Wales star Harry Wilson celebrated his 50th cap with both goals in a 2-1 victory over Croatia in the European Championship Qualifiers.
Wilson scored both goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half before a goal from Croatia’s Mario Pašalić in the 75th minute made for a nervy ending.
Wales held on for an important three points and regained control of their automatic qualification destiny.
It was a strong start from Wales as they looked to get the much-needed first goal of the game.
David Brooks opened the Croatian defence on the 20th minute with a defence-splitting pass on the counter to play Harry Wilson through on goal. He was taken down by defender Domagoj Vida leading to the first yellow card of the game.
Wilson stepped up to take the free kick and his curing effort forced a great save from keeper Dominik Livaković to tip past the post.
Livaković was called in to action again as Neco Williams broke in from the left-hand side to fire a shot from the edge of the box. It looked to be heading in but the Croatian keeper got down well to push wide of goal.
Both teams going in goalless at half time with Wales having the better opportunities and working hard to limit any clear Croatian efforts to test Danny Ward.
Wales come out flying in the second half and got their first of the game on the 46th minute.
A long ball towards Brooks instinctively flicked on to find Wilson running down on goal. He managed to lift the ball over the oncoming keeper and into the net to spark wild celebrations.
Daniel James replaced Brooks on the 57 minute due to injury and he had an instant impact as he set up the second.
His cross finding the head of Wilson who flicked the ball past the keeper for his second on the 60th minute.
With Croatia also needing a positive result they pushed to try and get back into the game and started to maintain possession.
Their first clear chance came in the 74th minute. Some intricate play on the edge of the area finding Dion Drena Beljo through on goal.
He managed to flick an effort towards goal but Danny Ward managed to get one hand to it before Joe Rodon cleared out for a corner with the ball rolling in.
From the resulting corner Croatia pulled one back thanks to a Mario Pašalić header from close range setting up a nervy last 15 minutes.
Youngster Jordan James picked up Wales’ only card of the game for stopping a Croatian counterattack with 85 minutes played.
Croatia continued to pressure the Welsh defence but they ran themselves into the ground to hold on and keep their automatic qualification hopes alive.
Here is a look at the player ratings from last night’s classic in the Capital.
Wales player ratings vs Croatia
Danny Ward – 8
Near perfection for the Wales number one. He came to collect nervy crosses when needed and took pressure off the defence. His distribution was brilliant with some calm passes out of the back and a great long ball to help get the first goal. Couldn’t do much about the goal rooted to the spot with a close-range header.
Conor Roberts – 7
Another solid performance from the wing-back. One of many that run his socks off all game and was part of a back five that limited the Croatian attack.
Joe Rodon – 7
He was solid at the back again. He won near enough every cross that came at him and was very close to getting another clean sheet. He didn’t put a foot wrong all game.
Chris Mepham – 7
A great performance from him considering he’s played hardly any club football this season and has just come back from injury to play the full game. He done his job to get Wales over the line.
Ben Davies – 8
Captain fantastic. He was solid all game along with the rest of the back line. He run his socks off chasing down the keeper on more than one occasion. A real leaders performance constantly keeping the side going even under the nervy last minutes.
Neco Williams – 7
He was brilliant yet again. He come close to a goal forcing a great save from Dominik Livaković, covering every blade of grass getting up and down the left hand side.
Ethan Ampadu – 9
Simply amazing performance. At 23 years of age and nearing 50 caps already for his nation, he was again faultless. To battle with a former Balon Do’r winner and Real Madrid midfielder for the full game and come out on top is sensational.
Jordan James – 9
Wow! What a talent he is. At 19 years of age to perform like a veteran against one of the best midfields in international football is frighteningly impressive. No doubt he has a long and successful career ahead, he and Ampadu in midfield is the future for the Welsh midfield. He even managed a cynical yellow to stop a counter late on, brilliant.
David Brooks – 9
There isn’t enough words to describe the amazing story of David Brooks. After all he’s been through the last few years to fight back, get in the starting 11 and produce that performance is remarkable. An assist for the first goal and was a constant handful. A shame to see him go off injured, hopefully he’s fit and firing for November’s fixtures.
Harry Wilson – 10
The king of Corwen. He celebrated his 50th cap for Cymru with a brace and the perfect performance. A great finish for the first under pressure and a delicate flick for the header for the winning goal. He was perfect for the 70 minutes he played and was a shame to see him go off through injury. Hopefully he’s all fine for November.
Kieffer Moore – 8
He was brilliant and done exactly what was needed. He was a constant nuisance for the Croatian defence and they couldn’t handle him physically or aerially. The only thing missing was a goal.
Daniel James – 8
He was brilliant when he came on in place of Brooks. He had an instant impact setting up the second with a great cross. He run his socks off and helped Wales over the line.
Nathan Broadhead – 6
He replaced Wilson for the final 10 minutes and done his job well. Done a lot of defensive work with the team under pressure and helped everyone get over the line and earn the three points.
Overall it was a sensational performance from Wales when the pressure was really on. The atmosphere was electric as always at the Cardiff City stadium. The squad showed their togetherness and showed their commitment to manager Rob Page.
The hope of automatic qualification is now in their own hands with two fixtures remaining. Wales play Armenia away on Saturday, November 18th, before the final game in Cardiff against Turkey on Tuesday, November 21st.
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