Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
More
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Last-gasp Broadhead goal stuns Croatia as Wales earn point

Chris Wilson
Wales celebrate an injury-time equaliser by Nathan Broadhead
Wales celebrate an injury-time equaliser by Nathan BroadheadAFP
Wales ensured they made a positive start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign as Nathan Broadhead scored a 93rd minute equaliser on his international debut to rescue a 1-1 draw against Croatia in Split.

For a Wales side who were in the midst of their longest winless run since 2001 prior to tonight, a strong start would’ve been high on the agenda. Danny Ward was largely to thank for the fact they didn’t fall behind early, beating away an Andrej Kramarić effort as Croatian pressure began to build on the Welsh goal.

Ivan Perišić came even closer for the hosts when he flashed an effort wide of the target, before he did eventually break Welsh resistance when his deflected strike nestled in the net, only for the referee to pull it back for a foul in the build-up and hand Wales a reprieve.

Wales failed to take advantage though, as almost straight from the restart Croatia won the ball back and after springing a swift counter, Kramarić bamboozled Neco Williams before firing home beyond a desperate Ward dive.

Croatia players celebrate their opening goal
Croatia players celebrate their opening goalAFP

Harry Wilson spearheaded the Welsh response, but his unusually wayward free-kick ensured Rob Page’s side trailed at the break.

The tide certainly shifted after the interval, with the visitors getting on the front foot and posing much more of a threat. Daniel James spurned his side's best opportunity for an equaliser, firing wide at the near post after being found in space in the area by Harry Wilson.

Chris Mepham and Martin Erlicfight battle for the ball
Chris Mepham and Martin Erlicfight battle for the ballAFP

A triple change from Page shortly after the hour mark signalled his intent, but when Williams fired over from the edge of the area, there was a growing sense it wouldn’t be Wales’ night.

It looked set to prove that way too, but one of Page’s substitutes, Nathan Broadhead, popped up at the back post to prod home a precious equaliser from Connor Roberts’ long throw for Wales and send the Red Wall into absolute bedlam.

Wales scored with their only attempt on target, sending their fans into delirium
Wales scored with their only attempt on target, sending their fans into delirium AFP

A point is certainly a respectable result for the Dragons in what is the toughest test Group D has to offer, but it’s undoubtedly disappointing for Croatia, who missed the chance to start their qualification campaign with three points.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Andrej Kramarić (Croatia)

Croatia v Wales match stats
Croatia v Wales match statsFlashscore
France gouvernement

Les jeux d’argent et de hasard peuvent être dangereux : pertes d’argent, conflits familiaux, addiction…

Retrouvez nos conseils sur www.joueurs-info-service.fr (09-74-75-13-13, appel non surtaxé)