AFP, Cardiff :
Wales ended a turbulent period on a high note as Daniel James’ late goal earned a vital 1-0 win against the Czech Republic in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.
Manchester United forward James settled a hard-fought clash with a towering header from Gareth Bale’s superb cross nine minutes from full-time at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Both sides finished with 10 men after second half dismissals for Czech striker Patrik Schick and Wales defender Connor Roberts. After losing 3-1 in Belgium in their opening Group E qualifier last week, Wales are back on track as they chase a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
It was a much-needed tonic for Welsh football after a difficult spell when off-field issues threatened to damage their qualification bid.
Once again, Wales were led by caretaker manager Robert Page while boss Ryan Giggs remains away from the team due to his arrest on suspicion of assaulting a woman last year. Giggs denies the allegations and has been bailed by Greater Manchester police.
As if that wasn’t enough of a distraction, Wales trio Hal Robson-Kanu, Rabbi Matondo and Tyler Roberts were axed from the squad on Monday for staying up too late and breaking a curfew at the team hotel.
