Wales have secured their place in the last eight of the tournament with a 1-0 win over United Kingdom rivals Northern Ireland. The Welsh will now face the winner of Friday’s round of 16 tie between Hungary and Belgium to fight for a place in the semi-finals.
On the back of three strong underdog performances, Group B winners Wales went into the first round of the EURO 2016 knockout stages with high hopes, and this time, as favourites. But unlike their win over Russia, which secured them the group win, their performance against fellow surprise package Northern Ireland was anything but convincing. The teams went in at half time after an uneventful first 45 minutes with the score at 0-0, but in the second half, the game sprung into life.
Both sides began to fight for every ball, attack with purpose and defend with their lives. For all the passion, there were precious few chances, so it came as no surprise when a stroke of genius from star man Gareth Bale decided the game. This time, it was not from a dead ball where Gareth Bale stole the show, but with a phenomenal low cross towards the six-yard box, which Gareth McAuley turned into his own net. Wales saw the game out comfortably and keep marching on.
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Wales have secured their place in the last eight of the tournament with a 1-0 win over United Kingdom rivals Northern Ireland. The Welsh will now face the winner of Friday’s round of 16 tie between Hungary and Belgium to fight for a place in the semi-finals.
On the back of three strong underdog performances, Group B winners Wales went into the first round of the EURO 2016 knockout stages with high hopes, and this time, as favourites. But unlike their win over Russia, which secured them the group win, their performance against fellow surprise package Northern Ireland was anything but convincing. The teams went in at half time after an uneventful first 45 minutes with the score at 0-0, but in the second half, the game sprung into life.
Both sides began to fight for every ball, attack with purpose and defend with their lives. For all the passion, there were precious few chances, so it came as no surprise when a stroke of genius from star man Gareth Bale decided the game. This time, it was not from a dead ball where Gareth Bale stole the show, but with a phenomenal low cross towards the six-yard box, which Gareth McAuley turned into his own net. Wales saw the game out comfortably and keep marching on.
