Job done – Robert Page hails four-point start as Wales hold off Latvia

Wales manager Robert Page has declared his satisfaction after his team won their Euro 2024 qualifier against Latvia in Cardiff. The 1-0 victory followed a 1-1 draw against Croatia three days ago, giving Wales four points out of six at the start of their eight-game qualifying campaign. Kieffer Moore’s first-half header was enough to separate the sides, and his 10th international goal gives Wales a strong start in their quest for a place at next year’s finals in Germany. Wales play group minnows Armenia in June, offering Page plenty of time to reflect on his team’s success.

Page credited both his players and the “energy within the team” for Wales’ promising start. “We won’t get carried away,” he added, “but it’s an eight-game season and the first two games have gone really well for us.” Wales now have a good foundation in the quest to qualify for Euro 2024, with strength in depth and the return of key players on the horizon. Despite his team’s loss, Latvia head coach Dainis Kazakevics admitted Wales were the stronger side, and cited Kieffer Moore and Aaron Ramsey as the main threats.

Before the game, Wales supporters gave Gareth Bale a rousing send-off following his retirement from football in January. Bale attended a team meal the night before the match and spoke to the players ahead of the game. Although his retirement left a hole in the Welsh team, Page has shown determination and focus in his management of the squad, and the strong start to Wales’ qualifying campaign will give fans reason to believe.

Page’s message following the win against Latvia was “job done”, and he commented that his players “created chances to win the game comfortably, and we nullified their threat.” With the right balance between attack and defence, and a solid team effort, Wales will be hoping to maintain their momentum and secure a place at next year’s finals.



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