Welcome Home Wales

On Today Wales has welcomed home its most successful tube team ever.

Exceeding all expectations. The fans thought they would spend a fortnight

in France but the team kept winning and winning. They were one step away

from the final. They return from France as legends. The capital city

has turned out in force to give them a heroes' welcome. Thousands of

people lined the streets to say thank you to a team who inspired the

nation. They arrived at Cardiff City Stadium a short while ago for a

special celebration in their honour. Now, for the show, presented by Fran

Donovan and Gethin Jones. History... Half a century or more of parting of

failure. Now they know, now they've done it!

# So come on Ramsey, let's set the world alight

# When Gareth Bale plays, we can beat any side

# So come on Wales # So come on Wales

# With Ashley Williams, we can win any fight

# So come on Ramsey, let's set the world alight

# When Gareth Bale plays, we can beat any side

# So come on Wales # So come on Wales

# With Ashley Williams, we can win any fight

Welcome home Wales! Wow! Amazing. I can't belief the atmosphere here it

is just incredible. Just like our incredible team. What a brilliant

adventure it has been. No-one wanted it to end. The Euro 2016 tournament

will live long in my memory. Now, I know you had to wait a while

to get there but to see Wales compete in the final stage of the

tournament it was well worth it. It finally happened and Chris Coleman's

men did not disappoint. . They were extraordinary. They

captured the hearts and the imagination of all of us, the whole

of Wales. Finally, we dared to dream.

Certainly did. They returned from France having earned the respect and

admiration and the footballing world. Together stronger, it has

been the battle cry and each aged every one of the squad has played

their part. And then some. You can tell from the

reactions here, everybody loves the squad. I'm delighted. It is a good

job as the heroes have arrived at the Cardiff City Stadium. They are

here, ladies and gentlemen, they are in the house. They will be with us

in a moment or two. Make sure you give them the biggest welcome ever.

But in the meantime, just to keep you out of trouble, we have a

special treat. We have. It is the band that sent

them on their way to France, please give a huge welcome for the band

waiting for years for the chance to write Ann them for the Wales

football team, give it up for the mighty Manic Street Preachers!

# There's no Real truce with my furies

# But you stole the sun from my heart

# You have broken through my armour

# You stole the sun from my heart

# I've got to top smiling # I love you all the same.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE. Hello! We are here like the rest of

you to say thank you to everybody in the Welsh football team and their

staff. This is called Designed For Life.

# As we are told that this is the end

# As we are told that this is the end

# As we are told that this is the end

Thank you. This is the last song from us. This

is the song we wrote for the Euros, and really, there is just one part

of the song that you need to sing, it goes "so come on, Wales" like we

say, we would like to say thank you tor Chris Coleman and to the boys

for the summer of our lives. Thank you so much.

Let's make sure we get out there to Serbia in the World Cup qualifying

campaign. We will hopefully see you at the Russia World Cup. This is

called Together Stronger. COMMENTATOR: Chris Coleman's men

have freed Welsh football Half a century or more of heartache,

of last-gasp failure. # When Brazil would

make our hearts break COMMENTATOR: One could almost say

that was a Scottish hand. Certainly Jordan's hand went up

as well, let's have a look. Now this latest setback leaves

everyone wondering when, if ever, Wales will eventually make it

to the finals of an # So come on Ramsey,

let's set the world alight # When Gareth Bale plays,

we can beat any side # So come on Wales

# So come on Wales # With Ashley Williams,

we can win any fight # You're just too good

to be true COMMENTATOR: History beckons,

as the Russians kick off. The final whistle blows,

the dream is dead. # So come on Ramsey,

let's set the world alight # When Gareth Bale plays,

we can beat any side # So come on Wales

# So come on Wales # With Ashley Williams,

we can win any fight # So come on Ramsey,

let's set the world alight # When Gareth Bale plays,

we can beat any side # So come on Wales

# So come on Wales Ladies and gentlemen, the Manic

Street Preachers. Wow, just wow. They've still got it. What a

wonderful performance, and thank you for providing the soundtrack to the

Welsh national team in France. I'm biased, it's the best football

anthem ever. I'm inclined to agree. And I'm sure everyone here would.

