The second game of Euro 2020 ended all square between Wales and Switzerland with second place for Group A now wide open.
The players kicked off at the Olympic Stadium in Baku in sweltering 30 degree heat and from the kick-off Switzerland dominated possession. Centre-Backs Akanji, Schar and Elvedi were assertive on the ball and the midfield pairing of Xhaka and Frueler dominated proceedings in the middle of the park.
Despite the early Swiss dominance, the first chance of the game came from a Welsh counter-attack in the 15th minute. A Dan James cross found the head of Keifer Moore, who directed a powerful header towards goal, only to be denied by a spectacular Yann Sommer save, flying high to his right.
That was the only real chance for Wales in the first half as the Swiss continued to dominate possession and looked the more likely going forward.
Seferovic had a number of chances in the first half but sent his shots wide of the mark. His most glaring miss of the first half came after a penalty shout on Breel Embolo, whose shirt was held in the box before he laid the ball off to Seferovic.
The 2nd half started with a bang as the Swiss came out with real intent. Breel Embolo took the game by the scruff off the neck, driving towards goal with pace and power and forced a corner from the goalkeeper in the 50th minute. From the resulting corner, Embolo rose above his opponent to head the ball into the back of the net, taking the lead in Azerbaijan.
It seemed the Swiss were in complete control from this point forward. They looked sharper and fitter than their opponents and Embolo continued to cause real havoc with his strength and drive on the ball.
Wales on the other hand looked relatively feckless. While sturdy in defense they couldn't hold onto the ball, and key players Ramsey and Bale looked largely invisible.
This all changed in the 73rd minute as Keifer Moore flew for a header from a Welsh corner and powered a lovely flick past Yann Sommer to even up the scores.
Out of nowhere Wales were back into the game, with Bale and Ramsey suddenly looking dangerous. What a difference a goal makes!
Both sides had some chances before the finish, with Swiss substitute Gavranović scoring with his first touch off the bench, only to see his goal ruled offside.
The game ended after 5 minutes of stoppage time with the scores tied at 1-1.
It certainly feels like a point lost for the Swiss who were completely in control before the Keifer Moore goal.
For Wales it's certainly a point gained with a group defining tie for Robert Page's men coming up against Turkey on June 16th.
Man of the Match: Breel Embolo (Switzerland)
