Kieffer Moore scored the only goal of the game to help Wales produce one of the narrow football results of the weekend in Euro 2024 qualifying. Following his retirement from football in January, former Wales captain and record goalscorer Gareth Bale was given a send-off before kick-off as he thanked supporters for their support during his career. Wales had a rough start to the game, but they gained the lead just before halftime (41) when Moore rose to meet Dan James’ cross to secure a win over the group’s bottom-ranked club. Wales are now tied on four points with Zlatko Dalic’s side but ahead on the head-to-head record thanks to Nathan Broadhead’s late goal in Split.
Wales had a strong start and came close to taking the lead when James’ cross found Harry Wilson in the box, but the Fulham winger’s shot was straight at Latvia goalkeeper Pavels Steinbors. The visitors nearly caught Page’s side off guard from a corner, as Danny Ward had to reach down low to his left to keep away Latvia defender Marcis Oss’ first-time effort. For the majority of the first half, Latvia was able to keep the home crowd quiet, confining Wales to speculative shots from distance. Wilson, Moore, and Ethan Ampadu all tried their hardest to beat Steinbors but were unable.
But Moore scored four minutes before halftime, leaping highest to head James’ lofted pass into the bottom corner, igniting the Cardiff City Stadium. Wales were encouraged by their first goal and twice came close to increasing their lead early in the second half, only for Latvia goalkeeper Steinbors to save efforts from Neco Williams and Wilson, diverting the former’s strike into the goal frame. Latvia rated 133rd in the FIFA world rankings, fought valiantly but were unable to claw their way back into the game as Wales controlled the game and went into a solid position in Group D after two games.
Bale was serenaded on the pitch at Cardiff City Stadium when he was sent off by Wales fans – and he left them with a parting note.
“I just want to express how proud I am to have represented my nation and played in front of the best supporters in the world,” former Wales captain Gareth Bale said. “You’ve been there for me and my family at our lowest and highest points. It’s been a pleasure to play in front of you my entire career. You’ve helped shape it into what it is now, and I’ll be rooting for you. I hope to see you sometime in the future.”
“We were aware of the difficulties we would face. We got a point in Croatia and then won at home, so the task is done. We generated opportunities to easily win that game, and we neutralized their threat,” Wales manager Rob Page said. “We understand Kieffer’s significance. He played 90 minutes for us and scored a great goal. We’re not going to get carried away. It’s a fantastic start for us. It’s an eight-game season, and our first two games have gone exceptionally well. The energy level in the locker area is high. Gareth joined us yesterday night. He joined us for tea and came in to see the lads before the game. He got his moment with the fans, and he deserved it. It would have been truly unique for him.”
“Wales was superior. While we should have performed better, they had more possession and opportunities,” Latvia boss Dainis Kazakevics said. “Moore and (Aaron) Ramsey were two of the players we recognized prior to the game as the biggest dangers, along with their wingers. We paid special attention to them during our preparations. We are dissatisfied with the outcome.”
Wales’ Euro 2024 Qualification campaign continues on June 16 when they play Armenia at 7.45 p.m. in Cardiff. Robert Page’s team will subsequently travel to Turkey on June 19 for a 7.45 p.m. kick-off. Latvia’s next game is against Turkey at home on June 16 at 7.45 p.m., followed by a trip to Armenia on June 19 at 5 p.m.
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