Wales edge Kazakhstan to boost World Cup hopes / Photo: Darren Staples - AFP/File
Wales edge Kazakhstan to boost World Cup hopes
Kieffer Moore's goal gave Wales a 1-0 win away in Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifying on Thursday to hand Craig Bellamy's side a major boost in their attempt to make next year's tournament in North America.
The veteran Wrexham striker netted from close range midway through the first half in Astana and the visitors held on as a late Serikzhan Muzhikov free-kick for Kazakhstan clipped the crossbar.
Wales were beaten 4-3 away in Belgium in their last qualifier in June, but this victory leaves them provisionally top of Group J with 10 points from five games.
However, North Macedonia are only two points behind in second with a game in hand, while group favourites Belgium have four points from only two outings.
Belgium will be expected to get all three points later when they face minnows Liechtenstein away.
Elsewhere on Thursday, European champions Spain begin their qualifying campaign away in Bulgaria, while Germany also play their first match away to Slovakia. The Netherlands entertain Poland in Rotterdam.
N.Steward--EWJ
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