2022 World Cup qualifiers: Wales 1-0 Czech Republic – James seals Wales victory

Daniel James’ late header gave Wales a precious victory over the Czech Republic in a World Cup qualifier in which both sides had a man sent off.

Czech striker Patrik Schick received a red card early in the second half for raising his hand in the face of Connor Roberts, who was then sent off for a second booking.

As both teams desperately searched for a winning goal, Bale delivered an inviting left-wing cross, whom James met with a brilliantly directed header to secure Wales’ first victory of the campaign.

The result propels Wales to third place in Group E, one point behind the Czech Republic in second and four adrift of the Belgian leaders, although they were one game less than both.

Despite being only the second game of the Wales campaign, this game already had a heightened sense of importance for both sides.

When the draw was made, Belgium were overwhelmingly favored to top Group E and automatically qualify as the World’s First Team.

As a result, Wales and the Czech Republic had to fight for second place and a place in the play-offs, although the visitors could have looked higher after drawing with Belgium on Saturday.

Wales may also have felt they could try their arm for a first-place shot because winning their Nations League group in November had already almost guaranteed them a play-off spot.

If they had had such ambitions, Wales would have penned them in for a first half in which they were passed and outclassed.

The Czech Republic started on purpose, passing the ball confidently and pushing Wales into awkward positions, forcing them to play long balls that came to nothing with their usual target Kieffer Moore on the bench.

With Wales unable to keep the ball on offense, the away side took advantage of 75% possession and created three early chances for Jankto, who fired a shot at Danny Ward and two others narrowly.

Wales seemed devoid of ideas, playing the kind of straightforward football Moore would love – just without the Cardiff City striker on the pitch.

Despite all their struggles, however, it was the hosts who created the best chance in the first half.

Neco Williams curled up a handsome cross from the left and Bale got up nicely to meet him, but stole his shot into the ground, allowing Tomas Vaclik to tip him over the bar.

Aside from that wasted opportunity, the Czech Republic were still well on top and, after Schick and Jankto moved closer with two more chances, Wales were happy to enter the breaking level.

The complexion of the match changed early in the second half when Schick was given a red card for putting his hand in the face of Roberts, who made the most of the contact with a theatrical dive.

Despite the red card, the Czech Republic didn’t just hold the draw and replaced midfielder Tomas Holes with striker Michael Krmencik.

The visitors then nearly took the lead, as Vladimir Darida’s high pass over the Welsh defense freed Lukas Provod, who passed Ward but was later thwarted by a brilliant cover tackle from James Lawrence.

The game was playing at a fierce pace at this point and it took another twist when Roberts received a second yellow card after his elbow grazed Tomas Soucek while defying a header.

Although both teams are now down to 10 men, Wales had gained confidence during their spell with the extra player and they still believed the game was there for the taking.

Moore came on and gave their offense a focal point, and he slipped a nice pass to James, who rounded Vaclik but saw his shot deflected by the Czech keeper.

Then, nine minutes to go, the Manchester United winger found himself in the penalty area, this time after a cross from Bale which he guided superbly into the net with a controlled header in the ground.

The Wales celebrations demonstrated the importance of the goal, but victory was not yet assured.

They must have sailed a few anxious moments in extra time, nothing more than a Czech corner that fell to Ondrej Celustka, whose shot was heroically blocked at close range by Joe Rodon.

It turned out to be the Czech Republic’s last chance and, as the final whistle was blown, the roars of the Welsh players spoke of their relief and joy at winning what could turn out to be a victory for a great importance.