Danny Ward and Kieffer Moore unlikely heroes for Wales with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey subdued in Swiss draw

Kieffer Moore earned a priceless point (Pool via REUTERS)

Before Wales’ Euro 2020 opener with Switzerland, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale were the names on every fans’ lips – but come the final whistle, Danny Ward and Kieffer Moore were the unlikely heroes.

It was Moore’s goal in the 74th minute that snatched Wales a point when it looked like they were heading for defeat after Breel Embolo’s opener.

At the other end, goalkeeper Ward was equally heroic as he produced a string of fine saves to keep Switzerland out.

Before kick-off, there had been question marks over whether either Moore or Ward should start – but interim boss Robert Page was vindicated in his decision to pick the pair.

Ward, who played just five games for Leicester last season, got the nod over Crystal Palace’s Wayne Hennessey and will no doubt keep his place for the rest of this tournament.

Time and time again he kept the Swiss at bay and had it not been for his heroics, Wales would have surely lost their opening Group A game.

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Moore is also another who will surely keep his place after Page elected to play him upfront instead of Bale.

There had been the option to use Bale as a false nine, as Wales have done in the past, but he was deployed out right to allow Moore to play as a traditional striker.

The 28-year-old impressed in the Championship last season, scoring 20 goals for Cardiff, and now we can see what all the fuss is about.

Moore is very much a throwback to a striker of bygone eras, using every inch of his 6ft 5in frame to cause chaos and give Wales a focal point in attack.

His header was expertly taken as he nipped in front of his marker to score, and it completes a remarkable journey for him.

Moore began his playing days with non-league side Truro City and has worked his way to the top.

(AP)

He juggled football while working as a lifeguard and personal trainer, but those days must seem a distant memory for him after scoring at a major tournament for Wales.

Moore, along with Ward, was an unlikely saviour for Wales as they kicked off their Euro 2020 campaign, but they will be keen for Bale and Ramsey to come to the party.

Story continues

Both were subdued in this opener, in a manner that was symptomatic of their disappointing seasons at club level.

They, you would think, have plenty more to give and it is likely they will grow into the tournament.

But, if they don’t, you get the feeling Wales have plenty of other players ready to become national heroes if given the chance to shine.

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