European Championship
WalesWales2SlovakiaSlovakia1

Wales 2-1 Slovakia

By Dafydd PritchardBBC Sport in Bordeaux

Wales snatched a late winner against Slovakia in their Euro 2016 opener to make a dramatic return to major tournaments after a 58-year absence.

Gareth Bale's dipping free-kick gave Wales a half-time lead and sent their fans into raptures.

Slovakia's Ondrej Duda punished passive Welsh defending to equalise.

But substitute Hal Robson-Kanu's scuffed finish won it for Wales, who top Group B and have an excellent chance of reaching the last 16.

Chris Coleman's side face England - who drew 1-1 with Russia in their opening game - on Thursday and, with 16 of the 24 teams qualifying for the knockout stages, they can justifiably hope for an extended stay in France.

Absent from major tournaments since the 1958 World Cup, Wales' deafening fans made for a euphoric atmosphere inside a Stade de Bordeaux awash with red.

Coleman had spoken beforehand about the importance of seizing this historic moment, and his players did so with a wholehearted display.

The wait is over

Slovakia were also making their first appearance in the finals stage of a European Championship and, having beaten Spain in qualifying and knocked Italy out of the 2010 World Cup, they had proved they had a taste for the big occasion.

While Welsh hopes depended heavily on Bale, Slovakia's threat was expected to come from their talisman and top-scorer in qualifying, Marek Hamsik.

The Napoli playmaker lived up to his billing, slaloming his way through Wales' defence after three minutes and appearing certain to score, only to be denied by a brilliant goalline clearance by Ben Davies.

It was a frantic start to the match with both sides seemingly inspired by the magnitude of the moment.

Gareth Bale
All of Gareth Bale's attempts at goal were on target. He had five in the game - a match-high total.

And it was Bale who revelled in it most, striking with a wobbling free-kick that Slovakia goalkeeper Matus Kozacik should have saved.

Coleman's bold call

Coleman's team selection was bold, starting Crystal Palace midfielder Jonny Williams to create a fluid attacking trio with Aaron Ramsey and Bale, while recognised strikers Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes were on the bench.

The decision was vindicated as Slovakia's defence, with an average age of 31, looked uncertain in their attempts to shackle their opponents.

But Jan Kozak's side eventually settled and started to control possession as the match went on.

Their probing paid dividends after an hour when substitute Duda, unchallenged by Wales' backtracking defenders, fired into the bottom corner.

Having initially been rattled, Wales gathered themselves and rallied with a late push for a winner, which eventually came in fortuitous circumstances.

A heavy touch from Ramsey saw the ball land at Robson-Kanu's feet and, although his shot was miscued, it dribbled past Kozacik.

Slovakia substitute Adam Nemec headed against the post late on, but Wales held on to seal a precious and much-celebrated victory.

Man of the match - Ben Davies (Wales)

Ben Davies
After making a brilliant clearance to deny Marek Hamsik, Tottenham defender Ben Davies impressed with his distribution and general calm in defence.

The stats you need to know

  • Gareth Bale scored with Wales' first ever shot on target at a European Championship finals.
  • Bale's first ever goal for Wales was also against Slovakia in October 2006 - and also from a direct free-kick.
  • Ondrej Duda scored just 52 seconds after coming off the bench, the fastest finals goal at the Euros by a substitute since Juan Carlos Valeron for Spain against Russia in 2004 (39 secs).
  • Wales have conceded in each of their past five games (including friendlies), their worst run of conceding since March 2013 (11).
  • Ramsey has had a hand in three goals in his past three games for Wales (two goals, one assist).
  • Wales are the first British side to win their opening game at a European Championship finals.

What they said

Wales manager Chris Coleman on BBC One: "I think it is my proudest moment.

"Our supporters keep on topping what they have done - that support today was unbelievable.

"In the second half the fans sensed we were a bit jaded and sitting back a bit. We came back and they got right behind us. Our boys showed passion and courage to come back. It was incredible attitude and mentality."

Wales forward Gareth Bale on BBC One: "It was like a home game. Our fans are the best in the world and fully got behind us. We gave them something to celebrate.

"The goal is right up there. A memorable moment, a historic moment for our country. The most important thing is we got the three points.

"Hal getting the winner is amazing. The subs have to make an impact and he was amazing when he came on. Everyone has a part to play and we will keep fighting."

Former Wales international John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live: "All the Wales team have stood up today. They've also had a little bit of luck, which you also need.

"They are doing the right thing. Yes, they've won the game but they are not getting too excited. I believe this win will take us through as one of those third-placed teams.

"When Slovakia hit the post I thought it is Wales' day. Maybe Gary Speed is looking down on the players."

What next?

Wales meet British rivals England on Thursday (14:00 BST) at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, while Slovakia face Russia on Wednesday at Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille (14:00 BST).

Line-ups

Wales

Formation 3-4-3

  • 21Ward
  • 5Chester
  • 6Williams
  • 4Davies
  • 2Gunter
  • 14Edwards Substituted forLedleyat 69'minutes
  • 7Allen
  • 3Taylor
  • 20Williams Substituted forRobson-Kanuat 71'minutes
  • 11Bale
  • 10Ramsey Substituted forRichardsat 88'minutes

Substitutes

  • 1Hennessey
  • 8King
  • 9Robson-Kanu
  • 12Fon Williams
  • 13Williams
  • 15Richards
  • 16Ledley
  • 17Cotterill
  • 18Vokes
  • 19Collins
  • 22Vaughan
  • 23Church

