Cruz Allen’s stunning injury-time strike sealed a dramatic 3–2 victory for Cymru against Japan in their opening fixture of the U19 EURO preparatory tournament on Wednesday evening.
With the match seemingly heading for a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner, the young Welsh midfielder produced a moment of brilliance, curling a precise free-kick into the bottom corner from distance to secure all three points for Craig Knight’s side.
It was Cymru who made the perfect start to proceedings in north Wales, taking the lead inside the opening eight minutes. Will Grainger and Josh Gentles combined superbly down the right, with Grainger’s low cross finding the Cymru captain in space. Gentles made no mistake, slotting home neatly at the near post to give his first game as captain the dream start.
Just three minutes later, Cymru doubled their advantage through Grainger himself. Finding space on the edge of the box, he showed excellent composure to bring the ball under control before guiding a calm finish into the bottom corner past the outstretched Ken Isobiri.
Knight’s side continued to press aggressively and could easily have made it three shortly after, when Gentles fired narrowly over the bar from close range following another flowing move.
Despite Cymru’s dominance, it was Japan who pulled a goal back just 11 minutes in through Takato Yamamoto. After conceding a cheap free-kick outside the box, Cymru were punished as Yamamoto’s superb strike flashed past Max Hudson in goal.
With their tails up, the visitors drew level midway through the first half. A pinpoint corner from Mihiro Sato found Shunya Sakai in the area, who rose highest to power home a header — making it 2–2 heading into the break.
The second half proved a more even contest, with both sides threatening on the counter as play swung rapidly from end to end. Knight introduced several substitutes from the bench, including Allen, hoping his club form in front of goal would continue on the international stage.
Just as the game appeared destined for penalties, Cymru were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area after Henry Kasvosve was brought down.
Up stepped Allen, who curled a magnificent strike over the wall and into the bottom-right corner to spark wild celebrations and hand Cymru a deserved victory, repaying his manager’s faith in perfect fashion.
Cymru return to action on Saturday afternoon when they host the USA at Stōk Cae Ras (2:30pm), looking to build on their strong start to the tournament.
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