Dragons edging closer to qualifying as Page backs Ward after error
A BEAMING Rob Page spoke of his pride after Wales kept their hopes of a World Cup qualifying play-off spot on track with a 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic on Friday evening.
Goals from Aaron Ramsey and Dan James in Prague ensured the Dragons remained third in Group E – level on points with their hosts, who have played a game more.
And, although Wales boss Page (below) admitted to feeling disappointed over his team’s failure to take the three points, he said it was an impressive performance and that he could see the positives at full-time.
He said: “It shows how far we’ve come that we’ve dominated a game, created enough chances to score three or four goals, and we’re disappointed that we’re coming away with a draw.
“That shows how far we’ve come in Welsh football and there are so many positives to come out of that performance.
“It’s not the result we wanted but it’s the performance that we’re after.
“If we continue to perform like that camp after camp, we’ll win more games than we lose.
“To create the chances that we did and pose a threat constantly – from a performance point of view I couldn’t be more proud of us.
“Second spot is still on but we’ve got three games left, the Czech Republic have two. It’s in our hands.
“It’s a big game on Monday against Estonia and we’ll be fully prepared and ready for it.”
Estonia climbed off the bottom of the group by beating Belarus 2-0 on Friday and Wales head to Tallinn with ground to make up on the Czech Republic.
In the event of two teams being tied at the end of qualification, teams are split by, first, goal difference and then goals scored before head-to-head results are taken into account.
Wales, who were without injured captain Gareth Bale in Prague, are currently one behind the Czechs in terms of goal difference and have scored three fewer goals.
Only if those two categories were equal would Wales’ superior record against the Czechs – a win and a draw – count.
After their trip to Tallinn, Wales complete their programme with November home games against Belarus and Belgium.
The Czech Republic finish with a trip to Belarus tomorrow and a home game against Estonia next month.
Wales would have claimed a much-deserved win in the
Czech capital if not for an uncharacteristic error from goalkeeper Danny Ward.
The Leicester City man paid the price for a momentary lapse in concentration.
He somehow allowed a Ramsey backpass to roll over his foot and into the back of the net in the second half.
But he received immediate support from the travelling Wales fans who sang his name at full-time, and has also been backed by the manager.
“I thought it was a really nice touch from the supporters,” Page added.
“The lads are rallying around him and, knowing him as a character, he’ll bounce back.
“Danny’s been excellent since he’s been involved. That happens unfortunately.
“We know him as a person, he’s strong minded, and he’ll come back from that, no problems at all.”
Having missed the last round of international fixtures due to injury, goalscorer Ramsey marked his return with a standout performance.
And Page was delighted with the 30-year-old’s efforts.
He added: “I thought he was outstanding, he’s just an absolute pleasure to watch.”