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Wales can still win the Czech Republic's group
Wales's entrepreneurial display in Prague was not enough to win against the Czech Republic. The two sides played a thrilling 2-2 World Cup qualifier draw.
Wales took a two-minute lead thanks to Captain Aaron Ramsey's calm finish in a frenetic first period. Jakub Pesek then scored the rebound.
The Czech Republic scored a bizarre second goal in the second period. It was scored by Danny Ward, Wales' goalkeeper. He failed to keep a Ramsey backpass under control and let it roll into the net.
Wales responded with style, as Daniel James equalised with an assured end which sparked intense Welsh pressure.
Robert Page's team created many chances but were unable to find the winner they deserved. They remain third in GroupE, trailing the Czech Republic by goal difference, although with a game in their hands.
Belgium's eight point lead at the top makes automatic qualification practically impossible. Wales' fight with the Czech Republic to take second place - and passage into the play-offs-- appears set to be close.
Wales have already been guaranteed a place in the play-offs due to their performance in the Nations League. However, finishing second in this World Cup qualifying group may secure them a more favorable draw in the knockout stage.
Page described it as "a must win game to guarantee finishing 2nd" before the match. While this may not be a good result, Wales faces Estonia in Tallinn Monday, knowing that they still have three matches to beat the Czech Republic.
Victory in Prague was as important to the home team as Wales, who had not played a single game and approached this fixture with an aggressive intent that bordered on reckless.
It made the Czechs more dangerous, with Ward being forced to save Adam Hlozek early on - but it also made them more vulnerable.
When the Czech Republic advanced, they left behind huge amounts of space that Wales could exploit.
James's pace made him an obvious target for Welsh counters. A Ramsey pass in 17th minute found him brilliantly. With only one Czech defender tracking back between Kieffer Moore and Leeds winger, James dithered before he overhit his pass to Moore. Moore's shot was stopped by Tomas Vaclik.
It was both a great opportunity and a warning that the Czech Republic didn't take seriously.
Ethan Ampadu, starting from a Czech corner drove past the Welsh defense and passed to Neco Wilkins wide on the left. James was engulfed by the cross of the Liverpool fullback. Ramsey took it to Ramsey in space at the far end. Ramsey calmly waited for Vaclik's decision and then finished the game with a delicate finish.
Ramsey's calm was in contrast to the chaos of the first period. The Czech Republic reached a level match under two minutes.
Wales' defense was reckless as the three centre-backs raced towards Filip Novak, whose shot Ward saved, but the ball was in the path of Pesek for equalization.
Wales overcomes Ward's misfortune
Although Wales may have felt aggrieved at not being leading at the break, they were able to find themselves in an unusual situation four minutes into the second period.
Ramsey gained possession in his own half, and passed it back to Ward. The pass was solid, but it went straight at Ward, who inexplicably lost control of the ball and let it fly past his foot on its way to the net.
Ward, who has been a great performer for Wales, was deeply disappointed, but it didn't affect him or his teammates as the game progressed.
Wales quickly regained the lead and cut open the Czech defense at will. Substitute Harry Wilson was particularly impressive.
Wilson played a great through ball to James. James took a touch, fired firmly into the bottom corner, bringing Wales level. Ramsey was then in play, but Vaclik saved his shot.
Moore was next to be in danger, moving wide from a Connor Roberts crossing, before Roberts' backheel at Moore's pass got close.
The Czech Republic was becoming more stressed as they tried to defend. Page and his team were unable to turn Wales' dominance into victory but this performance, which was arguably their best of the campaign, will give Page reason to believe that they may yet qualify for a World Cup.
