Euro 2024 qualifiers: Wales draw 1 all against Croatia in Split

A last gasp goal from Nathan Broadhead on his debut saw Wales snatch a draw

Wales fans in Split, Croatia
Author: Lauren JonesPublished 26th Mar 2023

A late goal from Nathan Broadhead saw Wales secure a 1-all draw in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier with Croatia.

It was a special night for him - scoring on his debut with boss Rob Page saying Broadhead was in tears after scoring the last-gasp goal in the 93 minute.

Page said: "I'm really pleased for him. He's not going to like me saying this, but it's an emotional game and he was in tears at the end with the supporters.

"It means the world to him. I've worked with Nathan in the Under-21s in Toulon six or seven years ago.

"I've watched his development and he's earned the right to be part of the squad now. I've known all about him before this camp and we've been itching to get him involved."

Fans haven't got to wait long as Wales take on Latvia in Cardiff on Tuesday for their next qualifier.

Skipper Aaron Ramsey, Daniel James - who had just volleyed wide from close range - and Harry Wilson were all withdrawn ahead of the game against Croatia Broadhead among the replacements.

Page admitted that Tuesday's must-win home game against Latvia was in his thoughts at that point.

He said: "We'd planned it (the subs) last week. The four forwards we had on the pitch are not playing at club level.

"We had a target for the points we wanted to get, it's all about the home game for us.

"That was the winnable game, and we always knew that on the hour we were going to make those substitutions.

"It's beneficial to keep them fresh now for Tuesday, but when you get the equaliser like we did late on in the game it feels like a win.

"I think the lads deserved it for the effort they put in, they put a right shift in.

"We knew we were going to have to suffer without the ball and it came true. They're a very good team and we had to be disciplined in our shape.

"I knew that, as the game went on, we'd create chances. We thought DJ's might be the one, but Nathan popped up at the end and took his chance well."

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