It's the best football anthem ever! CHEERING

This is the moment I suspect one or two mag people here at the Stadium

tonight and at home would have been waiting for. You have followed them

right across Europe the last few years, and they have invited you

here to say thank you to you for being the best fans in the world.

Let's get them out here. I know you don't need to get any encouragement,

but please give them a huge Welsh welcome. First of all, the man who

has masterminded the entire campaign. Coach of the Welsh

national team, Chris Coleman together with his coaching staff.

Enjoyed it and quite right too. Absolutely brilliant. We now come to

the giants of the game in more ways than one. The Wales goalkeepers,

Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward and Owain Fon Williams. Show your

appreciation. The defenders, James Chester, James

Collins, Ben Davies, Chris Guenther, Jazz Richards, Neil Taylor and

Captain Ashley Williams. I love James was back choice of

headgear. In front of them, the magicians in midfield. Please

welcome the wonderful Andy King, the Welsh Pirlo, Joe Allen, David

Cotterill, David Edwards, Rambo himself, Aaron Ramsey, David

Vaughan, Jonny Williams and George Williams.

And our sensational strikers, ladies and gentlemen, Gareth Bale, Simon

Church, Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes.

And behind every fantastic team is an amazing support network. Please

show your appreciation for the team behind the team, the Football

Association of Wales. Ladies and gentlemen, lords and

ladies, boys and girls, every Welsh fan in the world, I give you your

national team. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Before we hear from Chris and the

squad, let's take you back to this time last month when our French

adventure began in the group stage of Euro 2016. Lying in wait,

Slovakia, Russia and England. The chance and the equalising goal.

Ledley. A good ball. Can Aaron Ramsey stay on his feet? He can and

Robson-Kanu is in. The party will begin. 58 years they have waited and

victory in their first game back on the big stage.

I never said they didn't have passion or pride, I just feel in my

opinion, we have more. The way Robson-Kanu set off after Rooney

there, and Rooney has reciprocated a little too keenly. Gareth Bale

territory, a long way out, but he will look to hit from here. And he

has struck brilliantly. Gareth Bale with a moment of absolute magic. Not

many players in the world can do that. Roy Hodgson is going for

broke. He has too, otherwise English hearts will be broken. Sturridge,

Jamie Vardy is their! England are level. Dele Alli, Daniel

Sturridge... Sturridge scores! It's a win for St George, a defeat for

the Dragon. Aaron Ramsey onside, and Wales have

the lead. Here's Gareth Bale, tries to exploit a gap in the Russian

rearguard. Neil Taylor making a great run. It has come to Taylor.

Can he finished? Acting goalkeeper saves the first but Neil

Taylor hits in the second. They are backing off Aaron Ramsey, he weaves

it through to Gareth Bale, onside and surely this time. Wales 3-0

Russia. Wales are through. Chris Coleman got everything right.

Extraordinary, not a single one of us will forget that game against

Russia any time soon. Absolutely delighted to introduce the man, the

mastermind behind that game and the entire campaign. My vote for manager

of the decade, the boss, Chris Coleman! Chris, bearing in mind the

emotions we went through, and what you must have gone through, you

don't have a single grey hair on your head. Apparently I die my hair

anyway so it doesn't matter. When you have a team good there isn't

much to worry about. They have been absolutely fantastic. And all this,

they deserve it. They deserve them and they deserve this lot.

Fantastic. Couldn't agree more. One thing we must say, a missing figure

here today, who we hoped would lead the dancing tonight, where is Joe

Ledley? He's getting married. Pinger etch elation is, a good excuse, I

think. He will probably be dancing by now. -- congratulations. To do

what he did and get back and get fit and have the impact he had,

fantastic. He will go and have a great wedding and a great summer. I

know you've always had complete faith and belief in this team and

quite rightly. They have proved you write. But going back to the

beginning of the campaign, even though you have that faith, did you

ever believe you would make the semifinal? Before we kicked a ball

in the tournament, we looked at the group and thought we were needed

Coentrao points, and we knew that was doable. But we never looked

asked the next challenge or the next game. We only ever looked at the

next game. Once we got out of the group then we had to Northern

Ireland. And that was a hard game. Then we got Belgium, of course. I

can't say I wasn't worried, but it was all about us. We know, myself

and my staff, we know how good this team can play, we know how good the

players are and if we get it right we can beat anybody. Everybody

agrees with you here, but you said this team were in the middle of a

journey. We have already seen their quality and how amazing they are.

