Wales: The Road to the Euro Semi-Finals

Vokes! The dream lives on. Wales are just one game away from the final of

the European Championship. Christopher Coleman, can you put

that into words for us? No. They have inspired a nation. Steps up and

hits it! Oh! He's scored! And exceeded all expectations.

That's what it means. That's what it means to these fans. They are

fantastic. I am proud, very proud. Come on Wales! He scores for Wales!

For me it's really nice to do a little bit of na-na! Which is not

very grown-up but at the moment I don't really care. This is how they

did it. Robson-Kanu! Can someone please explain to me what is

happening? Semifinals! Long may it continue and who knows where we can

end up in this tournament. Something special is happening here tonight!

Wales' extraordinary journey began with hope and trepidation. They had

never been to a major tournament. We know what the expectations are on

us as a group, as a team, as a country. I know what we are capable

of but what's coming in front of us is something we have never ever

experienced and we need to look at it in a positive light and it's a

huge challenge for us. To be fully involved as a nation is going to be

amazing for everybody. We hope we can do everybody proud. Forethe

opening game against Slovakia Wales travelled to Bordeaux and so did

thousands of hopeful Welsh fans. Everybody's buzzing. Everybody's

enjoying themselves. The atmosphere has been amazing. As soon as you see

another Welsh shirt it's like hey! The atmosphere is building.

Everybody's looking forward to the game tomorrow night. After nearly 60

years of trying, Wales were finally about to play their first game in a

major tournament. We didn't know how we were going to do against

Slovakia. We were told they were a good side, they had beaten Germany,

I think. Flipping heck! I watched the first game in a pub with my

mates. It was just, I don't know, it was just an odd feeling because we

had never done it before. The Norwegian referee blows the whistle.

Slovakia get the game under way. Within five minutes Welsh nerves

were being tested. Goes through and goes on. Oh! Unbelievable.

But those nerves were about to be eased.

Great position now for Gareth Bale. On his favourite left foot. When

Bale swerved the ball, half the time I stop breathing, as if that's going

to help, because of course it is! Hits it left-footed. He's scored!

Bale for Wales! The talisman has delivered.

Just who else but the golden Galatico? Another chance and the

equalising goal! Even though Slovakia came back into the game I

was thinking to myself we can still win this. It didn't feel like we

were out of it. Bale is deep. Ramsey. Edge of the box. Robson-Kanu

shoots. He's scoffed it but it's the best you will ever see, it's Wales

2, Slovakia one. How Robson-Kanu... It's a brilliantly shinned goal. No

one really cared. It wasn't the quality of the finish. It was just

the ball going over the line. To get that result really, you know, made a

statement that in this competition. The party will begin! 58 years

they've waited. And victory in their first game back on the big stage.

Chris, you have once again made history. A first match in a European

Championships and a first win. Yeah, it was - I think probably my

proudest moment when we came out. Our supporters, they just keep on

topping what they've done, our supporters. We win together and we

lose together. Being a manager, when the game is

finished you enjoy it for about ten minutes and then worry about the

next game. There's lots of things on your mind all the time. He's found a

balance. That balance is the secret really to their success, in my

opinion. Wales' tournament had got off to the

perfect start. But something far bigger was looming. A match against

the old enemy - England. The mind games began. Gareth, if I

can quote a few quotes that are allegedly attributed to you. England

big themselves up. The passion, pride and patriotism. Did you say

all of that and did you mean it and are you surprised how the way that

maybe some of the England camp have bitten? Well, it's good they bit,

but... No, I never said they didn't have passion or pride. I just feel

in my opinion that we have more. I am sure they have their opinion they

have more also. Yeah. We certainly don't have any doubts ourselves

about our passion, our desire, our commitment. I wish to do well in the

tournament. So, if other people have another opinion, and think they're

better that's fine by me. I think I know your answer to this one. How

many England players get into this team? None. We had the mind games.

Now came the hype. The dragon under the mountain. Awake

now. When the dragon comes. Managers tried to pray it down. We

don't have to -- play it down. It's a massive game. I am as passionate

as anybody and want to get one over them. I am more nervous now than

when I was playing. England have changed, not surprisingly. He needs

players to deliver. You are the guy who got the goal. As soon as that

whistle goes both teams will be at it. It's going to and typical

British game, I imagine. Physical, aggressive. There is quality in both

teams. So, I am looking forward to a real good game of football. Once the

whistle goes it doesn't matter what anybody said, we can get down to

business. Come on boys! I am really, really wanted Wales to beat England.

You want that kind of victory. I think it's because we are a small

country. There is that sort of bit of a grudge that I probably would

accept losing to other teams, if they beat England. That's awful, I

know it's awful! But... That's me. Away we go. Three Lions, One Dragon,

sounds like the stuff of legend. Sglp Sterling can't

It comes from Rooney. Smalling met it!

Just past the post. Not far past it. We thought OK, England started to

click there. We are going to take a punishment. Thought we were going to

get a beating against them. The King himself comes up. The King! Lord

Bale. We have seen some amazing things from Gareth Bale in a Welsh

shirt but this would be something else if he got one in from here.

