Welsh Dragons slay Belgium's golden generation

, 1 July, 114comments  |  Jump to most recent
Wales made history in Lille where they stunned Romelu Lukaku's Belgium 3-1 to advance to a semi-final date with Portugal.

Lukaku was joined by brother Jordan in the starting XI for the first time in a competitive match in a Marc Wilmots line-up that also included reported Blues target Axel Witsel for whom an offer has been made in a bid to see off competition from Napoli.

For Wales, it was an opportunity to make their first semi-final and take the next step along a path that was laid down by Gary Speed before his untimely death and is now being blazed impressively by his successor, Chris Coleman.

Belgium started with pace and energy and after a goalmouth scramble had been defended heroically by Wales, the Dragons succumbed to a rocket by Radja Nainggolan from close to 30 yards out that flew past the fingertips of Wayne Hennessey to give Belgium the lead.

The Welsh hit back, however, when Swansea's Ashley Williams headed home unmarked from a corner.

The Belgians started the second period as purposefully as they had the first but it was Wales who scored next, Hal Robson-Kanu collecting a cross from the right and holding off his marker before effecting a "Cruyff turn" and then a placed shot past Thibault Courtois.

Wilmots threw on imminent Chelsea signing Michy Batshuayi at the expense of Romelu Lukaku but it was a sub by Coleman, Sam Vokes, who glanced home a brilliant header with five minutes left to put Wales on the brink of stunning history.

 

Reader Comments (114)

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Mark Ryan
1 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:23:36
Commentator has just summed up Rom. He's not always good but when he is good he's very good". I think he is doing himself a world of credit so far, 20 minutes in. Having a good game.
Peter Roberts
2 Posted 01/07/2016 at 21:37:31
I think apart from missing a sitter, having the anticipation and hunger of a sloath he's played better back to goal.

If we get any bids after this tournament it will be amazing. It's like the car you have been trying to flog has broken down on its test run.

Tony Hill
3 Posted 01/07/2016 at 21:55:10
Superb from Wales. Again we see the truth, it's about spirit and confidence and, after all, it's cup football. Ramsey's absence for the semi-final is a shame but my goodness they've got a chance.

Congrats to all Welsh Toffees.

Gordon Crawford
4 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:03:24
Well done Wales. Could this be another underdog story?
Don Alexander
5 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:05:31
Another lethargic performance from Lukaku. As Peter Roberts said at #2, and as Savage said in commentary, he shows no anticipation, no hunger and, frankly, next to no contribution. Giving him credit for what any bog-standard centre forward should be doing in terms of ball reception is ludicrous. Tonight he was totally put in the shade by two journeymen Welsh centre forwards, one who can't even find a club yet. I'm starting to despair of him.
Gerry Quinn
6 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:07:49
Overpaid Champions League players1-2 Iceland
Overpaid Champions League players1-3 Wales

Love it - just like the old FA Cup this Euro...

Mark Ryan
7 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:09:29
Okay for 20 mins but not very good over all. We won't be getting any big bids for him. Well done the Welsh, top effort from all of them. Deserved winners and no egos
Brin Williams
8 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:09:44
Tony Hill, 3 - Thanks mate on behlf of all Welshmen and Welsh Toffees I accept your congratulations. - Boy do we deserve them - what a performance. Hogia Ni.
Peter Roberts
9 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:10:08
Don... I never had any doubts he would find his way into the centre halves pockets. Absolute fraud of a footballer.
Mike T Jones
10 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:10:17
This is feel good...and for a non Welshman. I love football at times like this!
Jay Woods
11 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:13:15
Yes, well done Wales, even though you put my Northern Ireland out a few days ago.
Jay Woods
12 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:13:15
Yes, well done Wales, even though you put my Northern Ireland out a few days ago.
Soren Moyer
13 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:14:23
Well done Wales. Oh, and Lukaku is truely crap!
Gerry Quinn
14 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:16:14
Final: Iceland v Wales PERRRRRLLLEEEEEAAAAASE
Dennis Ng
15 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:20:14
Gerry, if that happens, it will truly be the year of the underdogs
Stephen Brown
16 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:20:34
As a Welsh Evertonian thank you !!!
TG Jones, Vernon, Southall, Ratcliffe,PVDH, Speed !

Teamwork shines through! Leicester, Iceland now Wales ! Brilliant !

Rom was shown up for what he is I'm afraid ! Robson Kanu a man just released by Reading and still with no club showed him up !
Da Iawn Wales !!!

Bill Griffiths
17 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:20:59
Brian, can't believe we beat 2nd best team in world so easily. Just hope we don't fail to turn up against an average at best Portugal.

England could learn a lot from the likes of Wales & Iceland.

Wasn't greatly impressed by Witsel not by the Pole we are linked with last night. Guess we have to trust onRK.