Slovakia

Formation 4-2-3-1

  • 23Kozácik
  • 2Pekarík
  • 3SkrtelBooked at 90mins
  • 4Durica
  • 18Svento
  • 19KuckaBooked at 83mins
  • 13HrosovskyBooked at 31mins Substituted forDudaat 60'minutes
  • 20MakBooked at 78mins
  • 17Hamsik
  • 7WeissBooked at 80mins Substituted forStochat 83'minutes
  • 21Duris Substituted forNemecat 60'minutes

Substitutes

  • 1Mucha
  • 5Gyömbér
  • 6Gregus
  • 8Duda
  • 9Sestak
  • 10Stoch
  • 11Nemec
  • 12Novota
  • 14Skriniar
  • 15Hubocan
  • 16Salata
  • 22Pecovsky
Referee:
Svein Oddvar Moen
Attendance:
37,831

Match Stats

Home TeamWalesAway TeamSlovakia
Possession
Home42%
Away58%
Shots
Home11
Away13
Shots on Target
Home8
Away3
Corners
Home2
Away3
Fouls
Home17
Away16

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Wales 2, Slovakia 1.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Wales 2, Slovakia 1.

  3. Post update

    Offside, Slovakia. Marek Hamsik tries a through ball, but Adam Nemec is caught offside.

  4. Booking

    Martin Skrtel (Slovakia) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

  5. Post update

    Foul by Martin Skrtel (Slovakia).

  6. Post update

    Ben Davies (Wales) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  7. Post update

    Attempt missed. Robert Mak (Slovakia) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high.

  8. Post update

    Peter Pekarík (Slovakia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  9. Post update

    Foul by Gareth Bale (Wales).

  10. Post update

    Attempt saved. Gareth Bale (Wales) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Chris Gunter.

  11. Substitution

    Substitution, Wales. Jazz Richards replaces Aaron Ramsey.

  12. Post update

    Corner, Wales. Conceded by Jan Durica.

  13. Post update

    Adam Nemec (Slovakia) hits the left post with a header from the centre of the box. Assisted by Dusan Svento with a cross.

  14. Post update

    Hand ball by Neil Taylor (Wales).

  15. Substitution

    Substitution, Slovakia. Miroslav Stoch replaces Vladimir Weiss.

  16. Booking

    Juraj Kucka (Slovakia) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

  17. Post update

    Foul by Juraj Kucka (Slovakia).

  18. Post update

    Gareth Bale (Wales) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  19. Goal!

    Goal! Wales 2, Slovakia 1. Hal Robson-Kanu (Wales) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Aaron Ramsey.

  20. Booking

    Vladimir Weiss (Slovakia) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

As It Stood

A

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Czech Rep 10 7 1 2 19 14 5 22
2 Iceland 10 6 2 2 17 6 11 20
3 Turkey 10 5 3 2 14 9 5 18
4 Netherlands 10 4 1 5 17 14 3 13
5 Kazakhstan 10 1 2 7 7 18 -11 5
6 Latvia 10 0 5 5 6 19 -13 5

B

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Belgium 10 7 2 1 24 5 19 23
2 Wales 10 6 3 1 11 4 7 21
3 Bos-Herze 10 5 2 3 17 12 5 17
4 Israel 10 4 1 5 16 14 2 13
5 Cyprus 10 4 0 6 16 17 -1 12
6 Andorra 10 0 0 10 4 36 -32 0

C

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Spain 10 9 0 1 23 3 20 27
2 Slovakia 10 7 1 2 17 8 9 22
3 Ukraine 10 6 1 3 14 4 10 19
4 Belarus 10 3 2 5 8 14 -6 11
5 Luxembourg 10 1 1 8 6 27 -21 4
6 North Macedonia 10 1 1 8 6 18 -12 4

D

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Germany 10 7 1 2 24 9 15 22
2 Poland 10 6 3 1 33 10 23 21
3 Republic of Ireland 10 5 3 2 19 7 12 18
4 Scotland 10 4 3 3 22 12 10 15
5 Georgia 10 3 0 7 10 16 -6 9
6 Gibraltar 10 0 0 10 2 56 -54 0

E

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 England 10 10 0 0 31 3 28 30
2 Switzerland 10 7 0 3 24 8 16 21
3 Slovenia 10 5 1 4 18 11 7 16
4 Estonia 10 3 1 6 4 9 -5 10
5 Lithuania 10 3 1 6 7 18 -11 10
6 San Marino 10 0 1 9 1 36 -35 1

F

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Northern Ireland 10 6 3 1 16 8 8 21
2 Romania 10 5 5 0 11 2 9 20
3 Hungary 10 4 4 2 11 9 2 16
4 Finland 10 3 3 4 9 10 -1 12
5 Faroe Islands 10 2 0 8 6 17 -11 6
6 Greece 10 1 3 6 7 14 -7 6

G

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Austria 10 9 1 0 22 5 17 28
2 Football Union of Russia 10 6 2 2 21 5 16 20
3 Sweden 10 5 3 2 15 9 6 18
4 Montenegro 10 3 2 5 10 13 -3 11
5 Liechtenstein 10 1 2 7 2 26 -24 5
6 Moldova 10 0 2 8 4 16 -12 2

H

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Italy 10 7 3 0 16 7 9 24
2 Croatia 10 6 3 1 20 5 15 20
3 Norway 10 6 1 3 13 10 3 19
4 Bulgaria 10 3 2 5 9 12 -3 11
5 Azerbaijan 10 1 3 6 7 18 -11 6
6 Malta 10 0 2 8 3 16 -13 2

I

Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Portugal 8 7 0 1 11 5 6 21
2 Albania 8 4 2 2 10 5 5 14
3 Denmark 8 3 3 2 8 5 3 12
4 Serbia 8 2 1 5 8 13 -5 4
5 Armenia 8 0 2 6 5 14 -9 2
View full European Championship Qualifying tables

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