For more than half a century, Wales were the nearly men of international football. Then, in the summer of 2016, a team led by Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey reached the semi-finals of the European Championship.
A long wait
Wales' only previous major tournament had been the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. They reached the quarter-finals there, losing 1–0 to Brazil, and the goal was scored by a 17-year-old named Pelé — his first ever World Cup goal. Their great star, John Charles, missed that match through injury.
For the next 58 years Wales failed to qualify, often by the narrowest of margins.
The golden generation
By 2016, Wales had their best generation of players in decades. Gareth Bale was one of the most expensive footballers in the world at Real Madrid. Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal was a creative force in midfield, and Joe Allen and captain Ashley Williams gave the team balance and leadership. Manager Chris Coleman built a strong team spirit summed up in the slogan "Together Stronger".
Topping the group
In France, Wales beat Slovakia, lost narrowly to England and then thrashed Russia 3–0 to finish top of their group. Bale scored in all three matches. In the round of 16, they beat Northern Ireland 1–0.
The night in Lille
The quarter-final against Belgium, one of the tournament favourites, was the greatest night in Welsh football history. Belgium scored first, but Ashley Williams equalised with a header. Then Hal Robson-Kanu received the ball in the area, spun past three defenders with a brilliant turn and scored. Sam Vokes headed a third, and Wales won 3–1.
So close
In the semi-final, Wales faced Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo. Without the suspended Ramsey, they lost 2–0. Portugal went on to win the tournament.
The legacy
Euro 2016 transformed Welsh football. The team reached Euro 2020 and, in 2022, qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1958. Bale retired as Wales' all-time record goalscorer, and the red wall of Welsh supporters had become one of the most admired in Europe.
Watch: Gareth Bale's greatest goals for Wales
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