Spurs international watch: Brilliant night for defender | OneFootball

On Saturday evening, there was action for Tottenham Hotspur players Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson, as their Wales side hosted Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifying. Both players were named in the starting XI. In defence, Davies – the captain – started as a left sided centre back in a four, partnering former Spurs defender Joe Rodon, whilst Johnson lead the line in a 4231 formation.

How things went for Tottenham Hotspur pair and Wales on Saturday

With just nine minutes on the clock, Wales took the lead. After Craig Bellamy’s side had lost the ball in the Kazakhstan penalty area, good counter pressing won the ball back, leading to Davies laying the ball off to Daniel James, who found the back of the net via a deflection.

Just after the half hour mark, however, the visitors equalised from the penalty spot, after a somewhat controversial handball call. The sides went into the break at 1-1 and with everything all to play for.

Within the first two minutes of the second half, Wales retook the lead. An inswining corner was completely missed by the goalkeeper in his attempt to claim the ball, and there was Davies to take full advantage by nodding into the unguarded net. A goal and an assist for the Spurs man.

Then, just as the game entered stoppage time, Wales got a third goal to make sure of all three points, securing a 3-1 win on match day one of their qualifying campaign. Great night all round.

Especially for Davies, who as well as his goal and assist, recorded; two clearances, one tackle, 153 touches of the ball, 140/145 accurate passes, and one chance created. As for Johnson, he played 62 minutes, before being taken off. Playing up front definitely does not suit his game.

This win leaves Wales second in their group following the completion of match day one, behind North Macedonia on goal difference. They will have the chance to overtake them on Tuesday evening, when they play each other over in Skopje. Kick off for that one is 19:45 GMT.

As a quick sidenote, as not enough happened for an individual piece – Pape Matar Sarr came on as a half time substitute for Senegal in their 0-0 draw away to Sudan in World Cup qualifying. This leaves Senegal in 3rd place in the group, with nine points from their five games so far. A win would have sent them top.