Wales 1-1 Switzerland LIVE! Moore, Embolo goal; Euros match stream, latest score updates today
Switzerland #Switzerland
The Red Dragons are looking to recapture the imagination of the nation at Euro 2020, five years on from their remarkable run to the semi-finals, but face a tough task to do so.
Wales have had a difficult build-up to Euro 2020 off the pitch with manager Ryan Giggs on leave, as he has been since November, and Robert Page in interim charge.
Page has won four of his eight games at the helm – the only defeats coming against the world’s top two ranked teams Belgium and France – while Gareth Bale is without a goal in 11 international games.
A disappointing 2020 for Switzerland, winning no games on the field and one by default when Ukraine had a virus outbreak, has given way to a better 2021 so far with five wins from five games, though without facing top-level opponents.
Both Wales and Switzerland will be buoyed by Turkey’s defeat to Italy in the first Group A game, knowing a win this afternoon would be a huge step towards reaching the knockout stages.
Follow the game LIVE with Standard Sport’s Euros blog below…
Key Points
Moore to BBC 16:13 , Alex Young
“It’s great personally. I think it’s a good start for us. We would have liked a win but to take a draw from the first game to put us in a good position is everything for us.
“It’s never good going a goal down but for us to get a goal back and see the game out is a big positive for us.
“Obviously this is a big occasion and I’ve loved every second of it.”
The Wales squad and coaching staff are all getting into a big huddle on the pitch after that. Bale is in the middle giving a team talk. I think the message must be: “We can improve, but the heart and fight was excellent today.”
Full time | Wales 1-1 Switzerland 15:55 , Simon Collings
So a point each and Wales will surely be happy to take that. They were second best for large parts of that game, but they dug in to snatch a draw. Kieffer Moore was the hero, but Danny Ward was excellent in goal too. A quiet game for Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale.
15:54 , Simon Collings
95 mins: Wales survive. Into the final 60 seconds. How are your nerves Wales fans?
15:53 , Simon Collings
94 mins: Switzerland win ANOTHER corner. One last chance for them…
15:52 , Simon Collings
92 mins: Another amazing save from Ward. Gavranovic gets in and his deflected shot is tipped wide by Ward, who was at full stretch. The offside flag goes up after, but Ward didn’t know that. What a save!
15:51 , Simon Collings
91 mins: There are five minutes added on here and Wales are sat so deep.
15:50 , Simon Collings
90 mins: Embolo is denied! The corner comes in and Ward has to make a flying save to keep Embolo’s header out. Minutes to go. Can Wales hang on?
15:49 , Simon Collings
89 mins: Oh Bale. That looked like the moment. The ball came to him in the box, but it wouldn’t sit down and the effort was blocked.
15:47 , Simon Collings
88 mins: The Wales fans were celebrating that offside call like it was a goal. Amazing stuff. Who said VAR was rubbish?
No goal! 15:46 , Simon Collings
And it is ruled out!
Robbie Savage was screaming for it to be ruled out before we had even seen a replay. Either he has got amazing eyesight or his love for Wales is coming through.
GOAL! | Wales 1-2 Switzerland | Mario Gavranovic 85′ 15:45 , Simon Collings
Mario Gavranovic, who has just come on, smahes home after Embolo flicks it onto him – but VAR is checking if it is offside…
15:42 , Simon Collings
83 mins: So close for Wales! Some lovely play down the left sets Brooks away and he fizzes a cross in, but no one is there to slide in and score.
15:39 , Simon Collings
80 mins: Now, does either side have a winner in them? Wales have been second best, but suddenly they’ve got a second wind.
15:37 , Simon Collings
77 mins: Huge chance for Switzerland! Zakaria bombs down the right and his cross finds Embolo. The striker opts for a diving header, but gets it all wrong.
15:35 , Simon Collings
75 mins: After the goal, Page opts to take off James – who isn’t happy. You can’t blame him, he’s been excellent. David Brooks is on.
GOAL! | Wales 1-1 Switzerland | Kieffer Moore 74′ 15:34 , Simon Collings
Wales are level! They work a nice, short corner routine and swing it in. Moore gets there first and flicks home a great header. Joy for Wales.
15:31 , Simon Collings
71 mins: Better from Wales, who are starting to get some balls into the box. Moore is making a nuisance of himself and trying to make something happen. A glimmer of hope.