How good can they be and how far can they go, with one eye on Russia? Of

course, we are very proud. This doesn't happen for nothing. What we

know is that if we give our nation something to be proud of, this is

the end result. It's fantastic. But as I said, we are in the middle of

something. It's not the end because it's the end of the tournament, this

is the middle of an experience. These players are very good. We just

need a bit of luck, same hunger and desire and good things can happen.

Your faith is well founded. One last thing I have to ask your permission

for. This is on behalf of the female population of Wales and probably

most of the men as well, come here... Chris Coleman, ladies and

Edmund! She kissed him. She said she would

do him. Ladies and gentlemen, he wears the colours with pride, Gareth

Bale! Welcome. Not bad at all. How has today been?

What were you expecting and how was it coming through the city to the

stadium today? We have been watching videos in France. But to get a

welcome like this was incredible it shows how amazing our fans are.

A year ago you scored a pretty important goal against Belgium, we

know what happened after that. Try to sum up how important last year

has been for Welsh football? It has been massive. We have grown in

confidence. The support we have had has been incredible. It gave us the

extra confidence to move on to the next level. Yeah, everything we have

achieved, we couldn't have done it without everyone here. All of the

staff have been amazing, the players have been amazing. Yeah, just a big

thank you to everybody! I think everyone acknowledges your heart,

desire, your leadership on the pitch. You always said you weren't

going to France to make up the numbers, that wasn't the case, was

it? Never. We fought hard to qualify. All through the games we

progressed. Kept getting better as a team. We knew what we were capable

of. Going to France, as we said, we didn't want to make the numbers, we

went there, gave it a real go and got ahead of the English.

Speaking of the English... Every time there is a free kick, the whole

of Wales is on their feet, especially when you pray in England.

Would you like to see it? Talk us through it and have you spoken to

Joe Hart yet. No, as you can see, when there is a

free kick, I like to hit the target and as you can see, it goes in.

No matter how it goes in, against England it is always a great moment.

I get the feeling from the guys behind me that this is just the

beginning for you guys as a group? Yeah, definitely.

Obviously this tournament was a major plus for us. We will take a

lot of confidence from it. Now we can enjoy the moment. But we have to

look to the World Cup qualifiers. We believe we can keep qualifying for

major tournaments, and yeah, if we have everyone supporting us, we will

do it a lot easier. One last thing, we discovered in

France, you are actually not the quickest member of your family, are

you? No, I'm not anymore. My daughter, Alba, was very, very fast

and made me very tired. So, yeah, I can't wait to see her

now. She's waving... So, are 33,000 other people as well. Gareth, thanks

for having the chat. Everybody, Gareth Bale! So, how many of us

really dared to dream at the beginning of the tournament that

Wales would qualify for the last 16 and do so by topping the group? I

know, we all did. Next stop, Paris. To face the men from across the

Irish Sea. It's a major tournament, it's Wales,

it's Northern Ireland. It's in Paris.

For whoever wins the game... There is more of this yet to come.

Bale has Taylor to help him. Three red shirts in the middle. Vokes

jumps. And Aaron Ramsey turns the ball in.

Ramsey getting a hold of Evans. Sure fired. Fired nicely, too. Fired

nicely by Jamie Ward. Abson canoe. He has to be strong. Bale behind

him. With another wicked delivery. Wales lead! Over it comes, on to

Gareth Bale's forehead. A long look at the left from Martin Atkinson, it

is another Wales win. On they go to the quarter-finals! They were

together and just that bit stronger than Northern Ireland.

