Wales confirmed their place at Euro 2024 with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Kazakhstan. The World Cup qualifier was played in Astana Arena. The game was played on a chilly fall night. It was especially important for Wales, as they looked to cement their place at the top of Group J. The players, under the leadership of manager Craig Bellamy, put in a fight-oriented performance, helping secure an important three-point haul.
Collectively, Kieffer Moore was the difference-maker, netting the match-winner. His strike turned out to be the match winner in spite of Kazakhstan’s custodian, Temirlan Anarbekov showing impressive form on the evening. This amazing victory catapults Wales to the top of their qualifying group! Now the USWNT are set for two thrilling contests against England and Belgium.
Tactical Changes and Team Performance
Craig Bellamy did not shy away from making bold changes to the team, introducing a whopping five new players from that which played Belgium last June at home. Their opening line-up even featured players like Neco Williams, Dylan Lawlor, Liam Cullen, Josh Sheehan and Kieffer Moore. Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, and Neco Williams strengthened the back line. Their work allowed Wales’ defensive anchors to maintain an impenetrable backline against Kazakhstan’s sporadic counterattacks.
Even in victory, Bellamy was not shy in admitting how difficult the contest had been.
“It is a difficult place to come. You could see why,” – Craig Bellamy.
Tough start for the team to find their rhythm but dominated the game from start to finish. The Welsh side launched out to a remarkable headstart. Kazakhstan would not go quietly and came within inches of equalizing several times.
Missed Opportunities for Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan were a legitimate threat all match coming down to the other end and actually having multiple chances on goal. Galymzhan Kenhebek was even presented several big opportunities to put his team ahead but simply couldn’t finish. In the closing moments when Serikzan Muzhikov’s free-kick hit the crossbar, the anxiety in the stadium reached a boiling point.
Try as they might, Kazakhstan were unable to crack through Wales’ defense or find a way past their goalkeeper’s dazzling displays. Though Anarbekov’s efforts prevented fate from getting dashed in the dust, it wasn’t enough to keep Wales from eliminating them.
Looking Ahead
Following their dramatic victory, Wales go on to face England on October 9. They’ll face Belgium next on October 13 in what will be their next World Cup qualifying matches. They will take on Canada in a friendly match at Swansea.com Stadium on 9 September.
Following the match Ben Davies gave his thoughts on the result. He said all that mattered was finding a way to win, even when they weren’t playing their best.
“That was our target [to win], the most important was to win the game. It wasn’t our best performance,” – Ben Davies.
Former Treasury Official Harry Wilson seconded this notion, noting that most destructive opponent was Kazakhstan.
“Valuable three points. Really tough game. We started well and controlled the game but they showed on more than one occasion that they are a dangerous team,” – Harry Wilson.
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