Chris Williams
18 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:24:23
Heart and spirit and commitment and fighting. Supporting your mate.

It's sort of forgotten about or spurned these days.

A gentle reminder that these are qualities need to be embraced and incorporated into whatever we do going forward.

So in what is left, who do we have?

Jags
Baines
Barry
Seamus

Who else?

Gerry Quinn
19 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:27:25
Stephen, 16 - ironic that Pat van den Hauwe was born in Belgium but played for Wales, eh? Makes you wonder who he would have been cheering on...made the right choice though
Dennis Ng
20 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:27:54
Would Reading be banging their heads for releasing Robson-Kanu? Could have made them quid had they kept him till after the Euros.
Dave Brierley
21 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:30:04
Passion, teamwork, and determination. Strangely comments that were never mentioned in any of England's performances.
I'm not Welsh but I've got more pleasure from their games in this tournament than I can ever remember from England.
Hate to say this but I'm becoming Welsh.
Brin Williams
22 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:33:47
Dave Brierley 21 'Hate to say this but I'm becoming Welsh.'
Hate to hear you say 'hate' but please join in the festivities of a Nation.
As we say - Croeso.
Alas we have our detractors!!
Mike T Jones
23 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:37:10
Gerry #19, you beat me to it!
Peter Cummings
24 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:37:40
Absolutely made up for Wales, as a Scouse transplant from an eleven year stint in Prestatyn and with a Welsh born grandaughter I'm as proud as any Taff at their success today 'Land Of My Fathers' never sounded so good, All the best for the semis Wales
Stephen Brown
25 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:40:52
Gerry 19 that's a great point about PVDH!
Tony Abrahams
26 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:41:29
Great spirit from the Welsh, with possibly the best player in this tournament, in Aaron Ramsey. Agree they will really miss him in the Semi's, but let them enjoy tonight, because they were fucking brilliant.

Footballs really changing, it's becoming a team game again!

Mike Hughes
27 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:43:55
Well done Wales.
Fantastic result - and I hope they win the competition.
Jeff Armstrong
28 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:47:57
The Welsh have shown they would not support any English advancement in this or any other tournament, so I will not be congratulating Wales as an Englishman, and nor should any other Englishmen.

They hate us, as do the Scots, so don't waste your energy on them. Save it for the mighty Blues... an English team... playing in the English Premier League.

Tony Abrahams
29 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:49:29
Peter 9, say no more. You always make good points, in why you don't really rate Lukaku, but after sticking your neck out today, I think you can have a night off now!

The commentator said Lukaku, has now got 50 caps for Belgium, so he must now be one of the most experienced players in Everton's current squad?

Ray Roche
30 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:50:10
There you are Engerland. THAT'S how you do it !!!
Ray Robinson
31 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:50:13
I'm a proud Englishman and my mother was Belgian, but well done Wales!! Brilliant teamwork. Now put that preening show-pony out in the semis!
Jack Convery
32 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:51:30
Tony 26 - agree Ramsey has been wonderful and will be a big miss - knowing Wales they'll win the semi for Aaron Ramsey.

England FA, Manager, Players should hang their heads in shame but I guess they are all on a beach somewhere with a glamourous wag and an agent trying to get them a better deal !

Frank McGregor
33 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:51:55
Please Please Everton take the best offer you can get for Lukaku and make use of the money for a player that wants to play for Everton with the same spirit as the Welsh boys showed today.

Both his father and himself are correct – he is far too good for Everton.

Gavin Johnson
34 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:05:00
Well done to Wales. As an England fan I'll always support the other home nations even if they hate us.

Wales are a great team without egos. They know their roles and work for each other. Belgium and their golden generation look like England - a team of overblown egos who believe their own hype. Rom was shocking tonight. I don't think he'll be going anywhere next season. We don't need to sell and no team will pay what we want.

Eugene Ruane
35 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:05:24
Voted brexit yet they fight like bastards to stay in the Euros?

Pfft - they want bleedin' jam on it them Welsh, hope the French they tell them their passports aren't valid.

But seriously folks, a very spirited performance and they absolutely deserved the win.

Again, if everyone knows their job and everyone gives it 100% for the full 90 mins, you never know.

PS: By the way I'm now (half) convinced our big puddiny-lump of a centre-forward was deliberately playing like Norman Wisdom to get his price down.

Watching tonight I thought, imagine if we didn't have him and someone on here said 'what about that big lad who plays upfront for Belgium?'

I then imagined a 297 post thread with 297 variations of 'get fucked!'

Jay Harris
36 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:05:57
Jack,
never has a truer word been said in jest.

Bling bling never rules but Welsh pride and spirit does.

Well done Wales. There is nobody you should be frightened of meeting now.

