Wales victory over Croatia keeps automatic Euro 2024 qualification hopes alive
Harry Wilson marked 50 caps by netting both goals for Wales in Cardiff
Last updated 16th Oct 2023
Rob Page says he's 'immensely proud' of his players after a 2-1 win in their crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia in Cardiff.
It means Cymru have kept alive hopes of automatic qualification for next year's competition.
There's still work to do as next month Rob Page's side are away to Armenia before welcoming Group D leaders Turkey in their last two qualifiers.
Harry Wilson, winning his 50th cap, scored twice as Wales climbed above the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists in to second place in Group D.
The two teams are tied on 10 points, six behind group leaders Turkey who secured qualification by beating Latvia 4-0 on Sunday.
Wales are second by virtue of having a better head-to-head record against Croatia after also drawing 1-1 with them in Split in March.
Wales' win over Croatia, ranked sixth in the world and 27 places above the Dragons, came after pre-match reports that manager Page's job could be in jeopardy.
Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney had said earlier in the week that a "serious review" would take place on Page's position following the final group games against Armenia and Turkey next month. Page is currently just over 12 months into a four-year deal.
Page said: "I would say it's the best performance (of his three-year reign), I am immensely proud.
"There was unnecessary noise coming into it, with me fighting fires. I didn't need any player to speak, I see the players want to play for me.
"I had a text from the chief executive today, before that, not for five weeks.
"I just want to concentrate on the football, we are two games away from qualifying for another major tournament, a fourth in five.
"We believe we can do it. We need to do the same (in November) as we did in this camp."
Page said: "In all aspects, how we defended against an excellent team with one of the best midfields in the world was outstanding.
"We are in a transition period where we've lost one of the best players in the world (Gareth Bale). We are introducing young players to strengthen us and improve us.
"Seven of our 11 are not starting for their club. Chris Mepham's last game was against Latvia. Kieffer Moore isn't playing for his club.
"But when they turn up for Wales they produce a performance like that. I am really proud of them as a group.
"The players are an incredible bunch and it's in our hands now.
"I understand not everyone is going to be a fan of mine, but when you have a group of players playing like that for you, it makes you immensely proud."