The Irish have a free-kick, they send some men forward. They pass it round aimlessly for about 30 seconds and then play a ball into nowhere which Ashley Williams clears.

Matt: Amazing goal from Bale, such a better player out of Ronaldo's shadow

Danny Gabbidon
Former Wales defender on BBC Radio 5 live

Wow. What a finish from Gareth Bale. As soon as he cuts inside I'm out of my seat because I know it is hitting the back of the net. Great cross-field pass by Ben Davies but he gets it down and bends it in that far corner. Ryan Giggs will be delighted with the start.

Image source, PA

Very impressive from Wales so far but the Republic of Ireland have been shocking. If they play like this throughout, they'll struggle to get a point in this group.

Danny Gabbidon
Former Wales defender on BBC Radio 5 live

Much better by the Republic of Ireland. It's important for them to get a foothold in this game because Wales won't be able to keep up this intensity for the whole match.

Wales have looked very bright so far and Gareth Bale heads Ben Davies' cross over the bar.

Image source, Rex Features

Milo: Great start, Wales!

Still early days, but if the Republic of Ireland did finish bottom of this group then they'd have easier games in two years' time and maybe a greater chance of qualifying for the World Cup if Uefa keep the same format again.

The Republic of Ireland have their first shot, Bristol City's Callum O'Dowda has a go from 25 yards but it's blocked by Ashley Williams and the deflected effort lands in the arms of Wayne Hennessey.

Ethan Ampadu plays another fantastic cross-field pass to Tom Lawrence as Wales spread the ball all around midfield - the Irish chasing shadows at the moment.

Image source, Reuters

Irish captain Seamus Coleman runs the ball straight out of play and now he's having some beef with Tom Lawrence.

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

That was a lovely goal, and one which captured what Ryan Giggs wants from his Wales side: attacking football and a blend of youth and experience.

Chelsea teenager Ethan Ampadu got the move going, his seasoned midfield partner Joe Allen supplied the killer through ball and the 24-year-old Tom Lawrence supplied an emphatic finish to score his third goal for Wales.

Ethan Ampadu - who has a fantastic head of hair on him - wins a free-kick as he's caught late by Conor Hourihane. The referee has a word with Hourihane but no further punishment.

Cyrus Christie wins a throw-in off a Welsh defender - he hurls it in long and the Irish concede a free-kick. Ashley Williams isn't wearing the armband for some reason - but he is the captain.

Danny Gabbidon
Former Wales defender on BBC Radio 5 live

Wales have made a great start and they were patient in the build-up. Tom Lawrence makes a darting run in behind Ciaran Clark and it's a great finish past Darren Randolph, who has no chance. Super start.

Kevin Ratcliffe
Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Wales

It's a superb pass and then it is all about the finish, it is the pace that beats Randolph, there was nothing he could do to stop that.

Fulham defender Cyrus Christie, playing on the right side of midfield for the Republic, gets forward and puts a cross in - but Wales get it clear.