Wales 2-1 Slovakia: EURO 2016 Group B Report

Wales kicked off their UEFA EURO 2016 campaign with a 2-1 victory against Slovakia in Bordeaux on Saturday evening.

Playing in their first tournament since 1958, Gareth Bale’s strike after just ten minutes was cancelled out by substitute Ondrej Duda on the hour.

But Chris Coleman’s side had the final say with just nine minutes left, when Hal Robson-Kanu sparked scenes of jubilation with a late winner.

Real Madrid forward Bale fired the Dragons in front with a free-kick – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Making his senior competitive international debut was goalkeeper Danny Ward. He came in as a late replacement for Wayne Hennessey, who had a back spasm, while Marek Hamsik started for Slovakia.

The first chance came for Slovakia after just two minutes, when Hamsik galloped beyond the defence and his subsequent shot beat Ward, but was superbly cleared to safety by Ben Davies on the goal line.

With ten minutes on the clock, Wales took the lead. Johnny Williams was brought down following on from his mazy run, and up stepped Bale, who dipped his 30-yard free-kick left-footed over the wall, which swerved past Matus Kozacik.

Aaron Ramsey was next to try his luck for the buoyant Dragons, but his 20-yard drive was comfortably saved.

Up the other end, Slovakia had a free-kick of their own, however Juraj Kucha directed a long-range shot way over Ward’s crossbar.

Just after the half-hour mark; Wales could have been aggrieved not have been awarded a penalty, as Williams was brought down by Martin Skrtel, though there protests were waved away.

As proceedings resumed for the second-half; Wales were let off nine minutes in, when Robert Mak profited from a clever ball forward, though he could only shoot over the bar.

Wales fans enjoy going top of Group B after their 2-1 win over Slovakia, whilst fellow group stage opponents England and Russia face each other in Marseille later on Saturday night – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Bale was then denied by a sprawling stop by Kozacik, having connected with Joe Allen’s cross from the right.

On the hour, Slovakia netted an equaliser, after substitute Duda let Mak’s pass reach his left-foot, and drilled past Ward into the bottom corner.

Chances fell for both sides in the closing stages, and after 81 minutes, Wales scored a late winner through Robson-Kanu, who was played in by Ramsey, as he scuffed a shot into the net to claim maximum points.

Wales were given a scare in the dying embers when Adam Nemic hit the post from a header, but they hung onto claim the win.

Man of the Match: Ben Davies

The Tottenham Hotspur full-back epitomised the never say die attitude of his countryman in their victory of Slovakia on Saturday afternoon.

Right from the off, Davies was involved right in the thick of the action, when he superbly was on hand to deny Hamsik’s goal-bound effort away from danger.

Man of the Match: Wales’ Davies – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

And throughout the game, Davies showed maturity in a defensive trio.

The 23-year-old, who has impressed at international level, will be key for his country, moving forward into the following Group B games.

What’s Next? Wales take on England in Lens on Thursday afternoon, looking to continue their positive form, while Slovakia will hope to gain their first win when they play Russia on the same day.