EN-TEAR THE DRAGON
Emotional Page vows to lose it if he can steer Wales to first World Cup since 1958
AS they clinched a home World Cup play-off semi-final, Rob Page wiped away tears as he held a post-match huddle with his Wales squad.
The manager admitted he was a “gibbering wreck” in his address on the pitch after a memorable 1-1 draw with Belgium at a packed Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday.
And he “daren’t think” how he might react if Wales go on to reach Qatar 2022 in March’s play-offs.
The Dragons have not made a World Cup finals since 1958. Yet, they are now just two games away under the passionate and positive leadership of Page.
Wales boast two brilliant players in Gareth Bale (with Page, right) and Aaron Ramsey – but it is their squad unity and collective will which is their real strength.
Humble Page, 47, who captained a team in each of the top four divisions of English football as a player, was not about to break ranks after the Belgium result as he paid tribute to his team.
“I was a gibbering wreck, really, it was an emotional time, telling the players how proud I am,” said Page. “I was emotional because of the pressure that has been on. This is what the game does to you, the pressures involved. For us to share that moment was lovely.
“I daren’t think what I could be like if we make it to Qatar. We still have a lot to do and full focus will now be on the play-offs.
“But I am so proud. I don’t think you’ll meet a more proud Welshman.
“I am not going to take the credit, I don’t do it all on my own.
“I have a great group of staff behind me and the senior players I have in that dressing room are exceptional. The dynamics of that squad, the team spirit and camaraderie, it is unbelievable. It is something unlike anything I have experienced before.”
Page was viewed as little more than a stop gap when he stepped up from within the FAW’s coaching ranks in November 2020 after head coach Ryan Giggs was arrested by the police. The Manchester United legend remains under contract and is due to stand trial next year over charges of assault and controlling behaviour against his former partner.
But Page’s stock continues to rise after leading Wales to win their Nations League group. He
then steered them out of a tough group at the Euros this summer where they finished second behind tournament winners Italy.
Denmark ended Welsh hopes in the last 16 in a comprehensive 4-0 win. But it remains one of only four defeats in Page’s 19 games at the helm – none of which have been at home.
Danny Ward has repaid his faith with a series of fine displays in goal since being selected ahead of long time custodian Wayne Hennessey.
And a three-man central defence has looked solid and helped Wales utilise the pace and athleticism of Neco Williams and Connor Roberts at wing-back.
In midfield, schemer Joe Allen and creator Ramsey are quality players and skipper and record goalscorer Bale, when fit, is still the side’s talisman.
But in Bale’s absence, Dan James’ pace usually still gives Wales an X Factor and 6ft 5in targetman Kieffer Moore is any defender’s nightmare.
And Moore had Page going wild when he drilled in a vital equaliser against Belgium, the side who top the FIFA world rankings.
Page added: “It is a tremendous achievement.”