Free highlights and match coverage of Wales and Czech Republic’s 1-1 draw in Cardiff; Tomas Soucek gives the visitors a first-half lead; Rubin Colwill immediately scores with his first international goal Ball equalised; Robert Page’s side extend home unbeaten run to 18
#Wales11 #CzechRepublic #Hosts
Rubin Colwell scored his first international goal as Wales extended their home unbeaten run to 18 with a 1-1 win over the Czech Republic in Cardiff.
Thomas Suchek put the visitors ahead in the first half but Colewell responded immediately with a goal as purposeful as his FA Cup goal for Cardiff at Liverpool last month.
It was a special night for Wayne Hennessey, who became the third Welshman to win 100 games after Chris Gunter and Gareth Bale.
After the postponement of the Scotland-Ukraine World Cup playoffs, the match was held on short notice and Wales awaited the winner of the duel.
Wales made 10 changes as they beat Austria to secure a place in the World Cup play-off final on Thursday, with captain Bale also resting.
Bell sat on the bench while Hennessey, who made his debut nearly 15 years ago, celebrated his armband milestone.
Robert Page has stressed he sees the Test matches as a way to give young players a chance, with the Wales manager keeping his word on Colewell, Ben Kabango, Brennan Johnson and Rabbi Matondo – all of them 21 or younger—
Start.
Just five days before the Old Firm derby against Celtic, Rangers midfielder Aaron Ramsey was sent out on loan.
Wales’ Rubin Colewell celebrates with teammates after equalising
The Czechs, fresh from the heartbreak of the World Cup play-offs in Sweden, have arrived in Cardiff with doubts about the future of manager Jaroslav Silharavi.
West Ham midfielder Sucek led his team to make five changes after an extra-time defeat in Stockholm.
It was the Czech Republic’s second visit to Cardiff in 12 months, and Daniel James’ header sealed the World Cup qualifiers in March 2021.
Wales drew 2-2 in the second leg against Prague and moved ahead of the Czech Republic in the qualifying group.
Wayne Hennessey received a standing ovation after winning his 100th game for Wales in a 1-1 draw with Czech Republic.
Hennessey was diligent in the early stages, saving close-range headers from Jaroslav Zeleny and Jan Kuchta.
Wales’ best start was when Will Vox let go of Johnson but the Nottingham Forest winger couldn’t find Matondo in the middle.
Soon, Matondo quickly covered the ground and fired a shot at Jindrich Stanek, which the Czech goalkeeper easily caught.
Wales fell behind after the 32nd minute as they were unable to clear Zeleni’s cross and Suczek turned 12 metres away to avoid Hennessey.