Russia 0 – 3 Wales
It was all Wales from start to finish, as they top Group B after a stunning win over Russia.
The Welsh started off with their foot on the pedal, making their goal intentions very clear right from the first whistle.
Their persistence paid off, as Aaron Ramsey’s slick finish off Gareth Bale’s ball put Wales 1-nil up in the 11th minute.
Just nine minutes later, Wales would strike again. This time Neil Taylor would go one-on-one with the keeper. Taylor’s first was parried away by the keeper, but he made no mistake the second time around.
Russia tried desperately to get one back, however time and time again they failed to find the killer ball they needed after a positive build up play. The sides would head into the tunnel at half time with Wales ahead by two.
Wales kicked off the second half with their foot on the pedal, constantly looking to move forward and giving the Russian defence plenty to think about.
Eventually, Wales were rewarded again, with Bale scoring a clever goal off a great assist by Ramsey.
The Welsh pushed forward looking for a fourth, and despite bursts of attack, Russia never really looked like scoring.
Eventually, the referee blew for full time and put the Russians out of their misery. Wales would top Group B and progress to the Round of 16, and Russia would finish last and go home.
The final score in Toulouse, Russia nil, Wales three.
It’s do or die time for both Russia and Wales when they clash in the final Group B game at Stadium Municipal. Join The Roar from 5am AEST for live scores and coverage.
After their 1-all draw with England in gameweek one, Russia desperately needed a positive result against Slovakia in their last fixture.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t get it, going down 2-1 to the Slovaks despite rallying late in the game to get the vital second goal.
Now, sitting at the bottom at the table with just a single point, Russia need nothing less than a win if they are to stand a chance at progression into the Last 16.
However, their fate is not entirely in their hands, as they will need England to defeat Slovakia in order to enhance their chances.
After a stunning 2-1 victory over Slovakia in gameweek one, Wales nearly shocked the footballing world once again with an incredible performance against England.
Gareth Bale put Wales up 1-nil in the first half, before Jamie Vardy equalised in the second. It looked like Wales would hold on for a vital point, however a 90th-minute English goal broke the hearts of the Welsh.
A win for Wales would guarantee progression into the next round, however a draw could also get them there should Slovakia fall to the English.
There is plenty at stake for both teams, however Wales are the on-form side. Bale is sure to give the Russian defence a hard time, and if the Welsh can defend similarly to how they did against Slovakia and England, they should be able to grind out a hard-earned victory.
Prediction
Russia 0 – 1 Wales
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Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this live blog, we look forward to seeing you all again very soon.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
In the corresponding fixture, England and Slovakia have played to a nil-all draw. This means that Wales finish atop Group B, England finish second, Slovakia finish third and Russia finish last. Wales and England progress into the Last 16, and Slovakia may go through as well with four points.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: Russia 0 - 3 Wales
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Just an incredible performance by the Welsh. They were dominant all over the pitch. Amazing stuff, as they take all three points and a place in the Round of 16.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90+2' - The referee finally blows the whistle for full time! WALES HAVE DONE IT, THEY MAKE THE LAST 16! What a performance by the Welsh. Amazing game from them. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90+2' - Dzyuba beats Ashley Williams in the box but once again his shot goes over the bar. He should have at least tested the keeper from that range. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90+1' - Wales just clearing the ball now every time Russia move forward, looking for the final whistle. Russia desperately want at least one goal to play them out of the competition. They win a late corner. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90' - There will be two minutes of stoppage time added on. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90' - Russia trying to play the ball around the box looking for an opening, but their passing is too poor when it matters and Wales are able to come away with the ball. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
89' - Ramsey's corner finds the head of Williams, but he can't direct the ball towards goal. Goal kick Russia. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
88' - Ramsey finds space to have a go in the box after a great run, and he wins a corner for his efforts. Two minutes of normal time remain. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
87' - Samedov's free kick for Russia goes right to the keeper Hennessy. He nearly came out too far and let that go over him, that would have been embarrassing. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
85' - What a chance for Russia! Dzyuba gets the ball across goal but he hits it wide! Really should have scored, but its fitting he didn't given the game Russia have been having. They have been disappointing all game. Not to take anything away from Wales, who have shut them out and been clinical down the other end. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
83' - Gareth Bale will come off for Wales, he is replaced by Simon Church. What a performance from Bale. Not just this game, but this tournament. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
82' - Wales regain possession and they are just passing around the back, staying patient and looking for another opening. This is why they have been so successful all game. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
81' - Russia to their credit are still looking to push forward, but they look sluggish and tired. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
80' - Just ten minutes remain in this clash. Wales will qualify for the Last 16 you have to imagine. Unless Russia can come up with three goals. Four, and it will be the biggest comeback story in the history of the competition. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
79' - Ignachevich's free kick from 31 meters out is well over the bar, not giving the goalkeeper any trouble whatsoever. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
78' - Chester gives away a free kick and Russia have a chance to get one back. They can shoot from this range, though it is a bit far. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
76' - Joe Ledley comes off for Wales, to be replaced by Andy King, who just won a Premier League title with Leicester City. King makes his Euro debut. RUSSIA 0 - 3 WALES