National coach Page: of course I was nervous
Robert Page, the national coach of Wales, almost tripped over his words after the game with Ukraine (1-0) for a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “People asked me beforehand if I was nervous. More excited actually. I see what they do in training. Of course I was nervous but I trust these guys. There was a lot of emotion in this match. It was extreme at times, but we are handled everything well. Everyone, brilliant,” he told Sky Sport.
Page also praised the contribution of the home crowd. “The supporters were incredible. They helped us from the first to the 96th minute”.
Captain Gareth Bale, who took the free kick from which Ukrainian midfielder Jarmolenko unintentionally scored, spoke of the greatest success in the history of Welsh football. “We are in ecstasy. I can hardly describe the feeling. This is what dreams are made of.”
The outstanding goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey showed some compassion for the opponent. “Ukraine deserves credit. This was my best game in the Wales shirt and at such a crucial moment.” Defender Ben Davies was delighted to see Wales return to a World Cup for the first time in 64 years. “We have worked so hard for this as a team. We fight and always give everything. Today was another example of that.”