Wales 2-1 Slovakia – Player Ratings: Wales are stronger together but how did the players perform individually?
After 58 years staring at the oven, Wales finally got another taste of an international tournament and it was sweet. Gareth Bale’s free kick after 10 minutes gave Wales the lead. Slovakian substitute Duda scored on the hour with literally his first touch, then, after weathering a Slovakian storm, Hal Robson-Kanu sent the Wales fans wild when he scuffed in Wales’ winner. Dai Sport columnist Ross Tyson gives his verdict.
Danny Ward – 7
A nerveless performance on a nervy occasion. Ward kicked well off both feet and punched clear when called upon. There was little he could do about Slovakia’s goal. Wales can be confident in the Wrexham-born stopper if he is called upon again.
Chris Gunter – 7
Flew in nervously early on when Marek Hamsik almost scored, but after that was his usual reliable, assured self. He was tireless down the right flank all afternoon and provided a good outlet with his crossing.
James Chester – 7
Chester was a vital cog in Wales’ defence. Made a good stopping tackle early on and was calm and confident throughout. He also stepped out of defence well to get Wales moving further up the pitch.
Ashley Williams – 6
Looked uncharacteristically nervous on a few occasions and struggled with Slovakia’s attack, but overall he was solid. He made clearances, blocks and won important headers.
Ben Davies – 9 – Man of the Match
His goal line clearance will make montage footage for years – an impossible-looking block to deny a certain goal. Throughout the game he was brilliant and while they were more low key, his two tackles in injury time helped guarantee the win.
Neil Taylor – 7
Very similar performance to Gunter, except Taylor was using his left foot primarily. A sterner referee may have punished his early challenge on Hamsik, but it set a strong tone for the rest of the Swansea man’s game.
Joe Allen – 9
The much-coverted midfielder was brilliant. Like a bearded seamstress, stitching the defence to the midfield and the midfield to the attack. Had it not been for the Hollywood Davies moment, Allen would have been my man of the match.
David Edwards – 6
His job wouldn’t have been to stand out, but to support the team and that’s what he did. Didn’t make any mistakes but could have done more to stop Robert Mak’s run in the build-up to Slovakia’s equaliser.
Aaron Ramsey – 6
Like Edwards he could have done more to stop Slovakia scoring, though Ramsey did have his moments. Not everything he tried came off but he worked hard and opened up space for himself and others. Dithered at the end when he could have scored.
Jonny Williams – 7
Justified his slightly surprising inclusion with an all energy performance, sprinkled with a few trademark dribbles. His job is to draw fouls and make space, he did his job excellently and won the free kick which lead to the goal and should been awarded a penalty.
Gareth Bale – 8
A world class player can impact a game even if they’re not at their best. Bale wasn’t as free without Hal Robson-Kanu, but his twisting free kick put Wales ahead, and his work rate, as always, was excellent. Like a demonic phantom, his mere presence on the pitch unsettled Slovakia’s defence.
Subs:
Joe Ledley – 7
Hopefully, the NHS snap up the mad scientist who helped Ledley recover from a broken leg, within a month. Ledley’s introduction helped Wales regain control of the game and he played a part in the winner.
Hal Robson-Kanu – 9
Wales tend to perform better with HRK in the team and this was no different. Had Aaron Ramsey timed his jump a little better, Robson-Kanu may have assisted the winner. As it transpired Ramsey would lay on HRK’s winning goal. He’s never been more deserving of his terrace tune; he came on and won the game.