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Robert Page: Wales won’t get carried away despite ‘great start’ to Euro 2024 qualifyingWales boss Robert Page says his side have exceeded expectations by taking four points from their opening two European Championship qualifiers to top their group.
While on paper this was a 1-0 win over a country ranked a lowly 133rd in the world, for Wales’ manager, players and fans, it felt like a seismic step after their shock draw in Croatia.
Retirements and injuries had only added to a sense of gloom for Wales after a disappointing showing at the 2022 World Cup, but the start of Euro qualifying has proved an unexpected tonic.
A shock point in Split was followed up by a 1-0 win over Latvia on a night where Wales got a glimpse of their future as they bid farewell to their past with men’s record-scorer Gareth Bale saying goodbye to the home fans.
“We hoped for four points, the minimum we would have accepted was three and we knew the challenge we were up against,” said Page.
“It’s job done for us. We created chances to win it comfortably and nullified their threat.
“If we have to keep a clean sheet and win 1-0, that’s a good sign.”
Page had promised to put his own stamp on Wales after a disappointing exit at the group stage of the World Cup and feels his side have made encouraging steps.
“The first steps were on Saturday night in Croatia… and we’ve played a certain way again tonight,” he said.
“I think everyone can see the energy that has gone into the team.”
Gareth Bale announced his retirement from football in JanuaryBale involved with squad ahead of matchPage revealed men’s record appearance-maker Bale has been around the camp since Wales returned to Cardiff.
“He was with us last night, he had an evening meal with us,” Page said.
“I think he went and had a round of golf today, no surprises there, and then he came in to see the lads before the game.
“Rightly so, he then went out and had his moment with our supporters
Source: BBC Sport | Read More