Bale steps up with a free kick. Hits it. Over the wall. Oh! He's scored!

It's Bale! Not many players in the world can do

that. What a free kick. What a goal. When it went in I don't think I have

ever done it before, my shirt went up over my head and... It was put

your belly back in! A goal down. England needed some X Factor of

their own. Vardy is there! England are level.

The momentum was now with England. Wales were up against it. With a

final whistle approaching, England delivered the decisive blow. Daniel

Sturridge. Sturridge scores! I was gutted. It was a sickening - the

fact it was right at the end and you are questioning then what's going to

happen next. Talk about passion. Talk about pride. This England team

have it in bucketloads. Wales were down but not out.

Inside we still feel strong, we still feel happy. We are enjoying

the experience. We still have one more game to go and the tournament's

not over yet. We are still in the thick of it and we are going to the

next game with even more strength. England were top of the table.

Wales had four days to pick themselves up for their final group

game. We are going to be disappointed but

come tomorrow this is done. Simple as that. We can be disappointed

about this result, when it's time to get on the plane and go home. The

time is not yet. It's not the end of the world. We will still have a

great chance to qualify. We are not out of it. We are Wales, we beat

Russia and we go through. Come on Wales!

The fans headed south to Toulouse for Wales last group game against

Russia. Lose the match and they were in danger of going home.

I was happy with a draw. I just wanted that extra point to secure it

to make sure we knew we were definitely going through. This for

Wales is it. The equation can be simple. Win. If they do that,

they're guaranteed to finish either top or second in the group.

Ramsey! Ramie scores for Wales! -- Ramsey scores for Wales!

What a ball from Joe Allen. The Welsh... Then Ramsey. He has the

audacity to wait for the goalkeeper to go down and then he puts it over.

So cool, calm, collected. 1-0 Wales. Here is Gareth Bale trying to

exploit a gap maybe in the Russian rearguard. Taylor has made a great

run. It's come to Taylor. Can he finish? He saves the first but not

the second. His first ever goal for Wales! They are in dream land. We

haven't played 20 minutes yet. It's Wales 2, Russia 0.

Ledley. A great ball. Ramsey leaves it. Chris Gunter. Aaron Ramsey.

Ramsey. Weaving it through to Bale. He is on

side. Surely this time. There is the man. And there is the man with the

plan. Wales 3, Russia 0. He was clever enough to leave it for

Bale and then he sees the keeper rushing out. Just watch how he

composes himself, takes a touch outside of his left foot. Flicks it

over. What a finish. 3-0 Wales. What a performance.

The whistle has gone. Wales are through.

They're inspiring a nation, which is really something special. It's

history being made in front of us. I feel really lucky to be witnessing

it on television. That's what it means. That's what it means to these

fans. Look at them. That's what it means! Unbelievable passion, spirit.

The fans have been amazing and I have spoken to Welsh fans out there

who have just said it's been just the best moments of their lives. I

think a lot of them are just glad they're there. They've waited for so

long to be part of a huge tournament. The first Euro. How good

were they tonight? Fantastic. They've been unbelievable all this

campaign. The support, the way they've behaved and it makes us

proud to be Welsh. And more good news was to come. Wales had finished

top of the group ensuring an easier route through the knockout stages.

We are top! The celebrations carried on late into the night. Wales!s

Wales!s # Don't take me home. Please don't take me home. # I want to stay

here. Wales headed to Paris for a last 16

match against Northern Ireland. Win the game and they would be in the

quarter-finals. We were favourites going in which is

a little different. Everyone was expecting us to go in and win. And

possibly win comfortably. But Northern Ireland were organised. You

knew they were going to put up that brick wall and you had that feeling

if they catch you on a counterattack you are in trouble.

Saturday 25th June. It's a day that people will remember for the rest of

their lives, not only because it's the beach Festival but because Wales

are going to rise to one of their greatest triumphs of all time, come

on Wales! Bale has done it again. You have

been fantastic so far. Robson-Kanu. You have done us proud and Wales are

behind you all the way. Ramsey, it has come to Taylor. They're in

dreamland. We love how you're playing. We are so proud of you.

Win, because I have got a mortgage on the line. Bale surely this time?

Played with pride and passion and give it to them. Smash it. We know

you can do it. We will sigh you in the quarter-finals. Come on Wales!

With a quarter-final place up for grabs, the stage was set. I got

there in time for the national anthem and I sang it like I have

never sang it before. It was brilliant.

I have never been so proud to be a Welshman in all my life. Never. It

is a major tournament. It is Wales, it is Northern Ireland, it is in

Paris. Whoever wins the game... There is more of this yet to come.

Bale has Taylor to help him. There are three red shirts in the middle.

