Euro 2016: Wales 2-1 Slovakia - How Chris Coleman's players rated
- Published
After ending their 58-year wait to reach a major tournament, Wales started their Euro 2016 campaign in the best possible way.
A Gareth Bale free-kick and a late winner from substitute Hal Robson-Kanu saw Chris Coleman's side earn a 2-1 victory over Slovakia in Group B.
But who were the stand-out performers in Bordeaux? BBC Wales Sport's Dafydd Pritchard gives his ratings.
Danny Ward (goalkeeper) 7
Called in to replace the injured Wayne Hennessey, who was forced out with a back problem, the 22-year-old Liverpool keeper was solid in his first international start, punching well from crosses and making a handful of decent saves.
Chris Gunter (right-back) 7
Coped well with the threat of Slovakia winger Vladimir Weiss and gave Wales some useful width on the right.
James Chester (centre-back) 7
Comfortable on the ball and focused in defence, the West Brom defender played his part in a determined team display.
Ashley Williams (centre-back) 7
The Swansea man led his defence with authority, making timely blocks and interceptions without ever seeming flustered.
Ben Davies (centre-back, man of the match) 8
As well as making a crucial block to deny Marek Hamsik a certain goal in the third minute, the Tottenham defender was excellent as he carried the ball out of defence.
Neil Taylor (left-back) 7
A typically combative display from the Swansea full-back, who stood up to the robust physicality of Slovakia.
David Edwards (midfield) 7
Playing in place of Joe Ledley, who is still regaining match fitness after recovering from a broken leg, the Wolves midfielder grafted and kept the ball well.
Joe Allen (midfielder) 8
Typically industrious at the base of midfield and wise in his use of the ball. A pivotal player for Wales.
Aaron Ramsey (midfielder) 7
Guilty of over-complicating things in the first half, the Arsenal midfielder's ambitious passes and flicks did not come off - but he had a hand in the winning goal.
Jonny Williams (forward) 8
Repaid Chris Coleman's faith with an energetic and brave performance, always looking to run at opposition defenders despite being the target of heavy challenges.
Gareth Bale (forward) 8
His goal was not one of his best free-kicks, but the Real Madrid forward was his usual menacing self on the break despite being marked heavily by his opponents.
Substitutes
Hal Robson-Kanu (forward) 8
Bursting with energy when he came on after 71 minutes, Wales' cult hero ran tirelessly and, albeit with some fortune, struck a famous winning goal.
Joe Ledley (midfielder) 7
Given the committed nature of his 20-minute performance, it is difficult to believe the Crystal Palace midfielder broke his leg as recently as 7 May.
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