Last nights result will have done Rob Page’s immediate future no harm at all after Wales defeated Croatia 2-1 in their Group D qualifier for Germany next year. Two goals from Harry Wilson secured the win in a memorable night in Cardiff.
A more relaxed Rob Page faced the cameras post match after Wales beat Croatia for the very first time in a pulsating game. Wales now have to win their final two games in November, away in Armenia and home to Turkey to qualify for Euro 2024 next summer.
Talking on the game and then Neil Mooney the Chief Executive of the FAW who stated Page’s position would be ‘reviewed’ at the end of this campaign the Wales head coach said. "They've proven tonight they can deliver a top performance against a very, very good side. I see it every day since I've taken over. I see the respect the players have for me. I see they want to play for me. I don't need to say anything else outside of that. I just let the players do the talking on the pitch." Asked if he'd spoken to Mooney, Page added: "I had a text off him today. Before that I'd not spoken to him for maybe five weeks. But I had a text wishing us good luck for tonight at lunchtime today."
Moving things on Page said. "I just want to focus on games of football. We're two wins away from qualifying for a fourth major tournament. What about young JJ's ( Jordan James ) performance against one of the best midfields in world football? He's got to be looking at (Luka) Modric tonight thinking 'Oh my God'. He must think he's dreaming. He's gonna go far that kid. He really is. Along with many others. It's been such a positive camp for so many reasons."
On his team Page couldn’t give them enough praise. "All aspects. From how we had to defend against an excellent team. One of the best midfields in world football. I know they've had injuries as well but we're without Rambo and Brennan so we've afew injuries ourselves. But from a defensive point of view, they were outstanding. They stuck to the game plan, and we knew we'd create a couple of opportunities and then it was Harry's day. He stepped up to the plate and thoroughly deserved his goals”
"To a man they were outstanding."
Grouo D looks a bit better now with two more Wales games to go. Both come during the international break in November. First away in Armenia and then the final game at home to Turkey. We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the national side this week from Gibraltar to Croatia, and two Wales wins.
Cymru Am Byth.