Meet the quarter-final opposition: Wales
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
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Enjoying their first ever UEFA EURO, Wales have been a revelation in France, with their team spirit and belief – and a certain Real Madrid forward – working wonders.
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Nickname: The Dragons
Story so far: An incredible one. Three wins from four games, topping Group B and being celebrated by one of the loudest sets of fans at the tournament. Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen are all shining on the biggest stage, but players such as James Chester and Ben Davies have also earned rave reviews as the team continue to defy their pre-tournament odds. Chris Coleman's side have clicked at the right time.
Route to last eight: 2-1 Slovakia, 1-2 England, 3-0 Russia, 1-0 Northern Ireland
Star performer: Bale. Three goals, an assist and a man of the match award for the Real Madrid attacker. Talisman and headline-maker, he has been leading from the front.
Best moment: Defender Neil Taylor notched his first international goal in the 3-0 triumph over Russia. It epitomised that anything is possible in this special moment for Welsh football.
Strengths: Team spirit and belief, combined of course with one of the world's best footballers. 'Together, Stronger' is more than a strapline – it is a modus operandi for this band of brothers.
Weaknesses: Having looked sloppy in possession in the early stages of their games against England and Northern Ireland, Wales will need to be switched on to move on.
Quarter-final prediction: Belgium failed to score against Wales in two qualifiers on the road to France, as Coleman's troops took four points off their rivals. Expect an open match where anything can happen, with Wales trying to exploit their pace on the break.
What are they singing? Give me hope, Joe Allen
Celebrity fans: Geraint Thomas (cyclist), Michael Sheen (actor), Manic Street Preachers (band), Rhys Ifans (actor), Iwan Rheon (actor).
Tell us something we didn't know: The administrative staff of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) have turned to evening tai chi sessions at the team hotel to cope with the stresses of organising their team at these finals. It appears to be working.