Kieffer Moore’s second-half header secured an important point for Wales in their Euro 2020 Group A opener as they drew 1-1 with Switzerland in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Switzerland looked like the better side but failed to capitalise in the first half as the first 45 minutes ended 0-0.
Shortly after the restart, the Swiss continued from where they left off as they finally took advantage of the numerous set-pieces they had as Breel Embolo headed home from a Xherdan Shaqiri corner kick to take the lead in the 49th minute.
Wales began to create their own chances as they looked to find a way back into the game. The pressure paid dividends in the end as Joe Morrell put in a delightful cross after a short corner that an unmarked Moore comfortably manoeuvred with his head past a helpless Yan Sommer to make it all-square at 1-1 in the 74th minute.
Mario Gavranovic had thought he had won Switzerland the game late on, after coming on as a substitute, only to be ruled out by VAR for offside.
Wales ended up holding on to what could prove to be a vital point in Group A of Euro 2020.
Kieffer Moore of Wales (L) celebrates with captain Gareth Bale (R) after scoring (Photo by Marcio Machado/Getty Images)
What the managers said after the game
Wales manager Rob Page: “To get off to a positive start was important for us. I see that as a positive, to go a goal behind against quality opposition and show the endeavour to come back and get an equaliser is credit to the players.
“There’s aspects we’d like to improve on, and we’ll address and work on again, but in the main, it’s a positive to get off to a good start.
“Wardy was outstanding today, although against France we were down to 10 men and the scoreline was greater than today, he gave me a good account of himself and gave me a headache with regards to the selection.
“We thought Italy were going to be very good and they didn’t let us down last night against a good Turkish team, we’ve got our work cut out but it does leave it open – and we’re looking forward to the game on Wednesday.”
Switzerland manager Vladimir Petkovic: “We have known from the start it’s an embattled group. Italy are the clear favourite, we know we have to improve in the next two matches, be better, if we create opportunities we have to be more clinical.
“We’ve not lost anything here, no gap to the other teams, we’re still in this group, Wales have to play Turkey next and we will try to take points against Italy.”
Wales face Turkey on Wednesday in Baku while Switzerland travel to Rome to face Italy in the second round of fixtures of the Euro 2020 group stage.
