Boaz Myhill- 8
Looked unbeatable in the first half. Assured footwork, confident handling and pulled off a string of great saves, including an extraordinary one from point-blank range early in the second half. Beaten by the swerve on the ball for Croatia’s leveller.
Chris Gunter- 7.5
In the opening minutes, looked as if he might struggle to contain Croatia’s attacking threat down the left flank, but quickly grew in confidence and produced a solid defensive display.
Ashley Williams (captain)- 8
Another commanding performance from the skipper. His partnership with Collins kept Croatia at bay for much of the match.
James Collins- 8
A surprise inclusion in the starting eleven, Collins produced one of his best displays for some considerable time. Strong in the tackle and read the game well throughout.
Ben Davies- 8
Continues to improve with every game. Impressive defensively but equally showed great awareness going forward to support the Wales attack.
Joe Ledley- 8
Wales needed a big performance from the Celtic man and they got it. Instrumental in winning the penalty for Wales’ opener but equally reliable providing defensive cover for Davies when necessary.
Jonathan Williams- 9
A breath of fresh air. In the absence of Aaron Ramsey, Williams was handed his first senior start and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Just as in Scotland last week, the Crystal Palace man dominated the midfield with an ease that belied his inexperience. Relaxed in possession and always looking likely to create an attacking threat. A definite star of the future.
Andy King- 7
Worked tirelessly in midfield to fill the void left by Ramsey’s absence and, while he was less influential than the Arsenal midfielder was against Scotland, he contributed enough to make things difficult for the opposition.
Gareth Bale- 8
Wales’ talisman did well to complete a full 90 minutes after suffering from the effects of a virus which prevented him from finishing the game against Scotland. Dispatched his penalty kick confidently to give Wales an early lead and was always a thorn in Croatia’s side. Will probably feel he should have done better with a gilt-edged chance to put Wales two up late in the first half.
Hal Robson-Kanu- 8
Another player who is improving with each performance in a Wales shirt. The Reading man is strong and powerful going forward but also demonstrated his awareness of those around him with a couple of exquisite balls into danger areas to set up Wales attacks. A soft booking means he will sit out the next qualifier against Macedonia.
Craig Bellamy- 7.5
Excellent movement and work rate from the Cardiff City forward as always, often creating space for his team mates to exploit, but struggled to impact on the game as much as he would have liked.
Substitutes:
Ashley Richards- Brought on in place of Robson-Kanu to try to counteract the Croatian attacking threat.
Simon Church- Replaced a tiring Jonathan Williams late in the second half.
Manager: Chris Coleman- 9
Despite the final result, there are real signs again within this Welsh squad that things are moving in the right direction and Coleman deserves credit for the way in which he has re-galvanised the team after a torrid start to his reign as manager.
Pictures courtesy of http://www.faw.org
Completely against the run of play.
Replaced by Sam Vokes for the second half.
