KIEFFER MOORE continued his amazing rise on the international stage to boost Wales’ Euro 2020 automatic qualification hopes.
The big 6ft 5ins rookie striker powered home from Harry Wilson’s pin-point corner to take his tally to two goals in four games for his country.
Harry Wilson was on the scoresheet for Wales during their 2-0 win against AzerbaijanCredit: PA:Press Association
Wigan striker Kieffer Moore opened the deadlock in the 10th minute at the Bakcell ArenaCredit: PA:Press Association
Last week, Moore revealed he almost quit football following a fractured skull in February.
But Wales boss Ryan Giggs will be glad the Wigan forward made a remarkable recovery as he helped the Dragons take a giant step towards next summer’s finals with victory in Baku.
Moore’s tenth minute header – from a yard out – gave the visitors the perfect start to a crunch final double-header with a big showdown against Group E rivals Hungary to come in Cardiff on Tuesday night.
Yet, incredibly, Moore’s opener also meant the beanpole forward has scored double the number of goals for Wales than Wigan this season.
This was a super show by Moore, who provided a focal point for Wales’ attack, caused all sorts of problems for the Azerbaijan defence in the air and allowed attacking team-mates Gareth Bale, Dan James and Wilson to flourish.
Moore’s header was followed up by a Wilson tap-in after James crashed the crossbar and post as Giggs’ side put the hosts to the sword, particularly in the first half.
This was a job well done by Wales, who were already guaranteed a Euros play-off spot on Friday night thanks to their Nations League finish, as they recorded a first victory on the road in 13 months to keep their automatic qualification dreams alive.
Wales can qualify for Euro 2020 should they beat Hungary in Cardiff on TuesdayCredit: AP:Associated Press
Giggs even had the luxury of not starting midfielder Aaron Ramsey due to his lack of match fitness at Juventus.
Bale was also a fitness doubt after he tore a calf muscle in Wales’ draw with Croatia last month and Giggs revealed pre-match he could not take the risk of starting both of his superstars.
The Wales boss also made the brave selection call by picking fit-again Chris Mepham over Ashley Williams at centre-back but his backline were rarely troubled.
The Dragons started on the front foot and the visitors only had to wait ten minutes for the opening goal.
Joe Morrell saw a 25-yarder turned around the post by Azerbaijan goalkeeper Emil Balayev, and from Wilson’s resulting corner, Moore climbed highest at the back post to nod home.
It sparked wild celebrations among the 1,200 Welsh fans, who had made the long 3,000-mile trip to Baku.
Moore was a constant threat and had two headers saved by Balayev in quick succession, the second after a mazy Bale run down the right flank.
Ryan Giggs’ men are third in Group E – three points behind leaders CroatiaCredit: PA:Press Association
Azerbaijan could not handle Moore’s aerial threat but he also missed a sitter when Manchester United winger James sent him clean through only for Balayev to save with his legs.
But Wales doubled their lead in the 34th minute – and it was nothing less than they deserved for an excellent and composed display.
James saw his right-footed curler strike the crossbar and then post before the on rushing Wilson nodded home the rebound into an empty net.
Wales were buoyant and the travelling support began to enjoy themselves after Bale and James swapped flanks.
As Real Madrid superstar moved to the left wing, he was serenaded by the Welsh section, who sang, ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid’.
That ditty was in reference to Bale’s pre-match comments when he admitted he is more excited about playing for his country over the Spanish giants.
There is no doubt Bale and Wales would have enjoyed this victory.
Ryan Giggs knows one more win will seal his side’s place in next summer’s tournamentCredit: PA:Press Association
The only sign of trouble came when Azerbaijan appealed strongly for penalty after Dmitri Nazarov’s shot appeared to hit Tom Lockyer’s arm inside the penalty box.
German referee Deniz Aytekin waved away the appeals – and even cautioned Nazarov for dissent – but with no VAR in operation, play continued.
Wales thought they had scored a third early in the second half when Charlton defender Lockyer headed another Wilson corner into the back of the net.
But official Aytekin ruled out the effort for a push by Ethan Ampadu on goalkeeper Balayev.
Bale was replaced by Ramsey for his first involvement of this campaign on the hour mark. And Giggs will hope his star duo can do the business in the second part of this crucial double-header.
Moore and Wilson had further chances but Wales could not add to their dominance.
Wilson and substitute Rabbi Matondo received late yellow cards following minor bust-ups with the opposition.
Giggs’ entire squad and staff together saluted the travelling Welsh support after the final whistle.
And his side returned home to Wales in the early hours of Sunday morning full of confidence and believing they can now finish the job of automatic qualification.
England must beat Kosovo or face possible Euro 2020 Group of Death with both Belgium and Portugal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
