Nations League: Finland 0-1 Wales - Moore goal gives Wales victory

1. Manchester United youngster Dylan Levitt makes his debut for Wales
2. Finland and Wales are joined in their Nations League group by Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria
3. Wales have Kieffer Moore goal disallowed after three minutes
4. Gareth Bale replaced by Harry Wilson at half-time for Wales
5. Kieffer Moore goal with 10 minutes remaining secures victory

Welsh players defying stereotypes...

A bright start from winger Dan James

Getty Images

A first set piece chance for Wales but Ben Davies' freekick evades everyone.

However, Joe Morrell recycles the ball and crosses for Kieffer Moore, but his header is tame and straight at Lukas Hradecky.

Moore is lively so far.

CLOSE!

Finland can't get close to Daniel James and his cross just evaded Gareth Bale, thanks to a deflection, allowing Lukas Hradecky to intercept.

The move was started by a lovely out ball from Ethan Ampadu. His passing range for a centre back is absurdly good.

Ilmari Niskanen has clearly got some pace and he draws a foul from Ben Davies, but the delivery is deflected out harmlessly.

That's the first time we've seen Finland attack as Wales have got a good early grip on proceedings.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Kieffer Moore thinks he's scored after heading home Daniel James' cross, but the big target man is penalised for a tug.

As we expected, 4-4-2 for the hosts, 4-3-3 for Wales

Giggs' trust in youth

Dafydd Pritchard

BBC Sport Wales

Ryan Giggs has placed his trust in young players ever since he was appointed Wales manager in 2018, giving debuts to 15 players in his 19 matches to date.

That tally will be at least 16 by the end of tonight’s game, with Manchester United teenager Dylan Levitt handed a surprise first start in midfield.

And there could be more as the game progresses, with uncapped defenders Neco Williams and Ben Cabango among the Welsh substitutes in Helsinki.

Something missing during that anthem?

KICK-OFF

They are under way in Helsinki after taking a knee for Black Lives Matter.

The players are out

The players are out with Wales led by Gareth Bale and his magnificent mane as they enter an empty stadium in Helsinki.

This time last year I generally dressed smartly and was watching Wales' women's team play a qualifier in the Faroe Islands and preparing for a trip to Bratislava to watch Ryan Giggs' side.

Tonight I'm sat in north Cardiff wearing jogging bottoms and tapping this on a patio table that now resides in my living room.

It's a funny old game.

Neco Williams on interest from England

Neco Williams, he's Welsh, ok?

Neco Williams is obviously now committed to an international future with Wales.

But was there ever a chance that the dual-qualified Liverpool defender would opt for the Three Lions over the Red Wall?

His international boss was never worried, and the Liverpool full-back is on Ryan Giggs' bench this evening.

Read more.

Getty Images

The Nations League, how does it work?

Getty Images

Let's have a go at explaining this....

The Nations League is separated into four divisions. The top three divisions have four groups with four teams, with each side playing the other teams in their group home and away.

Wales are in League B and they are joined in Group 4 by Finland, the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria.

Group winners in League A will go into the finals tournament in September or October 2021, while teams that top their group in Leagues B, C and D will be promoted, and the bottom sides in League A and B groups relegated.

And perhaps the biggest incentive for success? The best two Nations League group winners who do not reach the World Cup or play-offs through normal qualifying - which starts in March 2021 - will go into the 12-team World Cup European play-offs in March 2022, with three nations qualifying for the tournament in Qatar.

Giggs ready for 'juggling act'

Wales manager Ryan Giggs says managing players in what is set to be a frantic season will be "a juggling act".

Some players could play three games a week all season in a campaign condensed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Getty Images

Cooper 'proud' of Cabango

Getty Images

Ben Cabango might find his international call-up "surreal" but his club manager is not surprised at all.

"I’m very proud of Ben being with the national team, an academy graduate, a player who we gave opportunities to last year and took it, and has now had the recognition of getting into the national team," Swansea City boss Steve Cooper told BBC Sport Wales earlier today.

"We’re really proud of Ben and whether he plays or not we don’t know, but when he comes back he’s certainly going to be a better player for the full international experience.

"Ben’s a brilliant character, very well liked, really cares about his football and his career. He’s a good learner, he wants to improve every single day and we’re really enjoying going through that process with him."

Cabango savours 'surreal' first call-up

Swansea City's 20-year-old defender Ben Cabango says it's a "surreal" feeling to be part of Wales' senior squad having been called up by Ryan Giggs for the first time.

Cabango starts on the bench tonight, but could still make his first-team debut if called upon by Giggs in the 90 minutes in Helsinki.

Ben Cabango: Wales call-up is a dream come true

Levitt inclusion a shock?

A chance for Daniel James to impress?

Tonight gives Daniel James an opportunity to impress his club side Manchester United as he starts for Wales.

Competition for places will be fierce at Old Trafford this season and the emergence of Mason Greenwood after the restart limited James to just 116 minutes of action in United's nine Premier League games.

Can James rebound on the international stage?

His boss Ryan Giggs thinks so. Read his thoughts here.

Getty Images

Get Involved

How do you think Wales will get on in their opening Nations League match? Can Finland cause an upset?

Tweet your thoughts into us using #FINWAL.