Last-gasp Broadhead stars as Wales draw Euro 2024 qualifier with Croatia

Last-gasp Broadhead stars as Wales draw Euro 2024 qualifier with Croatia

© AFP 2022
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:29 PM
Wales's Nathan Broadhead (C) is congratulated by team-mates after scoring the equaliser during a 1-1 draw away to Croatia in a Euro 2024 qualifier in Split
Wales's Nathan Broadhead (C) is congratulated by team-mates after scoring the equaliser during a 1-1 draw away to Croatia in a Euro 2024 qualifier in Split. Photo: Denis LOVROVIC / AFP
Source: AFP

Debutant Nathan Broadhead proved an unlikely saviour as Wales started life without Gareth Bale by snatching a 1-1 draw in a Euro 2024 qualifier against World Cup semi-finalists Croatia in Split on Saturday.

Andrej Kramaric's first-half strike looked like it would be enough to give group favourites Croatia a winning start to their campaign.

And the hosts were still in front until the third and final minute of stoppage time when Croatia failed to clear Connor Roberts' long throw and substitute Broadhead squeezed the ball in at the far post.

Wales have now gone nine games without a win but this result will doubtless feel like a victory for Rob Page's men.

There was no disguising the joy felt by the 24-year-old Broadhead, who now plays his club football for English third-tier side Ipswich following a January move from Premier League strugglers Everton.

"I got a bit overwhelmed to be honest, a bit emotional," Broadhead told S4C. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long.

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"We needed a point, we came here to try and win but to get a point is good as well. We are made up."

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© AFP 2022 photo
© AFP 2022