By Tom Young
WALES kept their hopes for an automatic Euro 2020 spot alive after two first half goals saw them on their way to a 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan in Baku.
Kieffer Moore headed home a Harry Wilson corner after just 10 minutes before Wilson doubled the Welsh lead just after half an hour, reacting quickest to head home after Dan James struck the bar from distance.
It was Wales who started the better of the two sides, and took the lead courtesy of in-form Wigan Athletic striker Moore. Wilson delivered the in-swinging corner from the right hand side and the forward rose highest at the back post to power his header home and give Ryan Giggs’ side the early lead.
Wales continued their early dominance but met a resolute figure in the form of Emil Balayev, who denied Moore twice in quick succession, with the latter effort coming after some fine work down the left hand side by captain Gareth Bale.
The Red Dragons doubled their lead after 33 minutes. James showed his quality with a trademark cut inside from the left wing, before firing an effort goalward which hit the underside of the crossbar, and then the post, with Wilson the quickest to react, heading home into an open goal from six yards out.
FULL-TIME | 🇦🇿 0-2 🏴 | #AZEWAL
The full-time whistle has been blown and it’s a qualifying win in Baku with goals from @KRFMoore and @harrywilson_.
🏴 Together We Are Stronger 🏴#TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/nYVZQJndFi
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) November 16, 2019
After a fast start, Wales began to take their foot off the gas as Azerbaijan tried to find a way back into the contest.
The hosts had a big shout for a penalty turned down in the 40th minute as Dmitri Nazarov’s effort from the edge of the box struck Tom Lockyer’s arm. The referee waived away the claim and instead showed a yellow card to Nazarov for dissent, as the teams entered the break with Wales two goals to the good.
Giggs’ side started the second half strongly, and thought they had furthered their lead in the 50th minute as Lockyer headed home from Wilson’s corner, however the goal was ruled out, with Ethan Ampadu adjudged to have fouled Balayev.
The pace of the game slowed in the second half, with the visitors happy to sit back on their two goal cushion.
They did have further chances to add to their lead in the second period. Wilson was again at the heart of the Welsh attack, smashing a powerful effort across goal which was saved well by Balayev, who got down quickly and got a strong left hand behind the ball.
It was the perfect result for Giggs’ side, who now turn their attentions to Tuesday night when they host Hungary at the Cardiff City Stadium.