I'm just going to say this, Wales are in the quarter-finals of the

European Championships! Is this just beyond your wildest dreams? You

can't ask for anymore. It's incredible.

# Don't take me home # Please don't take me home

# I don't want to go to work # I want to stay here

# And take some beer # So please don't take, take me

home! Amazing. Wonderful Wales there.

And there with the chief supporter, Albas -- Alba Bale. Now, ladies and

gentlemen, it is the one, it is the only, Aaron Ramsey! Thank you for

being here it is great to see you. I have to tell you firstly, you rock

that look better than Justin Bieber. What was it all about at the start

of the tournament? I was thinking about doing it for a while, I

thought why not. It worked. I have put in some decent performances, so

I'm pleased with it. Decent performances?! You topped the

polls at one point in terms of possession. And a number of assists.

You looked like you are turbo-charged out there. What is the

secret? You are obviously incredibly fit but the pace, the way you get up

and down the field, do you never tire, man? It makes it easier

playing with the guys behind me. The way that we play. The way we are set

up, the philosophy it is second to non. They are a pleasure to play

with. I wanted to go into the tournament.

To really stand up, to show what I'm capable of doing on a personal

level. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to do that.

We are thankful you were there. Just looking at the way that cross came

in, that Cold War eeth McCally will have nightmares about for a very

long time, the synergy between Joe, yourself and Gareth, it is like you

read each other's minds, is that the way it is, or you are well drilled

by the staff and the Chris and the rest of them? Well, the staff are

brilliant. We started, we have had dark days as a team. But with this

staff, these players have come on so far in a short space of time. But

yeah, I think that the chemistry between the team it is evident in

the way we play. We work our socks off for each other, we attack and

play with a freedom and we enjoy ourselves.

You said you make it a pleasure for us, thank you, Aaron Ramsey, ladies

and gentlemen! Next stop on the French adventure, Lille, and a date

with Belgium ranked second in the world.

These Welshmen are living the dreams of the greats who have never

experienced this for their country. Here we go.

Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne in the middle. Carrasco. A big chance, a

big save. Meunier, off the line.

Gareth Bale running it now. A little bit of room... He took the shot and

he scores magnificently! Belgium, one, Wales, nil.

Here is Ba, leshgs. -- Bale.

Ramsey's corner, Williams! Ashley Williams for Wales! The captain has

scored the equaliser. Bale goes on.

Not quite this time. Aaron Ramsey... Towards Robson-Kanu.

Taylor is available. What a goal! Oh! What a goal from Hal

Robson-Kanu! Dangerous... Well, if the Fifa

rankings suggest that Belgium are the second best team in the world,

then Wales are the best at the moment.

Fellaini, Wittel. And Aaron Ramsey will be at the final of the 2016...

In towards Vokes, Wales are heading into the semi-finals of the European

championship! They have taken on Belgium. They have surely beaten

them. They did something special.

Something special is happening here tonight.

Wales have done it. They have come from behind to beat

the mighty Belgium. Chris Coleman, put this into context

for us. There are thousands watching here. Millions watching at home.

Probably a generation of young boys and girls staying up far too late to

watch Wales make the semi-finals. What is the message to those back at

home? The dream? Don't be afraid to have dreams. Four years ago, I was

as far away from this as you can imagine.

Look what is happening. If you work hard enough and you are not afraid

to dream and you're not afraid to fail. Everybody fails. I have had

more failures than success but I'm not afraid to fail. Every now and

again, I can't say every now and again, as this has never happened to

me but no, I'm enjoying it, it is sweet, I think we deserve it.

Here we go, here we go! We're in the last four!

What a game, what a day, Wales on top of the world! Rated as one of

the best ever performances by any of the home nations and part of Welsh

football folklore. I'm with two heroes of the game, ladies and

gentlemen, boys and girls, Sam Vokes and Hal Robson-Kanu! Hal, you have

had time to reflect on that game, yet you were kicking ever ball,

headering everything, watching everything still fresh in the mind?

Obviously it was a special game for everyone involved.

The family are in... I have a lot of family here! No, it was a special

occasion. We are delighted with the result. As a group we managed to get

to the semis. Belgium, not a bad side. 1--0 down.

