Nothing but teamwork
and a lot of belief is what has possessed Chris Coleman Dragons- that so far in
this edition of Euro, the Welsh have made a brilliant run into these event
semifinals. That is paying off for the Welsh, considering their playing
performances as one amazing feat in their first ever Euro Cup participation.
Yes, the Dragons
coming to this event with the label of total underdogs and not even considered
to make a stand in their group alone- look how the tables have turned for them.
After all this squad did not had a participation in an international tourney since
1958.
So far so good and
with a brilliantly executed first half where they really put on a series of
performances against the Slovakian and Russian squad where they outscored 5to 1
in Group B. Their lone loss in this tourney
came from overall favorites and group head England by one lone goal.
Still by the way,
these Welsh boys are playing and nothing stopping them for now, for this squad
Boss Chris Coleman placing a solid 3-4-2-1 formation sending a lone striker in
Hal Robson- Kanu ahead with just two midfielders accompanying him in Gareth
Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
The Dragons ready on
one of their most difficult and challenges matches in their short-lived Euro
history and going against a squad considered as an overall favorite to be among
the elite finalists in the Belgium National Squad. The Red Devils with a roster
composed of their utmost crop of players surged from these nations’ academies
and considered a Golden generation- the Red Devils considered a serious rival not
to mess with.
At its end, this is
something the Welsh squad was not impressed at all and came prepared to put on
a performance worth an academy award for the extra human effort and pressuring
they put the Belgium backfield and its keeper Courtois. Despite the efforts
performed by the Chelsea and Red Devils operate, he finally conceded after seeing
his cause and posts going down with three goals against.
After all the Welsh Boys
were determined to play a one on one match against this squad that saw its Irish
cousins succumb to their fury and looking forward to stop the Dragons cold in their
tracks and momentum as well.
Going back to the match
itself, the Red Devils after a strong start and pressure exercised over the
Dragons backfield and in the early minutes, finally their perseverance paid off
with a grand goal from Roma man Radja Nainggolan with just 13 minutes of play.
Before that, the Welsh
backfield was playing like something possessed them and by refusing a clear
play of goal from a center from Lukaku to Carrasco, Meunier and Hazard, the
Welsh defense was going to have a very busy afternoon. Still that score did not
deterred the Welsh of doing the ultimate of feats as Robson- Kane and Bale were
knocking on Belgium posts.
It is when hell broke
for the Welsh when in its Captain Ashley Williams leaving his mark behind and
with a header tied the game in the 30th minute. Still if one
deserves an award is the Dragons backfield as all afternoon they did a triple
defending overzealous the posts of Wayne Hennessey, who had a memorable performance
at the end.
With the second half
in play, a sort of Cryuff play when Hal Robson- Kanu in the 55th scored
the go-ahead goal and Wales started the process of getting into their objective
within 35 minutes left in the clock. I mean a Messi type of play when he took
three Belgium players inside the area in Meunier, Fellaini and Courtois to the
cleaners in what many can call it a one of a kind goal.
No later than the
Welsh defense did the ultimate of efforts along with their Keeper Hennessey of
keeping Belgium core of attacker at bay in not allowing Fellaini, Hazard,
Lukaku, Carrasco, De Bryne and even Nainggolan to score the equalizers and the
go ahead goals despite close calls into Wales posts.
Everything went well
for the Welsh boss who made his changes and with an opportune one in Sam Vokes
who sealed the deal in the 85th for the Dragons sending the whole of
Lille Metrople venue into frenzy by the Welsh fans in attendance.
At the end, the Welsh
Dragons are rocking this Euro with their display of authentic and one of a kind
football played as a team and not being dependent on one or two man in Gareth
Bale or Aaron Ramsey alone. As many thought that, the Real Madrid wonder was
going to carry over his squad his shoulders.
Again, Wales proved
to the world how camaraderie, unity and belief has made them a squad living a sort
of fairy tale or to dubbed as David because of its achievements so far in this edition
of Euro, by netting the unthinkable. One a spot in semifinals and a date against
Portugal to play for a spot in the grand finale, nothing written but the Welch
can rewrite their own history and maybe net the coveted Euro shield.
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