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Fairytale, fantasy, fact – call it what you will, Wales are Euro 2016 semi-finallists after a thrilling come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Belgium in Lille on Saturday morning.
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It only took 58 years for Wales to return to the major stage, having last seen major competition in the 1958 World Cup, when they lost to Brazil in the quarter-finals.
A host of greats, namely Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs, Gary Speed, John Toshack, Mark Hughes, Neville Southall, were never able to accomplish the feats that the likes of Bale, Ramsey, Allen and Williams have now achieved.
A semi-final on Thursday morning against Portugal now awaits, and the dream need not end there on evidence of this morning.
It all started from a goal down, when Belgium had dominated the early stages, capped off by a superlative strike by Radja Nainggolan from 25 yards out that gave the Red Devils the early lead.
From there, Wales were on the back foot, but arrested Belgium’s momentum when Aaron Ramsey’s corner was met strongly by Ashley Williams’ head, giving Wales an equaliser.
At halftime, Belgium coach Marc Wilmots brought on Marouane Fellaini to nullify Wales’ aerial threat from setpieces.
After a host of near misses early in the second half, Wales’ first foray into the Belgian half bore fruit, as Ramsey’s cross was met by the lone figure of Hal Robson-Kanu.
With back to goal, and Thomas Meunier behind him, he nutmegged the defender, and slotted a shot calmly past Thibaut Courtois on the six-yard line to give Wales the lead.
Since falling behind, Belgium’s impetus was lost, despite a strong penalty claim being denied when Nainggolan who was brought down by Williams.
From the ensuing play, a seemingly innocuous rightfield cross by Chris Gunter was met superbly by substitute forward Sam Vokes, who headed across the outstretched Thibaut Courtois to seal Wales’ greatest moment in football, and consign a highly-fancied Belgium to the scrapheap.
Off to Lyon they go, off goes Gareth Bale to come up against Cristiano Ronaldo. Bigger moments may still be to come, but for now, these are truly the halcyon days of Welsh football.
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