When Wales faced the USA in their opening World Cup game in Qatar last week, it marked the end of a 64-year wait, the longest ever faced by a nation between successive finals appearances.
Many fans have waited their whole lives to see Wales at the tournament and some will admit they had thought the day would never come. But even for those who kept the faith, few would have envisioned Rob Page at the helm of a World Cup squad even two years ago.
It has been a long personal journey to Qatar for the Wales boss, who grew up in Tylorstown in the Rhondda Valley before going on to have an 18-year career that saw him feature for clubs up and down the English football pyramid and play over 40 times for his country.
