Wales got off to a respectable start in their Euro 2020 campaign after holding Switzerland to a 1-1 draw in Baku, Azerbaijan. Breel Embolo put the Swiss ahead just after half-time but Wales made sure they got a point on the board early on when Kieffer Moore headed home the leveller.
Here are five takeaways from the game.
Euro 2020: Five Takeaways From Wales’ Draw With Switzerland
Danny Ward Deserves His Place in Line-Up
Danny Ward deserves his place in the Wales first 11. His penalty save against France in a pre-Euros friendly helped cement him as Wales’ number one. Wayne Hennessey has been a great servant for Wales, but Ward proved his ability with a number of important saves against Switzerland.
First, with his legs from Fabian Schar’s clever flick from a corner, then another wonderful diving stop from Embolo after his powerful run and shot.
In injury time after ninety minutes, he also saved spectacularly. The Swiss effort would have been ruled out for offside but Ward was not to know as he pushed a Swiss effort away.
Morrell or Ampadu?
Will Joe Morrell keep his place? Although Morrell came up with a fine assist and on the whole helped Wales to keep their shape, was it enough for him to keep his place in the vital Turkey match?
Ethan Ampadu, his likely replacement offers more strength and security in the midfield area. This might free up Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale to foray forward and offer more of an offensive threat.
There are still a few questions over Ampadu’s fitness after some time on the sidelines. Rob Page has an interesting headache but competition for places is a positive rather than a negative.
Must Not Lose
Avoiding defeat. It was vital that they didn’t lose against Switzerland, seeing as every point is so valuable towards advancing to the group stage. Wales may be feeling pluckier than Switzerland having rescued a point with Kieffer Moore’s header.
Switzerland overall were the better side meaning they will feel these were points lost not gained. A loss here would have given Wales the proverbial mountain to climb.
Disciplined Performance
Wales got off relatively well in terms of their discipline. Kieffer Moore was harshly booked for leading with his elbow when jumping for a header. These bookings tend to grow in importance as the tournament progresses.
The Cardiff City target man is an important member of this Welsh squad. This point is moot, however, if Wales fail to get anything from the remaining fixtures and don’t move beyond the group stages.
Baku Heat
Wales are now fully aware of the Baku match conditions; pitch, heat and so on. Wales fans will hope that their side can grow into the tournament. Given they have now played in the heat, hopefully, we will see an improvement in performance.
Wales face Turkey next on Wednesday with all to play for. Turkey are coming off a loss but will have the majority of the fans in Baku and will be looking to bounce back.
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