In this feature, which was originally published in the club's programme MATCHDAY, Kieffer Moore remembers a memorable game in his career.
Ahead of Wales's vital World Cup play-off final against Ukraine tomorrow, the Cherries forward recalls the game where he netted his first international goal.
BACKGROUND
The journey for Kieffer Moore had been a long one. Starting his playing career with Truro City, he reached the Football League via Dorchester Town, Norwegian side Viking and Forest Green Rovers.
It was encapsulated by his call-up to Wales for the first time in the 1-0 win over Belarus in September 2019, a suitable reward for the striker.
He was given his first competitive start in Trnava as Wales made the trip to Slovakia looking to keep their Euro 2020 qualification hopes alive.
Speaking to the club programme MATCHDAY, Moore recalls how he was feeling ahead of the game: “I think I was quite excited, anxious, there was a lot leading up to it, I didn’t really know I was going to be playing until the day before.
“When I got the chance, I knew I’d have to take it and I think we ended up getting a point that we needed to ultimately qualify for the Euros.”
THE GAME
Wales made a strong start to the game as Gareth Bale went close with a well-placed header, before Moore had his big moment.
In the 25th minute, he scored. He recalls: “Dan James ran down the line, taking on his opponent and dinked the ball into the middle of the area.
“As soon as I saw it and I was running into the box, I met it and headed it into the bottom left corner.
“It was amazing. I was over the moon, I was overwhelmed, it was an unreal feeling. It sounds weird but I knew I’d scored before the ball even touched my head.”
Slovakia equalised with a goal from nothing as Juraj Kucka smashed home a volley after Wales failed to clear a cross eight minutes into the second half.
Norbert Gyomber was sent off for a second yellow card and Wales earned a draw, keeping them in fourth position in Group E.
AFTERWARDS
The point proved to be an important point for Wales, as they finished in second place to secure automatic qualification for the European Championship in 2020.
Wales had a good tournament, qualifying in second place from Group A. Moore netted in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland, and was in the squad for the 2-0 victory over Turkey before ultimately being knocked out by Denmark in the Round of 16.
For Moore, playing for Wales is something he adores doing. He revealed: “The bond is like nothing else. If it looks like we’re all mates on the pitch, it’s because we are.
“The Wales motto is ‘Together Stronger’ and I think that epitomises what we’re about. Everyone’s on board, from every member of staff to all the players, everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet. Playing for Wales is the greatest honour of my life.”
Moore could be in action for Wales at 5pm on Sunday as they host Ukraine in the World Cup play-off final, the winner securing a place in Qatar this November.
