Rob hails Wales as Dragons turn Page on life after Bale

Rob Page declared it a case of "job done" this international break as Wales continued a promising start to life without retired record goalscorer Gareth Bale.

Kieffer Moore’s first-half header proved decisive against Latvia in Cardiff as the Dragons backed up their impressive 1-1 draw at Croatia on Saturday to take four points from their first two Euro 2024 qualifying games.

The 1-0 victory offered a glimpse into the future without ex-captain and talisman Bale, who announced his retirement in January.

Page said: "We knew the challenges we were going to be up against.

"We got a point in Croatia and have then won the home game, so it’s job done.

"We created chances to win that game comfortably and we nullified their threat.

"We know the importance of Kieffer. He played 90-odd minutes for us and the goal was excellent.

"We won’t get carried away. It is a great start for us. It’s an eight-game season and the first two games have gone really well for us. There is a good energy in the changing room."

Bale, who earned a record 111 caps for his country, was given a rousing reception by home supporters before the match as they bid farewell to their legendary forward. 

Page revealed: "Gareth was with us last night. He had an evening meal with us and he came in to see the lads before the game.

"He had his moment with the supporters and rightly so. It would have been really special for him."

Page also said Bale did not want a huge fuss made of his appearance at the Cardiff City Stadium as he did not want to overshadow his former team-mates.

The 48-year-old added: "It was exactly that, he sees the bigger picture.

"He wanted that moment and rightly so, but he thinks of the team and he didn't want to take our eye away from getting the three points."

Wales will hope to continue their unbeaten start to their qualification campaign when they face Armenia and Turkey in June.