15:28 , Simon Collings
68 mins: The Swiss look so comfortable and have plenty of time of the ball. Wales just haven’t got going yet. It’s all a bit flat.
15:26 , Simon Collings
66 mins: A sub for the Swiss as Shaqiri comes off for Denis Zakaria. He sits in front of the defence and will look to tighten things up. No changes by Wales yet.
15:23 , Simon Collings
63 mins: Mbabu goes into the book for bringing down James. He got the ball and Robbie Savage, who is on co-comms, is baffled. “What a tackle,” he cries.
15:21 , Simon Collings
62 mins: The second corner sails over everyone and comes to nothing.
15:20 , Simon Collings
61 mins: Embolo seems okay as he walks gingerly off with the physio. Wales, meanwhile, have a corner and a chance to make something happen. It comes to Davies, whose shot fires over. Another corner to come.
15:19 , Simon Collings
60 mins: Concern for Switzerland here. Embolo tackled James and has now gone down, holding his knee.
15:17 , Simon Collings
58 mins: Switzerland in control now and looking good. Wales need to change something. Perhaps someone off the bench to make the difference?
15:12 , Simon Collings
52 mins: Oh it could so easily be 2-0. Embolo storms through the Wales defence like a steam train and then lays it to Mbabu. It’s a shocking effort from the right wing-back, who essentially passes it wide of the post.
GOAL! | Wales 0-1 Switzerland | Breel Embolo 49′ 15:10 , Simon Collings
And Switzerland take the lead! Embolo, who went so close to scoring seconds earlier, heads home from Shaqiri’s corner. Not the best defending and now Wales have to respond.
15:09 , Simon Collings
48 mins: Superb save from Ward. Embolo spins his defender too easily and is through on goal. He fires an effort at goal, but Wards saves with a strong left hand.
15:07 , Simon Collings
47 mins: Moore goes into the book. He picks up a yellow after catching Schar with a stray elbow. Not intentional at all, but he did clip him.
Kick-off! 15:05 , Simon Collings
And the second half is underway!
15:01 , Simon Collings
Dan James was also one positive for Wales in that half. He looked electric at times, with his pace causing Switzerland so many problems. If they can get him in behind, Wales can get ahead.
14:55 , Simon Collings
That wasn’t a bad half for Wales, given that they’ve kept it at 0-0. You feel they need to get more out of Bale, though. He’s hardly had a kick so far.
Half time | Wales 0-0 Switzerland 14:49 , Simon Collings
Wales looked bright early on, but quickly faded. Switzerland went on to dominate the half and they will think they should be ahead. It’s 0-0, though, and that should please Wales. They fought well and can regoup – and improve.
14:48 , Simon Collings
46 mins: What a chance for Switzerland. Embolo gets played into the box, he holds it up excellently and sets it for Seferovic. The striker, however, flulffs his lines and scuffs it wide. Huge let-off for Wales.
14:46 , Simon Collings
45 mins: Shaqiri swings it in, but Bales rises highest to head clear for a corner. Rodriguez takes that, however again Wales are able to get it clear.
14:45 , Simon Collings
43 mins: Switzerland win a free-kick midway inside the Wales half as Davies goes through the back of Mbabu. Shaqiri is standing over it. One last chance for the Swiss before the break?
14:42 , Simon Collings
40 mins: Final stages of this half now and Wales are just looking to see it out. Switzerland have dominated possession, which seems important given the heat. Wales could do with regrouping at the break.
14:40 , Simon Collings
38 mins: Moore looks so isolated up top for Wales. A long ball comes up to him now and, while he’s 6ft 5in, he’s got no chance. Three Swiss centre-backs are swarming him and stifling him.
14:36 , Simon Collings
35 mins: Switzerland have a couple of corners, but they come to nothing. 10 minutes to go until the break. How both sides would love to knick a goal now.
14:33 , Simon Collings
32 mins: Bale opts to swing in the free-kick, rather than shoot, and it comes to nothing. Wales need to get the ball to James, though, as the Swiss cannot handle his pace.
14:32 , Simon Collings
30 mins: A yellow card for Schar and deservedly so. James, who has been Wales’ best player, runs half the pitch and tries to skip past Schar outside the box. Schar hacks him down and gets nowhere near the ball. Free-kick in a good area too.
