James @GalloisinFrance has the enviable task of looking back at another amazing night in Cardiff.
Cymru condemn Croatia to a second-consecutive defeat with a historic win at a boisterous CCS, to boost qualification hopes and keep the dream alive.
The players came together in a show of unity and grit to see out a much-deserved, first ever victory over the Croats. Much of the build up had been about Page’s future but he proved the doubters wrong by setting up his side to be well-drilled and solid defensively. On the front foot with their pressing in the final third and sound in the centre of the park, Cymru kept Croatia out of the game for most of the 95 minutes.
Video from Stephen Baker
If you ever doubted Page’s dedication to the job, his passion during the anthem was clear for all to see. His team rallied on a special night in Cardiff, to leap-frog Croatia in to second position in the group and set up a thrilling run in to the group in November.
First Half
A spirited and organised first half, with fluid movement between the front three of Brooks, Wilson and Moore, saw Cymru create many chances, with Neco Williams forcing the Croatian keeper in to a fine save and Wilson’s free kick also testing the Croatian stopper. Cymru looks on top for most of the first period, with little created by the visitors and all that was lacking was a Cymru goal for their effort.
Photo from Rhys Lloyd
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The second half started very much the same as the first but this time a deft chip from the King of Corwen, Harry Wilson, helped Wales break the deadlock in a much-deserved fashion. The front three were all involved in the move, Moore flicking the ball on to Brooks who played a great through-ball for the on-rushing Wilson, whose deft chip over the advancing Croatian keeper, left him with no chance. Wilson’s 7th goal for Cymru on his 50th appearance.
Absolute delirium with Wilson’s second about 10 minutes later, a great cross from in-form Dan James, picking out Wilson at the front post who flicked the ball into the bottom corner, to leave the advancing keeper again with no chance.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe hymns of “Don’t take me home” and that one about the Tories echoed out loudly around the CCS with Wales in charge, but Croatia pressed and grabbed a goal when a corner was flicked on by Kieffer Moore, to an unmarked Pasalic who headed home to make it 2-1.
Cymru dug in deep and a dogged defensive display helped keep Croatia at bay, with Danny Ward making some huge saves right till the end.
Player Ratings
Ward – 8
Did not have much to do in the first half, thanks to the efficient organisation of the defenders in front of him. Had to wait until the 67th minute for his first save and then had a very busy last 10 minutes. Stepped up when we needed him most.
Embed from Getty ImagesNeco Williams – 7
Constantly on the front foot, asking questions of the Croatian backline. Nearly scored from a wicked cross goal effort in the first half, only to be denied by an in form keeper.
Davies – 7
Capten ffantastic. Huge part of the back line that kept Croatia at bay for most of the game.
Rodon – 7
Embed from Getty ImagesA solid performance that has been missing from his recent Cymru performances. Put his head on anything and everything.
Mepham – 8
Was not fully fit coming into camp, but pushed to be involved and was just outstanding all game long. Lacking game time with Bournemouth but it didn’t show here.
Embed from Getty ImagesRoberts – 6
A quieter night from Connor. Though his long throws caused havoc in the Croatian box, he didn’t get forward as much in this game but still put in a great performance to keep on top of attacks on the right flank.
Embed from Getty ImagesJordan James – 7
Along side Amps, he harried as the Croats tried to break through our midfield, challenged every ball, working his socks off. Only his 5th cap but looked ever much the part against Luka Modric.
Ampadu – 7
A dogged performance from Ampadu, working hard as part of the defensive unit to keep Croatia out.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrooks – 8
Tore them apart. Creative and a constant nuisance for the Croatian defence. Dropped deep to pick up the ball and influence the play. Linked so well with every other player on the pitch but especially as part of the front three. Came off early due to injury but a majestic performance.
video from Dai @colemans_dream
Wilson – 9
Embed from Getty ImagesInfluential performance as part of a front three. Pressed, harry’d and constantly asked questions of the Croatian defence. A cool finish for his 7th international goal, something which has been missing from his game for Cymru recently…and a HEADED goal for his 8th! His best performance in a Cymru shirt so far.
Moore – 7
Linked up brilliantly with Wilson and Brooks in the first half, constantly causing problems for the Croatian backline. Unlucky to provide the assist for Croatia’s goal but he was a handful all night – WITH NO YELLOW CARD!!
Embed from Getty ImagesSubs:
Dan James – 7
Came on for David Brooks and caused all sorts of problems for Croatia. Carried on his great form, from the Gibraltar game with a great cross for Wilson’s second goal.
Broadhead – 6
Came on for Wilson with 10 minutes to go. Looked sharp and dangerous when he got the ball.
Video from Andrew Challis