aaron Ramsey and Harry Wilson but they could not find a winning goal.
It means they and the Czech Republic stay locked on the same amount of points
There was an early chance for the home side as Patrick Schick played in Adam Hlozek but his shot was well saved by Danny Ward.
With seventeen minutes gone Wales broke and Dan James slipped the ball in for Kieffer Moore but Czech keeper Tomas Vaclik came out well to block Moore’s effort.
There was a yellow card for Ethan Ampadu on 25 minutes for his challenge but replays showed he got the ball before taking out a Czech player.
On 35 minutes Wales broke from a Czech corner and when a cross into the box was missed by Dan James the ball fell to Aaron Ramsey who had time to compose himself before curling the ball back across goal and into the net.
The lead did not last long though as from kick off, Filip Novak’s shot was blocked but only into the path of Jakub Pesek who tapped in to level the game up.
The Czechs won a corner on the stroke of half time but Wales defended well before the referee brought the first half to an end.
The second half was only four minutes when the Czechs took the lead in bizarre fashion. Ramsey’s pass back to Ward looked like one the Welsh keeper would deal with but the ball brushed off his foot and it bounced into the net.
Stung by that setback Wales went in search of a way back into the game and with an hour gone they brought on Harry Wilson in place of Joe Morrell.
James then crossed into the box for Moore at the back post but his header was tame and was easily saved by the Czech keeper.
Moments later Schick sent an inviting cross into the box but there were no takers as the ball flashed across the box.
With just over twenty minutes to go it was Wilson who slipped the ball through for James and the Leeds United man produced a composed finish into the left corner of the net.
Wilson was at it again just a minute later, this time slipping a pass in for Ramsey but his effort was saved.
Wilson then saw a shot blocked wide before Moore’s header went just wide.
The Czechs were still a threat going forward but Wales defended well as they blocked a series of shots to keep the game level.
Connor Roberts’ cheeky effort hit the side netting before James slipped as he sent a shot wide.
Sub Sadilek blazed a shot over with five minutes to go as the Czech’s looked for a winner.
Wales were clearly not thinking of holding on for a point as Rob Page brought Tyler Roberts on Chris Mepham having also earlier brought on Sorba Thomas for his debut.
Wales attacked late on but they were unable to find a winner as both sides settled for a point.
The draw sees both sides move on to eight points but with Wales having played a game less.
On Monday, October 11, Wales travel to Tallinn to face Estonia, who will have been buoyed by their win over Belarus tonight.
The Czechs are also in action on Monday as they travel to Belarus.