14:29 , Simon Collings
27 mins: Another good opening for Switzerland. Mbabu, who is getting joy down the right, fizzes it into Haris Seferovic. The striker turns and shoots, but it goes wide. That was a chance.
14:27 , Simon Collings
24 mins: Switzerland are growing more and more into this game. Now Xhaka goes close with an effort from the edge of the box, but he drags it wide. Wales need to keep the ball better.
14:24 , Simon Collings
22 mins: More good play from Switzerland. Ben Davies gives it away and Mbabu swings in a dangerous cross. Embolo looked ready to head it in, but Mepham was there to clear.
14:23 , Simon Collings
20 mins: A brilliant save by Ward to deny Schar, who almost scores an outrageous goal. A corner comes in and Schar Cruyff flicks it goalwards. Ward, however, is alert and saves well. This game is coming to life now.
14:21 , Simon Collings
19 mins: Moore is back on and has gone ‘full Terry Butcher’. He’s got a huge amount of tape around his head, which will stop the bleeding.
14:19 , Simon Collings
17 mins: From the resulting corner Moore is involved in a clash of heads. There’s some blood coming from just above his nose, near his right eye, but he is sat up and getting treatment. It looks like he will be okay to carry on.
14:17 , Simon Collings
15 mins: Wales go so close to an opener! James beats his man out left and picks out Moore with a cross. The 6ft 5in striker powers a header at goal, but somehow Yann Sommer tips it over the bar. Stunning save.
14:15 , Simon Collings
12 mins: Fabian Schar has the ball and tries to hit a big diagonal ball to the left. It sails straight out of play. That sums up this game so far.
14:12 , Simon Collings
10 mins: More patient build-up play from Switzerland, but they’re getting little joy from it. The Wales fans in Baku, of which there are a few hundred, are enjoying themselves at least. Plenty of beer and sun is probably helping their mood.
14:09 , Simon Collings
7 mins: Switzerland win a corner – although I am not sure how – as Mbabu heads wide. It’s an awful cross in, though, as it sails over everyone.
14:07 , Simon Collings
5 mins: Xhaka is, unsurprisingly, already seeing plenty of the ball for Switzerland. He is being tasked with getting things going in midfield, but Wales are working and pressing hard so far.
14:05 , Simon Collings
3 mins: Wales get in again, this time down the right. Bale slides in Roberts, but his cross is hacked away by the Swiss.
14:04 , Simon Collings
2 mins: A bright start from Wales. Dan James gets the ball out left and swings a cross in, but the Swiss goalkeeper is there to claim it. Promising.
Kick-off! 14:02 , Simon Collings
Both players take the knee and we are off, here we go. A huge day for Wales.
Anthems done and we’re ready for kick-off! 13:59 , Simon Collings
The anthems are done and dusted. As expected the Welsh belt their’s out with gusto and gumption. They look incredibly pumped up. Just imagine if the stadium was full.
Not long now 13:55 , Simon Collings
The teams are in the tunnel and waiting to step out onto the Baku pitch. It is hot over there, close to 30 degrees, although thankfully the stadium’s roof is providing some shade.
A few deep breaths from Bale, who is about to lead Wales out. Xhaka, who is leading the Swiss out, is staring forward and not blinking – a la Roy Keane.
Williams and co close to tears in the BBC studio 13:48 , Simon Collings
Another epic BBC montage – they are good at these – and this time it’s looking back at Wales’ epic run at Euro 2020.
It finishes and back in the studio the pundits are close to tears. Ashley Williams is a little choked up and Mark Hughes’ lip is quivering. A ball hasn’t even been kicked yet!
Bale to deliver or new heroes to rise? 13:45 , Simon Collings
Gareth Bale has had a difficult season with Tottenham, but there is something about playing for Wales that brings the best out of him.
Time and time again, he has delivered on the biggest stage. Will today be the same? And if not, could it be someone else steps up to the plate?
Wales have the third youngest squad at this Euros, which includes Manchester United winger Dan James. His pace can casue so many problems.
Captain Xhaka looking to lead Switzerland to glory 13:38 , Simon Collings
A nice montage from the BBC right now on Granit Xhaka, who is captaining Switzerland today. He has nearly 100 caps for his country and is crucial to their side.
His Arsenal future is far more uncertain with Roma keen to sign him. They wanted a deal done before this game, but have had to wait.
