Wales 1-0 Slovakia: Ryan Giggs’ team off to a winning start in Euro 2020 qualifying campaign

Wales 1-0 Slovakia: Ryan Giggs’ team off to a winning start in Euro 2020 qualifying campaign
Wales got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign off to the best possible start with a win against Slovakia at the Cardiff City Stadium.Daniel James scored the only goal of the game when he fired in from the edge of the box after five minutes.The Swansea winger’s only previous international experience was a 56-minute run-out in the November friendly defeat to Albania.Getty3

Daniel James scores for Wales

Manager Ryan Giggs made 11 changes from Wednesday’s 1-0 friendly victory over Trinidad & Tobago for the beginning of Wales’ European Championship campaign, with Anderlecht defender James Lawrence and Swansea winger Daniel James making first competitive starts.Slovakia were unchanged after beating Hungary 2-0 in their opening qualifier on Thursday, with former Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik wearing the captain’s armband and Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka in goal.3

Gareth Bale makes an attempt on goal

Harry Wilson and David Brooks combined impressively down the right, but any danger appeared to have gone for Slovakia when Brooks’ pass went straight to defender Peter Pekarik.But Pekarik was robbed of possession on the edge of the box by James, who rifled a blistering shot past Dubravka to put Wales ahead after just five minutes.Wales continued to press, predictably using Bale’s searing pace, and they went close to a second goal after 21 minutes, but Brooks’ shot smashed into the side netting.Slovakia offered little in comparison, even if they had plenty of possession, and Bale’s header kept Dubravka occupied as the 30-minute mark approached.3

Wayne Hennessey saves from Albert Rusnak

A sublime piece of skill by Brooks saw him beat two defenders before his swerving shot eluded Dubravka but curled just outside the far post, and Gareth Bale had a half-chance that Slovakia comfortably dealt with.Wales exerted sustained pressure but they could not add to their tally as they reached the break with a 1-0 lead.Slovakia created their best chance early in the second period when Albert Rusnak was one-on-one with Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who blocked his shot, with the ball rebounding off the attacking player before it went wide. It was a warning signal for Wales, and Hennessey was quickly forced into another smart save, again denying Rusnak.But Wales responded impressively as James broke clear on the left and his cross found Wilson, who shot inches wide with Dubravka beaten.Goalscorer James was replaced by Williams 18 minutes from time, and Dubravka saved Wilson’s close-range shot following a slick Wales attack.Slovakia, though, could sense there was still something in the contest for them, and Hennessey was forced into a point-blank save from substitute Michal Duris’ header that preserved Wales’ advantage.Slovakia were finishing the game stronger than their opponents, and Wales looked hurried, especially in defence, as they tried to close things out.Five minutes of stoppage time gave Slovakia renewed hope, but Wales sealed the deal as their qualifying campaign began in successful fashion thanks to James’ early strike that secured a 1-0 win.

---

Liverpool fans in DREAMLAND as Luis Suarez scores v Man Utd - 'doing us proud' (Pic: GETTY/TWITTER) Barcelona were the first to draw blood in their Champions League quarter-final first leg clash with Manchester United. After moment of confusion, the goal was given as a Shaw own goal, but many felt Suarez was the man with the key touch.
Luis Suárez #9 News, Stats, Photos - Barcelona - Football

---

Manchester United sack Louis van Gaal as Dutch boss receives £5m pay-off with Jose Mourinho preparing to take charge. Louis van Gaal has been dismissed from his role at Manchester United; Jose

---

Ian James Rush, MBE (born 20 October 1961) is a Welsh former professional footballer who played as a forward.At club level Rush played for Liverpool from 1980-1987 and 1988-1996.
Liverpool legend Ian Rush full of praise for Manchester City

---

Jose Enrique has revealed he has got the all clear following treatment for a brain tumour in a video message on his Instagram page. The former Newcastle and Liverpool defender was diagnosed with
Jose Enrique: Ex-Liverpool and Newcastle defender given all

---

Arsenal news: Ainsley Maitland-Niles sends individual apologies to fans on Instagram after performance against Huddersfield Some supporters were not impressed with the 21-year-old's display By
~ Arsenal news: Ainsley Maitland-Niles sends individual

---

Legend Matt Holland has expressed his concerns regarding the current situation at Town with the Blues sitting at the foot of the Championship with only one win all season under boss Paul Hurst and says he has heard that owner Marcus Evans has been sounding out potential new managers.
Sweden | Topic | Ipswich Star

---

Chelsea have no intentions of punishing Kepa Arrizabalaga after the goalkeeper dramatically refused to be substituted during the side's Carabao Cup final clash against Manchester City. In what
Kepa Arrizabalaga says he's learned from row with Maurizio

---

Tottenham transfer latest: Striker search, Jonas Hofmann interest, Andy Carroll link dismissed and Vincent Janssen update Posted on January 25, 2019 January 25, 2019 Author Fellaixxo It's been almost a year since Tottenham signed a player.
Transfer news, rumours LIVE: Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool

---

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata spent the weekend in Madrid as he holds transfer talks in Madrid as Sevilla opt out of deal hold an interest in AC Milan loanee Gonzalo Higuain ,
Chelsea transfer news : Morata in Madrid for his medicals

---

WANTED IN AMERICA Sturridge has entered the final six months of his Liverpool contract Daniel Sturridge is considering a lucrative move to the MLS after failing to be offered a new contract with Liverpool. The striker has entered the final six months of his contract at Anfield and can talk to foreign clubs to discuss his […]
Liverpool Striker Daniel Sturridge Nearing Anfield Exit Amid

---

Rangers 1-0 Celtic RECAP: Ryan Jack seals first league win in an Old Firm derby since 2012 as Steven Gerrard's side fire themselves into title race
Premiership rival thinks Celtic will be interested in his

---

Latest Football live commentary from Sports Mole. Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of Liverpool's 2-0 win over Tottenham as the Reds lifted the Champions League for the first time since 2005.

---