Dan James scores on first competitive start for Wales as Giggs makes winning start to Euro 2020 Qualifying campaign
Swansea winger scored the only goal of the game just five minutes in
DAN JAMES gave Wales boss Ryan Giggs the perfect start to their Euro 2020 campaign with the winner over Slovakia.
The flying Swansea winger pounced on hesitation from Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik to fire past Martin Dubravka after five minutes in Cardiff.
And James' early strike handed Wales a much-needed three points in Group E ahead of two tough away dates against favourites Croatia and Hungary.
It was only James' second Wales cap but the pacy 21-year-old produced an excellent display, just a week after tormenting Manchester City in the FA Cup last weekend.
Giggs' team selection was bold with James one of seven rookies in the starting X1 with ten or less international caps.
The Manchester United legend also made a big call by dropping regular captain Ashley Williams with Anderlecht's James Lawrence partnering Chris Mepham at the heart of defence.
Most Read In Football
Giggs wore a suit for the first time on the touchline rather than a tracksuit on his qualifying debut since taking charge of his country 14 months ago.
And Wales, without the injured Aaron Ramsey, were in dreamland when James rifled past Newcastle keeper Dubravka.
David Brooks, named Welsh Footballer of the Year in midweek, went on a lung-bursting run and attempted to switch play.
But the Bournemouth ace's loose pass was cut out by Pekarik only for the right-back to hesitate and allow James to pinch the ball off him and smash it home right-footed from just outside the penalty box.
Brooks injury blow
Wales' young guns adopted a direct, fast style of attacking play on a sunny afternoon in the Welsh capital.
Slovakia put Giggs' side under pressure midway through the first half but the visitors failed to create clear-cut chances.
Brooks almost made it two when he curled wide of the far post after a silky run left the Slovak defence dazed.
Then Gareth Bale headed wide from a Matt Smith corner as Wales pushed for a second.
Yet Slovakia turned up the pressure early in the second half when Wayne Hennessey was forced to deny Albert Rusnak from close-range and a comfortable save from Robert Mak's shot.
Brooks, carrying an ankle knock, was replaced on the hour mark by Tyler Roberts but was cautioned on his way off by German referee Felix Zwayer for time-wasting.
Most Read In Sport
James was also substituted for Ashley Williams, who drew level with Gary Speed on 85 caps, and Slovakia gained confidence in the closing stages.
Hennessey produced a superb reflex save from Michal Duris' header then David Hancko missed his kick with the follow up from six yards.
Then Pekarik headed into the side netting from Marek Hamsik's cross as Wales clung on for an all-important victory.