“There are always rumours as soon as the transfer market opens but I don’t want to talk about my future,” said Xhaka yesterday. “I am 100 per cent focused here with the national team… what happens afterwards, you will then get to know about it.”
Aaron Ramsey starts today, despite being absent from open training earlier this week. Wales interim boss Robert Page, however, has dismissed any fitness fears.
Speaking to the BBC now, he said: “I wasn’t lying when I said there has always been a plan in place. In the main he has trained every single day with the lads. There was no concern.”
A few in Baku 13:19 , Simon Collings
Wales’ memorable run at the 2016 Euros was largely about their amazing travelling fans. Thousands upon thousands descended on France to cheer them on.
That cannot be the case in Baku due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are still a few hundred there. They’ll be hoping it’s been worth the trip.
The only real debate with the Wales team was if Kieffer Moore would start. The striker has shone in the Championship, but it was rumoured Gareth Bale could play as a false nine.
Wales have opted to be bold and play Moore, though. He should give them a genuine outlet and target man at least.
Former Wales striker Nathan Blake told BBC 5Live “He has allowed other players to play their game.
“It wouldn’t have made sense to me to go with a false nine. (When you are) trying to get a win and get some momentum, I think he had to start.”
Team news 13:02 , Alex Young
So no big surprises from Wales and Aaron Ramsey is fit to start and Gareth Bale captains the side.
Newcastle’s Fabian Schar lines up in a three-man defence for Switzerland, with Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka ahead of him and Liverpool’s Xherdan Shaqiri again further ahead.
Wales: Danny Ward; Connor Roberts, Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies; Joe Allen, Joe Morrell; Gareth Bale (captain), Aaron Ramsey, Daniel James; Kieffer Moore.
Switzerland: Yann Sommer; Kevin Mbabu, Nico Elvedi, Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka (captain), Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic
Switzerland XI 12:48 , Alex Young
No tweet from the Swiss yet but Uefa have their starting XI.
Starting XI: Sommer; Mbabu, Elvedi, Schär, Akanji, Rodríguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Shaqiri; Embolo, Seferovic.
Wales XI 12:44 , Alex Young
Here we go.
Lay of the land 12:30 , Alex Young
Here’s how Group A looks ahead of kick-off.
Vladmir Petkovic prefers to keep his opponents guessing over formations and tactics, though tends to favour close modifications of 3-4-2-1 and 5-4-1 formations, meaning his system could be similar or identical to that of Wales.
Getting Xherdan Shaqiri on the ball in midfield is their usual plan, and he should be supplying both Mario Gavranovic – who scored a hat-trick in the 7-0 warm-up friendly win over Liechtenstein – and Haris Seferovic.
Switzerland have a solid look about them, right through from goalkeeper Yann Sommer to striker Seferovic. Granit Xhaka is the most capped player in the squad with 94 appearances, while Shaqiri is only three behind that figure.
Fabian Schar is a key figure at the back and wing-backs Ricardo Rodriguez and Kevin Mbabu offer an attacking threat down the flanks.
Aaron Ramsey has won his fitness battle after sitting out Wales’ penultimate training session on Thursday.
Interim boss Robert Page confirmed Ramsey had “no issues” after some recent injury problems and was available for selection against the Swiss.
“We are sat here with 26 players fully fit and raring to go and Aaron falls into that category,” Page said. “He’s ready. I was fearful of him breaking down in games.
“We had a plan in place when I spoke to him a month ago about how many minutes we needed to achieve with one eye on Switzerland.
“The build-up has gone really well, the medical team have got to take an enormous amount of credit for that.”
Big day for Bale 11:30 , Alex Young
It’s a big day for Wales and Gareth Bale in Baku.
Bale ended his loan spell at Tottenham with two goals, making it six goals in the final seven games before returning to Real Madrid.
But it’s a different story on the international stage. Bale, Wales’ record goalscorer with 33 goals in 92 appearances, has gone 11 games without scoring for his country.
The 31-year-old’s last international goal came in October 2019 against Croatia in a European Championship qualifier which was drawn 1-1.
Welcome to the Evening Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Euro 2020 fixture between Wales and Switzerland.
Kick-off in Baku is scheduled for 2pm BST.
Stick with us for all the build-up, action and reaction from the Group A game.
