The Republic of Ireland are winning the ball and pressing all over the field and Robbie Brady shoots over after Gareth Bale is dispossessed.

Approaching the break, the visitors will be the happier side.

We've seen little threat from Wales.

Daniel James' shot is blocked.

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

Wales assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg had some straightforward advice for Neco Williams after that little dribble: "Put it in the box!"

Probably not as much use when big Kieffer Moore is on the bench.

Wales create space for Rhys Norrington-Davies, but he can't find Gareth Bale who had peeled off his marker and was begging for a cut-back.

Jayson Molumby is into the book for a foul on Joe Morrell.

Morrell has kicked out in response and has also been booked but it was a risky move, firmer contact and he might have seen red?

Image source, Getty Images

Gareth Bale, David Brooks and Daniel James all look like players just finding form and fitness.

Nathan Blake
Former Cardiff and Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

That's good defending from Joe Rodon, he didn't bite and then Adam Idah cuts inside and you think he has got the better of him but it's a great sliding challenge.

Adam Idah wriggles free and he's denied by an outstanding recovery tackle by Joe Rodon.

Spurs fans watching Rodon for the first time will have enjoyed that moment, his timing was spot on.

Idah is in a bit of bother after it and is receiving treatment.

Kieffer Moore has been such a feature of the way Wales play in recent times.

You can certainly make the case they are missing their target man.

Wales survive another scare as Robbie Brady finds James McClean, but his shot from a narrow angle is saved by Danny Ward with his feet as he stands big.

Image source, Getty Images

This is definitely a more evenly-matched contest than the rugby was on Friday.

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

You could argue these opening 25 minutes have offered more entertainment than last month's meeting between these two sides in Dublin.

Considering it's still goalless here, that probably tells you more about how poor a game it was at the Aviva Stadium.

Wow.

Gareth Bale smashes a freekick from basically Narnia and it dips just over the crossbar.

That was easily 35-yards out and Darren Randolph wasn't sure of it.

Image source, Getty Images

A mix-up at the back for Ireland gives David Brooks a sight of goal, but his deflected shot is easily saved.

More good signs from Ireland.

Neco Williams has to clear desperately from a teasing cross and Robbie Brady fires over as Wales struggle to clear.

The Republic have made the better early chances without a doubt.

Wales are almost in as Gareth Bale looks to release Dan James, but Darren Randolph is out and alert to the potential danger.

Nathan Blake
Former Cardiff and Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

Good movement from Wales and Joe Rodon, they opened the Irish team up there but they need to shift the ball a bit quicker.

The Irish defence look a little slow and lethargic.

Wales win their first corner and from it, Tottenham's Joe Rodon heads over the bar.

Bad news for Wales, good news for the Republic of Ireland as Teemu Pukki puts Finland in front in Bulgaria in tonight's other Nations League fixture.

Patient approach play from Ireland and James McClean swings in a cross, but Danny Ward is able to grab.