SCoTS MaC in buSineSS
RoB PAGE proved reputations and big names count for less in Wales’ revamped set-up after Gareth Bale’s retirement.
Bale’s goals and experience will, of course, be missed after 41 goals in 111 caps.
But there were times Bale started games for Wales when he clearly wasn’t fit enough.
It became painfully apparent at the World Cup where the exReal Madrid forward was a shadow of his former self.
Dynamic
Following Bale’s retirement after Wales finished bottom of group B in Qatar, boss Page pledged a new dynamic approach.
It already looks to be paying dividends after this opening point at Croatia, who finished third in Doha.
It wasn’t a vintage display as the visitors were outplayed for most of the match as Andrej Kramaric fired the hosts in front in the 28th minute.
But Wales’ younger line-up was able to hang in the game and Page’s bold call to hook captain Aaron Ramsey and Premier League duo Harry Wilson and Dan James on 64 minutes was vindicated.
He sent on Sorba Thomas of Championship Blackburn and
League One duo Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead.
It was a huge gamble just as Wales were threatening to get back in the game after James volleyed Wilson’s pass wide.
But the fresh energy of Thomas, Burns and Broadhead kept Wales going into stoppage time.
Debutant Broadhead, of Ipswich, then popped up in added time at the back-post to stab in Connor Roberts’ long throw in which was flicked on by Chris Mepham.
“There is life after Gareth, absolutely,” said Page, who also used Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw off the bench.
“Gareth’s moments of individual brilliance will forever be remembered by Wales supporters.
“But was he at an age at the end, where he could press for 95 minutes? Probably not, I know I couldn’t at his age when I was playing.
“Now we have the opportunity to get young, energetic players on the pitch and still have a go with half-an-hour left.
Freshen
“Wes Burns, Sorba Thomas and Tom Bradshaw didn’t stop running, they gave us the chance to freshen things up, up top.”
With six of Wales’ 12 subs having never played an international, the point was not only vital but hugely impressive.
Wales were without key injured players such as Wayne Hennessey, Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson, as well as the retired Bale and Joe Allen.
Croatia had previously won 34 and drawn one home European qualifiers since playing their first in 1994.
Wales’ only shot on target was Broadhead’s goal against the run of play but Page was euphoric.
“It feels like a win,” said Page, whose side host Latvia tomorrow.
CRoATIA (4-3-3): Livakovic 6; Juranovic Booked 6, Sutalo 6, Gvardiol 6, Sosa 6; Modric 8 (Majer 90), Brozovic 7, Kovacic 6 (Pasalic 76); Kramaric 8 (Vlasic 76), Livaja 6 (Musa 53, 6), Perisic 7
WALES (4-2-3-1): Ward 6; Roberts 7, Mepham 7, Rodon 6, N Williams 6; Ampadu Booked 7, Morrell 6 (James 90); Wilson 6 (Thomas 64, 6), Ramsey 6 (Burns 64, 6), James 5 (Broadhead 64,8); Moore 5 (Bradshaw 70, 6)
Referee: João Pinheiro 7
STEVE Clarke’s squad now has real strength in depth and that was shown as a late bench press helped lift Scotland joint top of their Euro 2024 qualifying group.
His side is sitting proudly on top of Group A, along with the next opponents Spain.
There would have been a time when if Scotland had missed key players, like Craig Gordon or Jack Hendry, the level of the
scotland ...... cyprus ..........
performance would probably have dropped.
Not now. There is a real strength and depth.
Look at this game against the Cypriots. The team went out and took a deserved first half lead through John McGinn.
Clarke then made a number of changes from the bench that put Cyprus to the sword.
Sub Scott McTominay netted a late double, while Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Christie came on and made a big impact.
The impact these guys made in the latter stages will have left Clarke with a selection headache for tomorrow against Spain.