What is the feeling in the camp at that point? It was a tough start to

the game. They are a strong side. You see the spirit of the lads. On

the pitch they are putting their bodies on the line. To come away

with that victory was massive. A mate text me earlier, he said to

ask Hal, why he didn't square it to Neil Taylor? Neil said after the

game I should have squared it. But I managed to put it in the back of the

net myself. So, no, it was a special moment, as I said.

Playing that down slightly. Where did it come from, even the cameraman

went the wrong way. Everyone in the stadium went the wrong way,

instinct? I had never done it before in my life... No, it was an amazing

feeling. We are delighted. To take it forward, just buzzing. Buzzing.

He is getting a lot of hostel by the boys.

Neil, should he have squared it? No, obviously he has done it in the

playground. Sam, the heard, who were you trying

to flick it on to? Flick it on to?! To be fair I was surprised it came

up. With five minutes to go, winning at Belgium but it was a fantastic

moment. A great ball from Gunts, amazing.

That says it all, ladies and gentlemen, Simona Halep and Sam

Vokes. Inode is actually how Dawn Saunders

felt, tears were streaming down my face. -- I know exactly. Wales into

the semifinals. They went head-to-head with a team who are no

strangers to the latter stages of international tournaments, and in

that team, a player Gareth Bale knows only too well.

Already further than many thought possible, already further than

anyway you'll is team before. Together stronger is the Wales

motto. They prepare to kick off the country's first-ever major

tournament football semifinal. Ronaldo. Ronaldo was fouled and it

nearly paid off for Portugal. Joe Ledley corner. Something different

and Gareth Bale! They caught Portugal out. Caught nearly

everybody out. Bale skips past Danilo who dived in. Robson-Kanu

into the middle. Bale goes for gold. Bale is getting going. Whipped

across and Ronaldo has met it. What a leap.

It's over Nani. Renato Sanches try to get there. Ronaldo once again,

and turned past Wayne Hennessey for two. Finished off by Nani. Looks as

though Wales are signing out. # Do they know those days are

golden? # Build a rocket, boys. COMMENTATOR:

Listened to this ringing around the ground... SINGING

Ashley Williams. Joe Allen. They just can't turn and get a shot on

goal. It's all over in Lyon, all over for Wales. It will be Portugal

in Paris on Sunday. For Wales, this is just the end of one story. The

country's greatest yet with a round ball. In years to come, thousands

upon thousands will be able to fondly say, I was there.

I know, we were gutted, but ladies and gentlemen, how proud are we?

These guys were extraordinary. But what do you say to your team at the

end of a game like that. I know a man who knows and I will speak to

him now, give it up for the man they call Captain fantastic, a man who

isn't just inspirational but hugely courageous. The Welsh era, team

Captain, Ashley Williams. How was your shoulder? It's fine. I

can't believe your courage in playing like that, were you not

feeling it, you didn't want to come off. Definitely, it's not the type

of game you want to come off. I knew I just wanted to battle through. It

was more painful for you than anyone, but you must be very proud

of yourselves. At the end of every game you were gathering the guys in

a huddle, very inspirational. What sort of things were you saying to

them at that point? Just not to let their chins drop, we did ever so

well and be proud of what we achieved in the last few years. We

tamed the tournament with a smile on our face and our heads up. That's

how we had to leave. You as a skipper have seen this team grow.

They have grown even more. What was it like in the dressing room and I

guess you didn't have to motivate them much at all. Not much, we knew

how big the tournament was. We couldn't wait to get there when we

had qualified. We all enjoyed the experience in camp. It was like a

long school trip. The games have been brilliant. We enjoyed each

other's company. Not much alteration. Long school trip? Who

made the sandwiches? Jam sandwiches. The food of champions. The look on

your face with that goal, fair to say you enjoyed it. I don't score

many, so I have to enjoy myself when I get the odd one. Happy to help the

team out, we needed the goal before half-time. I will take you over to

see the boss. To put into perspective what this man means for

the team, Chris Coleman, and also owe sane Richards and Paul and the

squad. I think he's an unbelievable leader for us. Somebody we can look

at at all times. He inspires the boys and relaxes us at the same

time. We would run through brick walls for him. It's fair to say it's

mutual appreciation, Chris. Of course. As a manager and coach, you

are only as good as your players and the team around you and your staff.

