Defiant and ‘immensely proud,’ Robert Page hailed his Wales team’s remarkable 2-1 victory over Croatia, a win that has reignited their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024. In a stirring performance on Sunday, Wales leapfrogged Croatia in Group D, positioning themselves for a shot at next summer’s tournament in Germany with two games to go.
Before the game, speculation swirled around Page’s future, adding to the pressure he was already under. During a pre-match interview, his emotions bubbled to the surface. He responded to questions about his future with a heartfelt declaration: “Actions speak louder than words.” It was a statement close to tears, reflecting his frustration with the constant speculation surrounding his position.
However, Page swiftly redirected the focus away from himself, emphasizing the heroic efforts of his players: “I’m sick and tired of having to keep coming on and talk about my future. Let’s just talk about the lads and the performances they have put in. I get emotional because I’m so proud of them, and they deserve all the plaudits they are going to get.”
In Page’s view, it was not only an exceptional performance but potentially the best during his tenure as Wales manager. He exuded immense pride, particularly in how his team defended against Croatia, a side with one of the world’s best midfields. “To a man, we were outstanding,” he noted, and it’s hard to argue otherwise given the result.
The win has revitalized Wales’ prospects of securing automatic qualification for Euro 2024, a remarkable turnaround from their earlier struggles, with defeats against Armenia and Turkey in June. Now, they hold their destiny in their hands, needing victories against those very same opponents in November to secure their place in the tournament.
Amidst the backdrop of uncertainty over Page’s future, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) seemed to be considering alternatives. FAW chief executive Noel Mooney indicated that they would not rush into decisions about Page but stressed the importance of winning games.
Some players, like Ben Davies and Harry Wilson, felt these comments were unhelpful and unwarranted, expressing their unwavering support for the manager. Wilson, who scored both goals against Croatia, made it clear that they stood firmly behind Page, especially in the face of external noise and comments that disrupted their preparations.
Page’s response was clear: “I didn’t need any player to come out and speak [to support me]. They have proven tonight that they can deliver a top performance against a very, very good team.” He underlined the respect the players have for him and their commitment to playing for him.
In the end, Page made it clear that actions on the pitch would speak louder than any words, on or off the field. As he put it, “I just need to let the players do their talking on the pitch.” With their incredible victory over Croatia, the players did just that, delivering a statement that will reverberate through Wales and beyond.
Furthermore, Page mentioned that he had received a text from FAW chief executive Noel Mooney wishing him good luck for the game, suggesting that the focus was shifting back to the football itself. The prospect of qualifying for a fourth major tournament out of five is now tantalizingly close for Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Robert Page’s Emotional Triumph
Q: How did Wales’ victory over Croatia impact their Euro 2024 qualification prospects?
A: Wales’ stirring 2-1 win over Croatia significantly boosted their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024. They now stand in second place in Group D with two games remaining, making it possible for them to secure automatic qualification by defeating Armenia and Turkey in November.
Q: What was Robert Page’s reaction to the speculation about his future as Wales manager?
A: Robert Page responded emotionally to questions about his future, expressing his frustration and a desire to shift the focus to his players. He stated, “Actions speak louder than words,” emphasizing that he was immensely proud of his team’s performance.
Q: How did the players react to the external comments regarding Robert Page’s future?
A: Players like Ben Davies and Harry Wilson publicly supported Robert Page and criticized what they perceived as unhelpful external comments. They made it clear that they were firmly behind their manager, especially in light of the distractions created by the comments.
Q: What did Robert Page mean when he said, “I just need to let the players do their talking on the pitch”?
A: Robert Page emphasized that the best way to address the speculation about his future was through the team’s performance on the field. He believed that their remarkable victory over Croatia was a powerful statement in itself, demonstrating their commitment and capabilities.
Q: What are Wales’ chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 now?
A: Wales has a strong chance of qualifying for Euro 2024. With two games remaining, they control their fate and can secure their place in the tournament by defeating Armenia and Turkey in November, a remarkable turnaround from earlier struggles.
More about Robert Page’s Emotional Triumph
- Wales beat Croatia with Wilson double to reignite hopes
- Wales v Croatia: As it happened & reaction
- Robert Page succeeded Ryan Giggs as Wales manager in 2020
- FAW chief executive Noel Mooney’s comments on Robert Page’s future
- Player support for Robert Page and criticism of external comments
