Wales shock Croatia to reawaken Euro 2024 hopes
Wales breathed new life into their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 as Harry Wilson's double earned a famous 2-1 win over Croatia in Cardiff on Sunday.
Rob Page's men move above the World Cup semifinalists into second place in Group D of qualifying with Croatia now at risk of missing a major tournament for the first time since the 2010 World Cup.
Page's position was in doubt after a disastrous start to Wales' qualifying campaign.
A 4-2 home defeat to Armenia and 2-0 loss at group leaders Turkey looked to have all but ended their hopes of reaching a third consecutive European Championship.
On top of losing Gareth Bale to international retirement, Wales were without two of their major threats in Aaron Ramsey and Brennan Johnson through injury.
But Fulham winger Wilson became his nation's new hero with two brilliant finishes early in the second-half.
Victory was no less than Wales deserved as Croatia's big names failed to live up to their billing.
The home side were unfortunate not to be in front by halftime as Dominik Livakovic made fine saves to turn behind a Wilson free-kick and Neco Williams' curling effort from the edge of the area.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic showed his displeasure by making three substitutions at the break, but even that did not shake his side from their slumber.
David Brooks continued his fairytale return from a cancer diagnosis to representing his country at the top level with the assist for Wilson's opener.
The Bournemouth attacker's lofted ball over the Croatia defence saw Wilson outpace Domagoj Vida and loft the ball over the advancing Livakovic.
The diminutive Wilson then used his head to good effect with a cushioned header from Dan James' cross.
James' curling effort was inches away from a
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