Wales found an unlikely new hero in League One striker Nathan Broadhead as the post-Gareth Bale era started in dramatic fashion against World Cup semi-finalists Croatia in Split.

Robert Page’s side, playing their first game since Bale's retirement with a record 111 caps, looked doomed when Andrej Kramaric fired the home side ahead and eyebrows were raised when captain Aaron Ramsey made way as part of a triple substitution midway through the second half.

But the manager's gamble proved inspired move with one of the replacements, Ipswich Town's Broadhead, becoming the 93rd-minute the saviour on his international debut.

When the brilliant Modric was taken off to a standing ovation with seconds left, Wales took advantage of potential lack of concentration in the Croatian ranks.

Connor Roberts flung in a long throw, Chris Mepham flicked on and Broadhead was in the right place to convert from close range with the first Welsh shot on target all night.

‘I am quite emotional. Overwhelmed,’ admitted 24-year-old Broadhead. ‘I have waited for this for a long time, and I scored.

'It gives us confidence going into the next game against Latvia on Tuesday. Hopefully we should get three points.’

For Wales, an away point against the group favourites represents a great start in their bid to reach a third consecutive European Championships.

Disappointing at last year’s World Cup, Page could no longer call upon Champions League winner Bale, Joe Allen, Chris Gunther and Jonny Williams, and had injuries to Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson, his two most in-form Premier League performers.

In those circumstances, it was therefore a magnificent effort against evergreen Ballon d’Or winner Modric, Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic and £100million-rated Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

‘I’m really proud of the team's performance,’ said Ramsey afterwards. ‘We knew we'd have long periods but we kept ourselves in the game and were patient.

‘To score late on like that, it feels a little more special. We need everyone. It was important for the subs to be ready and make an impact. I'm delighted for Nathan to score on his debut - it doesn't get much better than that.’

The early signs weren’t promising. Danny Ward had to make flying saves from Modric and Kramaric and Ivan Perisic had a goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Welsh luck ran out after 28 minutes. Joe Rodon failed to deal with a long goal-kick by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and from there Kramaric found it easy to muscle his way past Neco Williams.

With Mepham backing off, the former Leicester striker then caught Ward out with a quick strike with the outside of his right foot from 12 yards.

Wales took 42 minutes to have their first shot when Wilson’s free-kick skimmed the top of the wall but they took a more positive outlook in the second half with Croatia content to win 1-0.

The visitors had a great chance to level after an hour when a thrilling burst of pace by Wilson allowed him to clip a pass to unmarked Fulham team-mate Dan James who drove the ball wide from eight yards.

Page gambled after 64 minutes withdrawing Ramsey, James and Wilson with Ethan Ampadu taking the captain’s armband and Broadhead among the new arrivals.

Perisic hit the crossbar late on with a spectacular volley from Modric's cross but Croatia still thought they’d got the points – until the late, late drama.