Bullish Rob Page backed Wales to reach Euro 2024 via the play-offs despite a disappointing end to their qualifying campaign.
Before their final two qualifiers, Wales knew six points would be enough to secure a spot in Germany next summer.
But draws with Armenia last Saturday and Turkey on Tuesday – a game in which they were denied at least one clear penalty by Slovenian referee Matej Jug – meant Croatia pipped them to second spot and Page’s men will face Finland, Iceland or Ukraine at home in a play-off next March. Win that and Wales will take on Poland or Estonia at a venue to be determined.