Kieffer Moore’s first-half header secured a 1-0 win for Wales over Latvia at the Cardiff City Stadium to put them top of their Euro 2024 qualifying group.
Wales endured a frustrating start to the game, but they took the lead just before half-time (41) as Moore rose to meet Dan James’ cross to clinch victory over the group’s lowest-ranked team.
After taking a point in Croatia with a dramatic late goal in their first game, Wales are now level with Zlatko Dalic’s side on four points but ahead on their head-to-head record thanks to Nathan Broadhead’s goal in Split.
Wales made a bright start and nearly took the lead as James’ cross found Harry Wilson in the box but the Fulham winger’s strike was straight at Latvia goalkeeper Pavels Steinbors.
Page’s side failed to keep up the pace and were nearly caught out from a corner by the visitors as Danny Ward had to get down low to his left to keep out Latvia defender Marcis Oss’ first-time effort.
Latvia were able to keep the home crowd quiet for most of the first half, reducing Wales to speculative efforts from range. Wilson, Moore and Ethan Ampadu all did their best to beat Steinbors but failed to hit the target.
But the opener came four minutes before the break through Moore as he leapt highest to head James’ lofted delivery into the bottom corner to inject some life into the Cardiff City Stadium.
Wales were buoyed by their opener and twice came close to doubling their lead early in the second half only for Latvia goalkeeper Steinbors to keep out efforts from Neco Williams and Wilson, tipping the former’s strike on to the frame of the goal.
Latvia – ranked 133rd in the FIFA world rankings – battled hard but failed to find a way back into the contest owing to a shortage of quality as Wales controlled the game and moved into a strong position in Group D after two games.