A GOAL from Daniel James earned Wales a huge victory in their quest to qualify for their first World Cup in more than half a century.

Wales’ last, and so far only, World Cup appearance came way back in 1958 when the likes of Ivor Allchurch and John Charles were the main men for the national team.

However, their latest win on Tuesday, March 30, has certainly given them hope that they may just qualify for the next World Cup set to be held in Qatar in 2022.

Victory over Group E rivals Czech Republic - who had beat Estonia 6-2 and drew with 1-1 with top-of-the-group Belgium prior to this encounter, came as Daniel James headed home nine minutes from time.

Before the match against the Czechs, and following the 1-0 friendly win over Mexico, it had seemed as though Wales were in complete disarray.

The likes of Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen were injured and the trio of Rabbi Matondo, Hal Robson-Kanu and Tyler Roberts had been removed from the squad a day before the match having ‘breached protocols’.

And yet, they showed tremendous spirit to come out on top against a Czech Republic side in a feisty affair at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Wales missed the best chance of the first half when Gareth Bale's effort was tipped over by Tomas Vaclik.

The visitors found themselves down to 10 men early on in the second half when striker Patrik Schick was sent off for raising his hand to defender Connor Roberts.

Roberts himself was then dismissed for a second booking, having received the first in the incident with Schick, but arguably Wales played their best football after that.

The home team earned themselves their first three points in the group stage - after a 3-1 loss to Belgium in their opener - with less than ten minutes to go.

Gareth Bales was the provider as his brilliant, inviting cross was headed home powerfully by Manchester United man James.

The smallest man on the pitch rose high to head home his fourth Wales goal and set them on their way to a big win.

There was still time for a few scares before the end though - centre back Joe Rodon producing a fantastic block to deny Ondrej Celustka an equaliser in stoppage time.

Wales then held on for what could be a vital three points in their bid to secure a place at Qatar 2022, moving up to third in Group E.