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.
Higgik
Guest
It is not that they have no talent at all, they are all very talented individuals, but the difference between this squad and the England squad is that everyone, including the coaches, knew the plan for each team and, apart from the England match, were executed brilliantly. This is the issue with the England team, there was no plan, and so the players were lost as to what to do. Compare that to the rugby team, where there were some talented individuals, but not many would get in a Lions team, let alone a World XV. Eddie has got the squad together and working to a plan and developed a trust of each other to execute the plan. Chris Coleman has really shown what he can do as a coach and his time in the Premiership was misrepresented.
pacman
Guest
Would love to see Wales win their next two matches. The biggest challenge versus Portugal could well be the out of form Ronaldo, but only if he regains his form. If Ronaldo's form continues to be poor, Wales have a good chance of success, especially if the Portuguese underestimate the Welsh. They shouldn't, because although they finished seven points clear at the top of Group I after 8 matches, Wales qualified in second place in Group B after 10 matches, trailing Belgium by only two points, after drawing away 0-0 against Belgium, and winning 1-0 at home courtesy of a Gareth Bale goal. Wales are in the top 10 of FIFA world rankings, for what that is worth, having made impressive progress in the last 5 years or so. They are obviously doing something right, and Portugal would be well advised to treat their opponents with respect. To do otherwise could be folly. Good write up Jake, but you are surely aware that there is no "grand final" at the Euros? To quote you: "If Wales are to achieve their first ever grand final berth at a major tournament, Ronaldo must be nullified..." I agree, except that. thankfully, there will be no "grand final". Cheers pc.