Wales kick off Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with narrow victory over Slovakia

AFP/Getty Images
Joe Krishnan24 March 2019

Wales kicked off their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Slovakia to hand Ryan Giggs a winning start in Group E.

Daniel James, making his first competitive start for his country, fired past Martin Dubravka to give the hosts the lead after five minutes.

Ben Davies almost made it two when getting in on the end of Gareth Bale's cross but he fired into the side netting.

Bournemouth starlet David Brooks once again highlighted his ability, dancing past two Slovakia defenders with some sublime footwork before curling just wide.

Slovakia were much improved after the break and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a fine stop to prevent Albert Rusnak from finding an equaliser.

Joy: Daniel James scored on his first competitive start for Wales to continue his rapid rise.
Getty Images

With nine minutes left, Hennessey was on hand to deny substitute Michal Duris from close range after the striker's bullet header was tipped away and David Hancko really should have scored on the follow-up.

Eventually, Giggs' side held on for a crucial victory as they got off to the best possible start in Group E.

Elsewhere, Scotland were dealt more bad news in their group after Russia swept aside Kazakhstan 4-0 in Astana.

Denis Cheryshev struck twice before Artem Dzyuba and an own goal from Abzal Beysebekov sealed a comfortable victory.

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