Ben Woodburn was expecting a sleepless Saturday night after scoring the goal that has reinvigorated Wales’ World Cup campaign.
The 17-year-old said he felt “over the moon” after handing last year’s European Championship semi-finalists a vital 1-0 win at home to Austria.
The hosts had to wait until 16 minutes from time to finally breach the Austrian defence and it was the raw teenage substitute who fired in a wonderful strike to boost their chances of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Russia from Group D.
The Liverpool forward was introduced as a substitute just five minutes before he picked up a loose header 20 yards from the Austria goal to curl an effort into the bottom corner and send Wales fans into delirium.
He said: “I just took it down and tried to shoot and luckily it went in so yeah, I’m over the moon. It is a great feeling. I definitely won’t sleep tonight, that’s one thing.”
Woodburn’s strike means Wales will now travel to Moldova on Tuesday with renewed belief that they can make the 2018 World Cup in Russia next summer.
Wales were unbeaten in six qualifiers, but five consecutive draws – the first such run of results in their history – had put hopes of reaching the tournament in the balance.
Aaron Ramsey spurned two good chances in the first half before his powerful half-volley was blocked from 12 yards out at the start of the second half.
Wales continued to dictate possession without causing major problems for Austria apart from a long-range effort from Gareth Bale that stung the hands of visiting goalkeeper Heinz Lindner before Woodburn’s goal changed the dynamics.
Wales were unlucky not to extend their lead with Bale going close with a spectacular scissor-kick while Hal Robson-Kanu hit the outside of the post in the final moments of the match.
“It was a make-or-break game today and we have had it in the past and we have stood up to the challenge and the most important thing was the three points today,” Bale said.
“We always speak about the performance but tonight was just great determination. In the first half, we were a little bit off the pace and we had a good chat at half time and just calmed it down.”
On the goalscorer, Bale said: “The manager has always said it is a squad game and he’s come and what a great debut, I’m so happy for him.”
Manager Chris Coleman hailed the performance of Woodburn and said: “We called it before the game that there would be chances at either end.
“We started alright for the the first 10-15 minutes but after that, Austria bossed it the game and we weren’t in it.
“It was as poor as we have been for some time but it was still 0-0.
“With 20-25 minutes to go, still 0-0, but we have a strong bench – it is a great game for young Ben Woodburn to make his debut because they don’t come much tougher than that, with that much pressure.
“His all-round composure was fantastic, I’m delighted for him. He added real value to the rest of the guys.”
Coleman also believed his side deserved the win, which moved them two points behind the Republic of Ireland, who currently occupy the play-off place, with Martin O’Neill’s side taking on leaders Serbia on Tuesday while his Wales team travel to Moldova.
“On the balance of the second half, I think we were the stronger team,” he added.