Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey raise their game for Wales ‘because of the crest on their shirt’ - Rob Page

Rob Page hailed star duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey after they inspired Wales to a victory that has allowed a nation to dream again. 

Bale and Ramsey sparkled on a stirring night in Baku as Wales moved to within touching distance of the knockout stages with arguably their best performance since reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2016 in France.

Both players endured frustrating seasons going into the tournament, with Bale struggling for regular action at Tottenham and Ramsey hindered by injuries at Juventus.

They were anonymous in the opening game against Switzerland, but played leading roles last night, as Wales summoned the spirit of 2016 and moved to the verge of the last 16.

The two combined when Bale lifted a pass for Ramsey to open the scoring after 42 minutes.

Bale missed a penalty in the second half — blazing over the bar — but then responded to that setback to set up Connor Roberts to score a second deep into time added on.

“Aaron was exceptional and I thought Gareth showed character after missing the penalty,” said head coach Page.

“We have got a lot of players who are not playing domestic football week in, week out. What is it? Is it the crest on their chest that makes them raise their game? It must be. 

“It is playing for Wales, it is powerful. Everyone would walk on broken glass to get into this squad. They are always here.

“Without Gareth’s two assists, we do not win that game, it is as simple as that. He showed an enormous amount of courage to react in a positive way from the penalty miss — and that speaks a lot about him as a man.”

Tottenham defender Joe Rodon also impressed in Baku and Page added: “Everyone wants to talk about the big names, but I thought the other nine players were outstanding.

“The two centre-backs were exceptional. Joe is not playing domestic football in the Premier League. It is a big test for them to come in and play against good opposition. I thought Joe was outstanding.”

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