Broadhead sobs after Wales’ first-ever goal

Rob Page reported that Nathan Broadhead, a hero for Wales who scored a last-second equaliser against Croatia, was in tears.

Andrej Kramaric gave the World Cup semi-finalists a lead in Split in the 28th minute, sending Wales into the first round of Euro 2024 qualifying with a loss.

After Chris Mepham had flicked on Connor Roberts’ long throw, Ipswich striker Broadhead, who had just earned his first cap, equalised in the third minute of stoppage time to preserve a 1-1 draw for Wales.

Page said: “I’m really pleased for him. He’s not going to like me saying this, but it’s an emotional game and he was in tears at the end with the supporters.

“It means the world to him. I’ve worked with Nathan in the Under-21s in Toulon six or seven years ago.

“I’ve watched his development and he’s earned the right to be part of the squad now. I’ve known all about him before this camp and we’ve been itching to get him involved.”

Wales had not managed a single shot on target until Broadhead’s late intervention at the far post.

But, after being outplayed for the entire first half, they appeared to be building momentum before Page made a contentious triple substitution.

Skipper Aaron Ramsey, Daniel James — who had just volleyed wide from close range — and Harry Wilson were all withdrawn with Broadhead among the replacements.

Page admitted that Tuesday’s must-win home game against Latvia was in his thoughts at that point.

He said: “We’d planned it [the subs] last week. The four forwards we had on the pitch are not playing at club level.

“We had a target for the points we wanted to get, it’s all about the home game for us.

“That was the winnable game and we always knew that on the hour we were going to make those substitutions.

“It’s beneficial to keep them fresh now for Tuesday, but when you get the equaliser like we did late on in the game it feels like a win.

“I think the lads deserved it for the effort they put in, they put a right shift in.

“We knew we were going to have to suffer without the ball and it came true. They’re a very good team and we had to be disciplined in our shape.

“I knew that, as the game went on, we’d create chances. We thought DJ’s might be the one, but Nathan popped up at the end and took his chance well.”