Connor Roberts admits he was uncertain he would get the nod to play for Wales against Turkey after his performance in the Euro 2020 opener against Switzerland.
The Swansea City defender started at right-back against the Swiss as Rob Page's men came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw - despite being second best for long periods at Baku Olympic Stadium.
Page stuck with the same 11 that started the tournament opener for the second group stage match against Turkey on Wednesday night.
And his faith in the team was rewarded as Wales claimed a 2-0 victory over Şenol Güneş' side.
Roberts struck his second international goal in injury time to add to Aaron Ramsey's first half effort as Wales all-but secured their place in the knockout stages.
"It's what we dreamed of when we came here – nights like this," said Roberts.
"To win games and bond as a group and as a country. The three points and the performance have gone a little way to doing that.
"The main thing is the team and it couldn’t have gone better.
"After the Swiss game I was happy to play but I didn’t think I’d done that well. I was questioning whether I’d play.
"I managed to play again and hopefully I’ve shown a lot of people I’m half decent and can do it."
Roberts watched Wales' journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 as a fan but now pinches himself when it comes to discussing his involvement in the tournament.
On Wednesday night, he became only the eighth player to score for Wales at the European Championships.
And the 25-year-old has opened up on the quick thinking of Gareth Bale in the buildup to his late strike.
"To be honest, Ben [Davies] said keep it in the corner, Gaz didn’t learn as he did the same a few seconds earlier," explained Roberts.
"He sneaked past the guy and I thought ‘a bit of space, I’ll wander in and see what happens’.
"Luckily it went in. It was just pure euphoria after that."
Davies wasn't the only one urging caution, with Roberts telling TV interviewers afterwards that fellow defender Chris Mepham was urging the Swans' right-back to stay back in the dying minutes.
Wales will clinch top spot in Group A if they can end Italy's 29-match unbeaten run on Sunday.
A draw would see them finish as runners-up while even a defeat could see them finish second, as long as Switzerland do not beat Turkey and overturn a five-goal swing in the process. Wales should progress as one of the best third-placed sides should they drop below Switzerland and Italy in the standings.
But Roberts sees no reason why Wales can't cause a major upset against Roberto Mancini's side in Rome this weekend.
"Why not? We are happy to just be here," he said.
"We go into this game with a bit of pressure off, hopefully we can play like we did tonight and who knows what can happen.
"It's a massive test but we’ve played good teams in the past and done well.
"We go there with no fear, we’ll get the likes of Gaz, DJ [Daniel James] and Rambo on the ball and try to test their 'keeper.
"We’ll enjoy this first and see if we can do something special on Sunday."
Kick-off against the Azzurri is at 5pm (UK time) on Sunday.
