WALES bounced back from defeat against Belgium to claim a 1-0 friendly win over Mexico.

On Saturday, four days after they had lost 3-1 to the Belgians in their opening 2022 World Cup Qualifier match, Rob Page’s side beat their latest opponents 1-0.

The main talking point pre-match was the fact that Chris Gunter was set to earn his 100th cap for Wales - the very first player to do so.

And so it would prove to be on the night, as the defender captained his side to victory.

A much-changed Wales side from the one which faced Belgium put in a fine performance to overcome their North American opponents.

With stand-in manager Page resting key figures ahead of Tuesday’s key qualifier clash against the Czech Republic, this match provided a chance for some of Wales’ fringe players to impress.

The likes of midfielder Jonny Williams and attacker Tom Lawrence were even played out of position, as wing-backs.

But, despite concerns about the line-up from some supporters ahead of the match, it would prove to be Wales who went ahead after just 11 minutes through a well-worked goal.

The inspired Williams found space in inside Mexico’s penalty area and crossed the ball in low to Kieffer Moore, who controlled the ball and gently rolled it into the bottom corner.

That was Wales’ only real attack of the first half and they did well to keep the Mexicans at bay whenever they broke out on the attack.

Mexico had dominated for large spells in the game but just couldn’t create the chances needed to get that breakthrough.

Their best chance had fallen to Hirving Lozano in the second half, but Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey did well to keep his effort out.

It was a good result for a weakened Wales team against a Mexico side currently ranked ninth in the FIFA World Rankings.

it was even more impressive when you consider that Mexico had only suffered one defeat in their previous 22 games - against Argentina back in 2019.

On the surface it may have been a meaningless friendly to most, but it was certainly a day to remember for super skipper Chris Gunter in particular as he became the first-ever centurion for the Wales men’s team.

The closest active players to him caps-wise are Wayne Hennessey (95) and Gareth Bale (89) who should go on to join him in the 100 club soon.