I'm blessed that I have great staff and a great team of players with

huge desire to do well for their nations. It's a good job for me to

have. And you do a fantastic job. I think I will nominate him for a

knighthood. Are you prepared to second that? Definitely. Who will

further that? Sir Chris. Absolutely. CHEERING

Ashley Williams and Chris Coleman, both legends. Please show your

appreciation. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Chris Coleman, a nice break now,

nappies, late-night balls, as he becomes a dad again. No holiday at

all. The dream is at an end for this tournament, but surely this is just

the beginning for this team as they continue to inspire generations to

come. They have inspired me and I can't kick a ball. The next campaign

begins in a couple of months, the roads to Russia. Who will be here at

the Cardiff City Stadium as Wales start their bid for the World Cup?

Who will be here? CHEERING These guys will conquer the world.

There's the chance a few of them might stay until then. For the

players, holidays and a bit of pre-season awaits. We know Joe

Ledley will be dancing in Ibiza. Before we give the team a final

sendoff, one last reminder of this extraordinary and unforgettable Euro

2016 adventure. MUSIC: Can't Take My Eyes Off You by

Manic STreet Preachers. It's come to Taylor, can he finish?

The goalkeeper saves the first but not the second. His first-ever goal

for Wales and they are in dreamland. Through to Gareth Bale, he's on the

side. Chest puffed out and strike, and strikes brilliantly. Gareth

Bale, a moment of absolute magic. Aaron Ramsey can stay on his feet

and Robson-Kanu is in. Hal Robson-Kanu for Wales. Gareth Bale

with another whipped in delivery. Into his own net. And on they go to

the quarterfinals. # You feel like Kevin to touch

# I want to hold you so much # At long last love has arrived

# I thank God I'm alive # You're just too good to be true

# I can't take my eyes off you. COMMENTATOR: Ramsey's corner. Ashley

Williams for Wales! The equaliser. Whipped in towards Robson-Kanu. What

a turn and what a goal. # I love you baby

# If quite all right I need you baby # To warm the lonely night

# I love you baby... Sam Vokes! Wales are heading into the

semifinal. # Pretty baby, now that I've found

you stay # Let me Love you baby.

# Let me Love you. I feel all emotional. I'm sure you do too.

We've had the chance to travel with them and they have been amazing. All

of you, brilliant stuff. It's been a privilege to be part of it with you

because you have travelled all over France on an amazing road trip. You

have been with these amazing guys every step of the way as they have

proved the revelation of the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo's

sentiment and I'm sure all of ours. Pride, passion, heart, you have done

your team and the country proud. One more saying before we leave tonight.

As a final sendoff to this amazing team, we want you to join with them

in singing the anthem that made everybody so proud. Please welcome

Gwawr Edwards who will lead us in the Welsh national anthem.

# Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi

# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri

# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad

Well, what a night it's been here at the Cardiff City Stadium, and what a

summer it's been in France. All day, players and fans have been united in

celebrating the team's success. Young and old, they came to say

thank you to the team that has achieved so much. As the sides

touched down on home soil greeted by the friends at Cardiff, thousands

more lined the streets of the capital. The summer of 26 to in will

be forever remembered for this special performance by Chris

Coleman's team. The atmosphere here at the Cardiff City Stadium has been

magical tonight. The reaction from a packed stadium, saying thank you to

their heroes. It has been a summer that will live long in the memory.

Gareth Bale's goals, Wayne Hennessey's saves, Chris Coleman's

leadership. All day, the players have greeted the fans, fans and

players have been united in celebrating this special summer. Now

the next challenge for Chris Coleman's team will be the World Cup

in two years' time in Russia. That's it from the Cardiff City Stadium

after an historic day. From all of us on BBC Wales, good evening.