16 October 2023 , 07:20
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Wales boss Rob Page was moved to tears after his side beat Croatia to keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2024.
Needing a win to keep advancement in their own hands, Wales produced one of their best performances in recent years as they shocked the World Cup semi-finalists to win 2-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium, where a brace from Harry Wilson secured victory over the side ranked sixth on the planet.
Cymru could have held the lead at half-time only for fine saves from Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to deny both Wilson from a free-kick and then Neco Williams when he cut inside to shoot from the left.
The hosts finally got their reward for fine play early in the second half though, as Wilson raced onto a David Brooks pass to lob the ball over a stranded Livakovic, who was then beaten by the Fulham man again when he cleverly flicked home a cross from substitute Daniel James with his head.
Croatia, with Luka Modric pulling the strings, tried to find a way back into the contest, and although substitute Mario Pasalic's header led to frayed nerves in the Welsh capital, the hosts held on for a much-deserved win which plunges Croatia's hopes of qualification into jeopardy.
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Harry Wilson scored twice to give Wales a 2-1 win over Croatia (Dan Minto/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)They now sit third in the group behind Wales, who hold a superior head-to-head record over them. It means that wins in their final two matches against Armenia and Turkey, who ensured qualification for Euro 2024 on Sunday night, will see Wales reach a third successive European Championships.
The win came amid a backdrop of speculation about Page's position, with FAW chief executive Noel Mooney openly admitting that a review over his future in the job would be taking place following a difficult qualification campaign, and reports suggesting that he had lined up Roy Keane to replace the former Wales defender.
Page's position has come under scrutiny before the match (PA)Page cut an emotional figure when he spoke to S4C reporter Sioned Dafydd after the match, after she put it to him that his players must love playing for him.
"Yeah, that's... [voice breaks]... that's never been in doubt that. Yep," said Page as he teared up.
Dafydd then asked Page what kind of message the result would sent out. "That actions speak louder than words, Sioned," he replied.
"I'm sick and tired to keep coming on and talk about my future. Let's just talk about the lads and their performances. Young JJ (19-year-old midfielder Jordan James), has played like he's a 30-year-old experienced professional against the best midfield in world football. Incredible, I'm so proud of them. I get emotional at times because I'm just proud of them, and they deserve all the plaudits they're going to get tonight.
Dafydd then replied: "Rob you're going to have me crying in a bit, but huge well done. Diolch yn fawr (Thank you very much)."
Wales will travel to Yerevan for the Armenia clash on November 18, before Turkey come to Cardiff on November 21.