Wales vs Kazakhstan LIVE: Rabbi Matondo caps off impressive Welsh performance with first international goal
Wales 3-1 Kazakhstan: Craig Bellamy’s side got off to a perfect start to their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup
Wales kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a testing but morale-boosting victory over Kazakhstan in Cardiff.
Craig Bellamy’s men opened the scoring with less than 10 minutes on the clock as Dan James latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area after a short corner play. He whipped a shot at goal and a deflection took it past the goalkeeper to send the Red Dragons in front.
Despite dominating play and possession they conceded an equaliser as Connor Roberts gave away a penalty for handling the ball in the area. Kazakhstan’s captain Askhat Tagybergen scored the spot kick but Karl Darlow almost kept it out only for the ball to spin back over the line.
The fans in the stadium were tense but Ben Davies eased their concerns with a headed goal less than two minutes into the second half and Rabbi Matondo scored his first international goal in the 90th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Relive the updates from the Cardiff City Stadium below:
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
Penalty to Kazakhstan!
30 mins: Islam Chesnokov brings the ball forward and takes it to the edge of the box.
He looks for a cross which Connor Roberts blocks. The ball strikes his left hand which is slightly away from the body.
VAR is going to check it after the referee points to the spot...
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
28 mins: James releases Brooks with a one touch pass and the attacking midfielder breaks into the box.
He squares the pass towards Sorba Thomas but underhits it and the defenders get back to clear their lines.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
27 mins: All bar two of the Kazakhstan squad are fasting due to ramadan.
That has to have an effect on their energy levels which may explain why Wales look sharper and quicker.
Samorodov picks up the ball on the left. He dribbles forward and whips in a cross.
The inital ball is dealt with but the visitors recycle it to the far post where Connor Roberts nods it behind.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
24 mins: Wales are slowing the tempo right down when their defenders have the ball and then they try to inject some pace in and around the final third.
Smart play from Craig Bellamy’s men.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
21 mins: The tackle on Dan James was pretty ferocious but first contact, which is minimal, came outside the box anyway.
James is causing some trouble to the Kazak defence though.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
18 mins: Wales are in control. Kazakhstan are reluctant to come too far out of their own half to press the ball.
At 1-0 they are still in the match so they’ll want to settle down and keep Wales at bay.
Dan James weaves his way into the box and gets brought down but the referee waves away the penalty appeal.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
15 mins: Kazakhstan are playing in a 5-4-1 formation making it tough to find space inside the box.
Wales’ goal will free the shackles though and another would completely settle the nerves.
Joe Rodon heads wide from a corner after the hosts catch the visitors dallying to set up.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
12 mins: Wales have plenty of confidence now. The fans are enjoying themselves and the hosts are camped inside the final third.
James takes another shot which is blocked before Brennan Johnson is sent forward on the left.
He dances inside and shoots but the ball is nudged out for a corner.
GOAL! Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan (Dan James, 9')
Wales strike first!
A short corner is passed to Connor Roberts who sends it to Dan James.
James gives it to David Brooks but he is tackled inside the box.
Liam Cullen is quick to challenge and pokes it to James who shoots and sees his deflected shot land in the back of the net!
Wales 0-0 Kazakhstan
8 mins: When Wales gives the ball up Kazakhstan are quick to transition into attack.
Yan Vorogovskiy gets forward on the left and looks for a teammate in the box only for his pass to get blocked.
As Wales sweep forward, Dan James receives the ball from Connor Roberts and dribbles forward before winning a corner.
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