World Cup 2022 qualifying: Czech Republic 2-2 Wales

Wales’ enterprising display was not enough for victory against the Czech Republic as the two sides produced a thrilling 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw in Prague.

The Czech Republic were gifted a bizarre second goal early in the second half as Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward failed to control a Ramsey back-pass and allowed it to roll into the net.

Wales responded in style as Daniel James equalised with an assured finish which sparked a period of intense Welsh pressure.

Robert Page’s side created masses of chances, but their inability to find a winner their dominance deserved means they remain third in Group E, trailing the Czech Republic on goal difference, albeit with a game in hand.

With Belgium’s eight-point lead at the top making automatic qualification effectively impossible, Wales’ battle with the Czech Republic for second spot – and passage to the play-offs – looks set to go down to the wire.

Wales are already effectively guaranteed a play-off place thanks to their success in the Nations League, but finishing second in this World Cup qualifying group could secure a more favourable draw in that knockout stage.

That was why Page had described this as “a must-win game to guarantee finishing second” beforehand and, while this result may not further their cause, Wales face Estonia in Tallinn on Monday knowing they still have three matches left to overhaul the Czech Republic.

Victory in Prague was of equal, if not greater, importance to the home side, who had played a game more than Wales and approached this fixture with an attacking intent which bordered on reckless.

It made the Czechs dangerous – with Adam Hlozek forcing Ward into an early save – but it also made them vulnerable.

Whenever the Czech Republic pushed forward, they left huge amounts of space behind which Wales exploited.

James’ pace made him the obvious target for Welsh counters and he was found brilliantly by a Ramsey pass in the 17th minute but, with just one Czech defender tracking back between the Leeds winger and Kieffer Moore, James dithered before overhitting his pass to Moore, whose shot was smothered by goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik.

It was a glorious opportunity and a warning which the Czech Republic did not heed.

From a Czech corner, Ethan Ampadu drove out of the Welsh defence and passed to Neco Williams wide on the right. The Liverpool full-back’s cross grazed James’ head and fell to Ramsey, who was again in space at the far post, calmly waited for Vaclik to commit and lifted a delicate finish over the keeper.

Ramsey’s composure was at odds with the chaos of the first half and, true to the game’s frenzied pace, the Czech Republic were level under two minutes later.

Wales’ defending was rash as all three centre-backs rushed towards Filip Novak, whose shot was saved by Ward, but only into the path of Pesek to equalise.

More to follow.