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Harry Wilson sealed a famous Welsh victory with two second half goals in Cardiff to topple a Croatian team who have emerged as a genuine World power in recent years.
This had been a must win game for Wales with pressure growing on boss Robert Page amidst rumours of the FAW seeking a “big name” manager. Speculation had emerged in relation to TV pundit Roy Keane for example.
Page chose to start with Bournemouth’s David Brooks ahead of Dan James, though with injuries to key stars such as Aaron Ramsey and Brennan Johnson, the rest of the side pretty much picked itself. Kieffer Moore led the line for the home team.
Real Madrid legend Luka Modrić captained the visiting Croatian side, making what could be his last international appearance on these shores.
Wales made a lively start, with Brooks linking up well with club mate Moore. Wilson and Connor Roberts felt the strength of Croation resistance though, going down to some hefty challenges.
Petar Musa headed over Danny Ward’s goal on 18 minutes as, with Modrić at the heart of things, the classy visitors began to settle.
The effervescent Brooks put Wilson through soon afterwards though, but the Fulham man was put down by Domagoj Vida. Only a yellow card was shown by Referee Davide Massa. Wilson brought a smart save from Dominik Livaković from the resulting free kick as the home side stepped on the gas.
Neco Williams brought another fine save from the Croatian keeper following neat work by the influential Wilson, who was winning his 50th cap.
It had been a fine first half from the home side. With a shade more finesse with the final ball, they could easily have gone off for the break ahead.
But the large home crowd did not have to wait long for the goal they craved. Brooks, inevitably, sent Wilson through and the former Cardiff City man lobbed the ball home with great composure.
Croatia saw more possession as they worked their way back into the game, but the Welsh stood firm.
Brooks exited the field to a hero’s ovation as he left the field with an injury on 57 minutes. James took over.
The Leeds wide man was immediately prominent, crossing for Wilson to head in a cheeky second for the Welsh, putting the home fans into ecstasy.
Wales were almost playing on the counterattack, but it was working to perfection. The guile of Wilson and Moore and the pace and trickery of James and Neco Williams made them a constant threat. As if to emphasise the point, James raced forward to fire narrowly wide on 68 minutes.
The home fans in the crowd of 31,240 were in full voice now, running through their full repertoire of lusty hymns and arias.
The visitors’ pressure told on 75 minutes though, as substitute Mario Pašalić headed in from close range.
Williams fired wide as the game ebbed and flowed. The anthem boomed down from the crowded stands. Nathan Broadhead replaced Wison. Modrić fired over. It was hectic stuff.
Marcelo Brozović who plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, was booked for a foul on James as the clock ticked on towards five added minutes.
Nerves jangled all around the Cardiff City Stadium. Ward grabbed precious seconds with a magnificent take. Williams urged more noise from the stands. The stands responded.
This had been yet another memorable night at this venue. Page had rallied his troops in the face of much pressure. For Croatia, it completed a miserable few days as Wales gained an important advantage in the qualifying group.
Wales 2
Croatia1
David Collins, Wales Football Correspondent
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