Offside Ramsey as he turns the ball in. Evans. Ramsey getting hold of

him this time. Shot fired. Oh, really fired nicely too. By Jamie

Ward. He thought that was going in. Robson-Kanu had to be strong. Bale

behind him. Bale with another wicked delivery and it is turned into his

own net by Gareth McAuley. He is a great Welshman, McAuley. Thank you

Gareth. He is a true Welshman! Williams can't continue. It is wise

he goes off before that gets worse. Ashley Williams is saying it is

fine. Adrenaline is taking over here. That kind of will to be on the

pitch, to stay to not want to give up. You know there is a bit you go,

no, your arm's hanging off. You could see there was something wrong.

By I understand you want to give everything you can possibly give.

There that is never say, never give up bit that you want to be there for

that moment. Long look at the left wrist and it is another Wales win.

On they go to the quarter-finals. I'm just going to say this, Wales

are in the quarter-finals of the Euro Championships. It is beyond

your wildest dreams. Look at them - you can't ask for any more. It is

incredible. I saw your daughter I think give you a note before the

game. You put it in your shorts. Are you going to tell me what it said.

No, that is between me and her. He is the talisman for Wales. The group

have been led by him. I have loved it, because he is a top, world class

player. He has at times sacrificed a bit going forward to help the team.

Be solid and defend and be strong enough to win games. Incredibly,

after 58 years of failing to qualify for a major tournament, Wales were

now on their way to the quarter-final of one. The party had

already begun. I think he is a disco champion of

Cardiff. He learned it at Crystal Palace, they all dance like that.

They don't score many goals, but they do that!

The Joe Ledley shuffle. It is just epitomises what a good time they're

having. When you go to these tournaments, you're a long time away

from people that you want to be with. But they're there to do a job

and they seem to be content with each other's company. That is vital

when your cooped up in a hotel for a long time. The team returned back to

their base. Now, they would wait to see who would join them in the last

eight. Some thought Wales getting to the quarters had been a surprise,

but a bigger shock was coming. ICELANDIC COMMENTATOR SCREAMS!

Iceland had knocked out England. Wales were now the only British team

left in the Euros. They would face Belgium - the second best team in

the world. Won't somebody tell me what is the soul of a man? Won't

somebody tell me... What is the soul of a man. Well I have travelled to

different countries # I travelled to the foreign land # I found nobody

could tell me, tell me what is the soul of a man # Well I saw a crowd

talking # I just came up in time # The teacher, the lawyer and the

doctor, a man ain't nothing but his mind # Well I want somebody to tell

me, answer me if you can # I want somebody to tell me # Tell me what

is the soul of a man! # What is the soul of a man? #

Good luck, Wales. There is nothing for us to be afraid of. There is no

fear. Our game plan has to stay the way it is. It is tense, it is tough,

it is exciting. The future is not written. We don't know what it is

going to be in a game of football or anything. What is in control is

ourselves and our performance. That is what we look at. Here we go. De

Bruyne and car Asco in the middle. Hazard over the bar. Brilliantly

defended. Nainggolan scores magnificently. My head was in my

hands so many time, I was in a pub and everyone was like, oh... The

atmosphere was outstanding. And to be fair that first goal was so good.

I thought, I hope this isn't a tale of what's to come. What I see in the

Welsh team is spirit that goes beyond where you are as an

individual player. It is how they behave as a team. They have a

genuine believe they can do well and they have a plan. Now, Ramsey is

onside. Red shirts in the middle. Oh, Courtois with a save to deny

Taylor. Ramsey's corner. Williams! Ashley Williams for Wales. The

captain heads home the equaliser. It is great delivery. He has his eyes

on the ball all the way. One-all. Bale. Good run from Ramsey. Well

found. Do Robson-Kanu. What a turn. What a goal! What a goal! From Hal

Robson-Kanu. Wales were on fire and the world was watching. Robson-Kanu!

Robson-Kanu. On fire! Into Vokes. Vokes! Oh! My God! Wales are going

into the semi-final of the European Championship. Go and wake your kids

up - something special is happening here tonight. Wonderful what a

header. A cross. Courtois, it is Gunter down the right-hand side, but

just look at the desire. He gets there first. And he whacks it into

the corner of the net. Unbelievable! Wales are going into the semi-finals

of the European Championship! Amazing, amazing stuff. Wales have

done it! They have come from behind to beat the mighty Belgium. Wow,

just wow. What an incredible performance from Wales. One of the

greatest performances in the history of British football. I would never

have thought I would see Wales in a major tournament, never mind in a

semi-finals of a major tournament. They will never forget the Welsh, we

have been sub lime. Everyone seems to be together. And it shows. It

stands out a mile. It has lifted the nation on the huge stage. I hope

this is the stepping stone to do other exciting things. They deserve

to be called the golden era. Because they are. We know what our players

are capable of. Everybody's very positive and very excited. For what

is coming in front of us is something we have never experienced.

The biggest fear is we don't fulfil our potential. So let's make sure we

work as hard as we can. Remember how good we can be. Remember what's got

us here. Enjoy this, this what is we worked for. We deserve it. We have

been asking for it long enough. This is what we have been screaming for.

Keep our focus on ourselves, on our game plan and everything will be OK.

So Wales journey continue, live coverage of their match with

Portugal is tomorrow.