Bangor-born Nathan Broadhead has described the moment he scored an injury time equaliser for Wales against Croatia on his international debut.
Broadhead scored the equaliser in the 93rd minute as Rob Page’s side began their EURO 2024 qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Croatia.
Andrej Kramaric opened the scoring on 28 minutes, with the hosts looking set to pick up three points before Broady popped up to finish at the back post following a long throw-in.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” he told BBC Sport. “Every time I’ve been called up I’ve had little injury issues here and there.
“To finally get on the pitch was amazing. When I scored, I went straight to the fans. I wish I was up there celebrating with them!
“I just saw the goal in front of me and tapped it in. It was an amazing feeling.”
Talking just after the full-time whistle, Nathan told S4C: “I got a bit overwhelmed to be honest. I got quite emotional.
“We needed a point. We came here to try and win the game but a point is a good result. We’re made up with it.”
Wales manager Rob Page said Broadhead fully deserved his chance to shine being on the fringes of the senior setup for several years.
“I’m really pleased for him,” said Page. “He’s not going to like me saying this but, it’s an emotional game, he was in tears at the end of the game with the supporters. It means the world to him.
“I’ve worked with Nathan in the under-21s in Toulon six or seven years ago. I know Broady, I’ve watched his development and he’s earned the right to be part of the squad now.”
“It feels like a win,” he said. “When you get the equaliser like we did late on in the game it feels like a win. I think the lads deserved it for the effort they put in, they put a right shift in.”
Wales will now host Latvia in Cardiff on Tuesday night (28 March) when Nathan will be hoping to pick up his second Wales cap.
Photo: @Cymru
