Coleman discusses relief, focuses on Croatia

Chris Coleman admitted his main feeling was relief after Wales' 2-1 victory over Scotland in Friday night's 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium. The Dragons came back from a goal down to secure all three points, as Gareth Bale cancelled out James Morrison's 27th-minute strike with a penalty in the 81st minute, after it was deemed he had been fouled by Shaun Maloney, and then cracked home a superb winner with a minute of normal time remaining. The pressure had been on the hosts going into the contest, with them bottom of Group A after being beaten 2-0 by Belgium and 6-1 by Serbia in their opening two fixtures. That had extended Wales' losing streak since Coleman had been appointed as manager to five games, including the memorial match for his predecessor, the late Gary Speed, which was overseen by coach Osian Roberts. With that sequence having finally been brought to an end, Coleman, whose side now face Croatia in Osijek on Tuesday, said: "Every time I win as a manager, I don't celebrate - I'm relieved. That is how we all think, any manager I talk to. "It's great that that is my first victory after I lost two friendlies and two qualifiers, and in the last one, took a hiding. It is my first time tasting success as an international manager. But I am the same manager now as I was before. I won't change and I'll be the same again over the next few days. "We have to go to Croatia and that is the next task. I won't be thinking about the Scotland game or patting myself on the back. I'll be thinking, 'Right, what do we have to do on Tuesday? Can we get a result in Croatia against a good team?' "So the word is relief, because every game that goes past where you don't win, for international managers it is not like you have games every week, so you have to make the most of it. We did that against Scotland." Coleman lauds Ramsey attitude Coleman also confirmed Aaron Ramsey had stepped aside to let his team-mate Bale take the spot-kick. Ramsey had been relieved of the captaincy in the build-up to the game, and his manager was keen to praise the 21-year-old's attitude since being told of the decision to switch the armband from him to Ashley Williams. Referring to the penalty, Coleman said: "Aaron normally takes them, but I think Aaron thought, 'Baley is on fire and playing with confidence', so he gave the ball to Baley. "It has been a tough week for Aaron because I took the captaincy off him, but I think he understood my reasons for it, and his response couldn't have been any better." Ramsey picked up a yellow card during the match, his second of the campaign, meaning he will be suspended for the Croatia game. Wales are now off the bottom of Group A and up to fourth, behind leaders Belgium and second-placed Croatia, who both have seven points, and Serbia, third on four points. Scotland are fifth with just two points from their three games, while Macedonia, with one point, are the new team at the foot. FIFA