Nathan Broadhead netted a dramatic international debut goal 46 seconds from the end of injury time to see Wales to a 1-1 draw with Croatia in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier at the Stadion Poljud in Split this evening, while fellow Blue Wes Burns won his fourth cap.
The duo were introduced as subs in the 64th minute as the Welsh chased an equaliser, Andrej Kramaric having given the home side the lead on 28, Burns behind the central striker and Broadhead wide on the left.
The goal came in the dying moments of three minutes of time added on when Connor Roberts's long throw from the right was flicked on and Broadhead tapped home at the far post to claim what could prove a vital away point.
"I got a bit overwhelmed a little bit, to be honest, just then. I got quite emotional. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long,” the 24-year-old, who had previously missed out on caps when called up due to injury, told S4C immediately after the game.
"We needed a point definitely. We came here to try and win the game but obviously getting the point is also good. We’re made up.”
The Bangor-born attacker later added, speaking to BBC Sport: "I’ve just seen the goal in front of me and tapped it in. It’s an amazing feeling. When I scored I went straight to the fans and it was so good.
"I wish I was up there celebrating with them. You can still hear them now.
"I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life and every time I’ve been called up I have little issues here and there, so to finally get on the pitch is amazing.”
Wales are joint-second in qualifying Group D and host Latvia, who are yet to play, in Cardiff in their second game on Tuesday.
Broadhead, the first Town player ever to score for Wales, says he's looking forward to that match: "I’ve never watched a Wales game before at home, so it’s going to be an amazing feeling for me just to be there.”
Elsewhere, Elkan Baggott, who is currently on loan at Cheltenham, won his 13th full cap in Indonesia’s 3-1 friendly victory over Burundi at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi this afternoon. The teams meet in another friendly on Tuesday.
Blues academy forward Rio Morgan came on as a half-time sub and won his fourth cap for Northern Ireland’s U19s as they were beaten 3-1 by Romania in their second Euro 2023 elite round qualifier at the Stade Jacques Mazzuca in Saran having been reduced to 10 men just after the half hour.
The Northern Irish youngsters, who were beaten 1-0 by France in their opening fixture, will play Norway in their final mini-group game on Tuesday.