Chris Coleman’s side entered the biggest game in Welsh football history at their first major tournament since 1958 carried by a wave of emotion and optimism after their 3-1 win against Belgium in the quarter-final.
The big threat was always going to be Cristiano Ronaldo – and so it proved as his magnificent header broke the deadlock after 50 minutes and his shot was redirected in by former Manchester United team-mate Nani three minutes later.
Wales sorely missed the energy and authority of suspended Aaron Ramsey in midfield and with Ronaldo overshadowing his Real Madrid team-mate Bale in this semi-final’s crucial battle, a journey that has made a country proud reached its conclusion.
Portugal will now face hosts France or Germany in the Stade de France final on Sunday.
The Wales fans have been magnificent at Euro 2016, entering into the spirit of a patchy tournament with the same passion and positive thinking that has epitomised Coleman’s squad.
And as defeat became increasingly inevitable on a steamy night in Lyon, they showed their appreciation for what they have seen in these recent weeks with rousing songs and a splash of colour.
Wales may have lost here but the manner in which they approached Euro 2016 was exemplary and has provided memories that will last a lifetime, especially those second-half goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes that sank Belgium.
They took the tournament head-on, perhaps only wavering when gripped by the occasion against England in Lens, even then only losing to Daniel Sturridge’s injury-time winner.
The confidence Wales can take away from France will provide the ideal platform for their World Cup qualifying campaign to reach Russia in two years’ time, which starts against Moldova in Cardiff in September.
Credit: BBC
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