Wales 2-1 Croatia: Harry Wilson double keeps Euro 2024 hopes alive

Harry Wilson's sublime brace ensured Wales kept their hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2024 alive with a 2-1 win over Group D rivals Croatia at Cardiff City Stadium.

After seeing a free-kick denied by a superb Dominik Livakovic stop in the first half, Wilson popped up just after the break to hand his side a deserved lead, before adding a second on the hour with a deft flick from Daniel James' cross.

After a difficult week for Rob Page, whose future has come under increased scrutiny, this was just about the most perfect response Wales could have hoped for. Indeed, this might well have been one of the best performances of his stewardship.

Substitute Mario Pasalic's header admittedly set up a nervy finish, but Wales hung on to claim what was a deserved three points.

In contrast, Croatia were just as sluggish as they were in their recent defeat to Turkey, a result that had left Welsh hopes of making next summer's finals in the balance.

Now, the two sides are level on points, with Wales currently now occupying second place due to their superior head-to-head record. They sit behind group leaders Turkey, who beat Latvia 4-0.

Page's men will likely still have to win their remaining two games to book their spot in Germany, but this felt like a big moment in their bid to make a third-straight major tournament.

Wales made two changes, both enforced, from the win over Latvia in their previous qualifier. Aaron Ramsey and Brennan Johnson both injured, making way for Kieffer Moore and David Brooks.

The hosts started reasonably brightly. Neco Williams twice getting in behind the Croatian defence out wide, despite the visitors enjoying the majority of possession.

Nevertheless, chances were at a premium up until Petar Musa powered