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.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Greece, had won the Euro Championship with a crap team or didn't you know? I'm just putting Wales win in the same context. If Wales, can achieve that remarkable feat as did Greece, then I will concede to the Welsh that, they might have a special team of champions. However, I think that is far as they will go and their luck will run out in next round of the semis. PS, we are talking about Welsh and British football systems. Not the England national team per sae.
Waz
Guest
Exactly. If Wales can build a semi-final squad out of EPL/Championship players England should be able to do the same. The reason they can't is down to something other than the domestic comp obviously
AZ_RBB
Guest
Blaming the EPL is the easy way out. England sole problem is their continual failure to hire good managers who are tactically sound.
Midfielder
Guest
He was a joy to watch and who can forget the free he scored against England in the WC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXjawVLAvPk
Bondy
Guest
Midfielder Apparently Ronaldinho (bucked teeth) is looking at a Sydney FC proposal for this coming season it was in the Tele today, he is/was the most entertaining player I've ever seen play the game ....
Midfielder
Guest
Wales leading paper the online version.. Totally about the match.... http://www.walesonline.co.uk/
Bondy
Guest
Belgium had no right to be favourites for this match and subsequently the Welsh made them suffer . It was a good performance because Gareth Bale played no major part in scoring those goals and in fact had a quite match.. Hal Robson-Kanu's goal was world class ... Wales can win without Bales constant good performances... ...
SM
Guest
Who's talking about Greece? We're comparing them to England, but it appears you're having trouble following.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Wales, is not even up there with Greece.. Get back to me when they reach the finale.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Brilliant performance Wales, congrats ! That was a cracking game, what a goal by Robson-Kanu. Belgium with all there talent just can't put it together. Ramsay was immense and will be a big loss for the semi along with Davies. I will be cheering for them all the way against Portugal.
Welshmancom
Guest
Simply the best.better than all the rest.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
Not really a shock at all, Wales have some very good players and a group that is very unified. I remember us beating them easily in front of measly 7,000 people in Cardiff 2011 with alot of the same players and thinking they should be much better, well they've certainly got their act together now and i don't see why they couldn't win the whole damn thing.
SM
Guest
It's an entirely valid point when you consider England's pathetic record in making semi finals for a supposed footballing giant. In making a semi final on foreign soil, Wales have just gone and done what England have only done once previously.
Midfielder
Guest
Gotta see my new logo... http://www.saintlyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Welsh-dragon.jpg
Midfielder
Guest
My new team is Wales .... that jinx will ensure they go out next round.
Midfielder
Guest
My new team is Wales .... that jinx will ensure they go out next round.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Are you serious? When Wales, win the Euro 16 tournament then you may say: " you can’t blame the English domestic system anymore lol!"
Waz
Guest
Excellent result for welsh football. And for those "experts" putting the boot in to the English system it's interesting to note that all but 2 of the Welsh players are England based, providing yet more angst for their English neighbours now watching the competition at home on tv - you can't blame the English domestic system anymore lol!
Shaun
Guest
Absolutely AWESOME! Based on current form, Wales should be favourites against Portugal. Hope they come out on top.