Euro 2016 has been a topsy turvy sort of a tournament so far. With upsets aplenty and more storylines than you can poke a stick at, unprecedented events and results are increasing in prevalence by the day.
However, perhaps the most important lesson to be taken away from the tournament was showcased by the Welsh National Team in their come from behind 3-1 victory over a much fancied Belgium outfit. That lesson being that a superstar team will always beat a team of superstars.
Unsurprisingly, the Belgians went into the quarter final clash as heavy favourites. Considering the calibre of talent in their freakishly stacked squad, many believed a clash with Wales – a nation who qualified for their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup – would be a walk in the park. It turned out quite the opposite.
In the lead up to the Euros, many billed this Welsh side as a two-man team. It was expected that manager Chris Coleman would rely heavily on his two superstars, Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey.
Opposition defences fancied themselves in the task of isolating these two stars and preventing their paths to goal. However in reality, as Belgium found out, this unit has been created around equality and teamwork.
It was evident as the Welsh celebrated the most famous victory in their history, that this was a team. Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale rejoiced with clubless striker Hal Robson-Kanu, who found the net in a manner that even Lionel Messi would have been proud of.
There were heroes all over the pitch for the Welsh. Swansea’s Ashley Williams has captained the side with aplomb throughout the tournament, managing expectations expertly while marshalling a defence and even contributing a goal in this do or die quarter final with a powerful header.
While Ramsey and Bale often hog the headlines, the tireless duo of Joe Ledley and Joe Allen have continuously controlled the centre of the park, making few mistakes and displaying a level of solidity needed to go deep in a tournament like this.
In fact, the Joes have completed their passes at 92 per cent and 89 per cent respectively in midfield roles which have seen them attempt 329 passes between them.
Goals must come from somewhere and that’s where having the supreme talents of Bale and Ramsey has allowed the Dragons to excel.
Bale himself is currently equal-top goal scorer at Euro 2016, having bulged the net three times, while his partner in crime Aaron Ramsey sits equal with Eden Hazard atop the assist chart with four goal assists.
However, Ramsey will miss the make or break semi-final clash with Portugal on Wednesday thanks to an accumulation of yellow cards. This match will really test the resolve of a Welsh side who rely heavily on the creativity of the bleach-blonde Arsenal star when going forward.
If they perform anything like they did against Belgium they will have no trouble accounting for a Portugal side who have failed to achieve a single regular time victory at the Euros.
Like Belgium though, Portugal boast a line-up of stars who hail from various big clubs all over Europe including perhaps the biggest star on show at the tournament – Bale’s Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
If Wales are to achieve their first ever grand final berth at a major tournament, Ronaldo must be nullified and Bale mustn’t be tasked with doing it all on his own. They must produce a team performance akin to the one which felled Belgium and in doing so each and every member of the side must pull their weight.
Chris Coleman’s side probably saw themselves joining England’s stars by the pool by now, but the dream remains and it is not beyond the realms of possibility for this underdog team to go on and win this thing. If they are to do so, they must remember one thing.
A superstar team beats a team of superstars.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Eight trophies is nothing to be sneered at, but can Klopp’s name can be mentioned among the best managers in the Premier League era?
The Matilda scored the first two of her team's goals in the 4-0 win.
With the Liverpool manager leaving the club after this season, his West Ham rival can't wait for him to go - in the nicest…
Arsenal have survived a late scare at Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham to stay narrowly ahead in the compelling race for the Premier League title. A…
At the time this column usually goes live next Monday morning, I’ll be in the stands at Selhurst Park watching Crystal Palace take on…