Hop the Taffs go all the way.

Thought the two Lukakus looked more like the two Ronnies tonight.

If only they were as good as they think they are.

Steve Pugh
37 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:09:17
Wales don't have any star players. Don't get me wrong they have star names, Bale, Ramsey etc. But when they pull on that red shirt they are just Wales every man in the squad is an equal. They all work for each other and they all work as hard as each other.

That is how you win.

Chris Gould
38 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:19:43
Spirit, passion, and commitment.
That's what Wales displayed tonight and it's what Leicester displayed all season.
We need to get rid of players that will not give absolutely everything to the cause in every match.

Gary Seed
39 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:22:23
This Wales team are fantastic to watch. It's not just about commitment, guts and determination, they have passion in abundance and can hold their own with the very best.

Would love to have watched tonight's game with Big Nev.

Will Mr Lukaku Snr now be trying to trace some Welsh blood in their family?

Oliver Molloy
40 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:22:31
Brilliant result for Wales. They played really well, got that bit of luck every team needs.
Congratulations to the Welsh nation - party on....
Iain Davies
41 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:22:45
Cymru am byth!!

Together stronger

Dare to dream :)

Roger Helm
42 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:23:18
How often do we say it - football is a team game and a good team can beat a team of good players. I always thought there were too many big egos in the Belgian dressing room - by no means the smallest belonging to R Lukaku - to go all the way.

I' m not Welsh but I hope they win the tournament; if Greece and Denmark can win, so can Wales.

Nigel Munford
43 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:26:53
Chris #18 - I think you could add Lennon to your list.
Matthew Williams
44 Posted 01/07/2016 at 00:08:42
As a Scouser of Welsh decent, very proud of the hard work the lads did tonight, superb achievement after 2 years of hard slog & the tragic passing of Gary Speed... Onto the semis, good luck boys, put that prick Ronaldo in his place!!!
John Pierce
45 Posted 02/07/2016 at 00:38:44
Rom would appear to have frightened off all his alleged suitors with another poor performance.

Whilst Belgium were poor overall, Rom had two sitters, early from a Bel corner and the second half header. A geniune top level striker would have buried both those chances and changed the momentum of the game

Wales deserved the win and got the rub of the green in most areas of the field

Easily could have had a pen and or Davies sent off, based on the referee's earlier decisions

Wales had discipline of shape and clarity of message, Belgium looked like as they've be mooted, individuals without cohesion

Fair do's their defence was strapped due to injury suspension and the replacements looked very green indeed. Hope the Welsh do it, but if they do the irony that Eng would be the only team to have beat them!

Brent Stephens
46 Posted 02/07/2016 at 00:46:23
Wow! Just come in to see news of this. Tremendous. Breaks out into a round of sospan fach.
David Edwards
47 Posted 02/07/2016 at 01:04:44
Cymru am byth! Great performance and hopefully shows what good organisation, tactics and team spirit can do - when the players are not necessarily superstars. Everything Martinez failed to achieve over the three years in charge.

Don't forget that Everton have always had a strong North Wales following, or even 'woolly-backs' like me from Chester - when my Dad (born close to Mold) would always take me to see Wrexham on the Saturdays when Everton were not home. With the likes of Southall and Radcliffe, amongst many others to numerous to mention, I have always felt Wales and Everton are a better fit than the London-centric and media-obsessed England team (not even mentioning our players' lack of involvement this summer)

Let's embrace the passion this coming season at club level that the Dragons are currently doing in France!

Paul Black
48 Posted 02/07/2016 at 01:06:11
Brin, 8...

'Hogia Ni'...how does this translate? And by the way, you guys are heroes, extremely well done and I hope you had a good night!

Timothy Sebastian
49 Posted 02/07/2016 at 03:05:42
Let's never flog that old lame excuse from preening over-paid English players when they get kicked out of tournaments that they are tired and exhausted from playing 60 plus games by the end of the season.

The Welsh players also play in the premier league and championship in England. Others like Bale play for top European teams like Real. The play as many games a season as the English lads. If they can run and chase and give their all over 90 mins and more, I don't see why the English team of "superstars" can't. Tireness is just another poor excuse for England's consistent failures.

John Hughes
50 Posted 02/07/2016 at 03:41:32
England couldn't score goals, the three Welsh goals were scored by Englishmen!Well done Wales.
Helen Mallon
51 Posted 02/07/2016 at 06:46:21
Would just like to point out that Wales are not the little underdog team we all think they are. Most of their players play in the Premiership and the one who does not is the most expensive player in the world. I know some are without a team and so on but they have a pretty good team. Don't be surprised if they win it.
William Cartwright
52 Posted 02/07/2016 at 07:18:01
Don't be such a miserable old bigot Jeff (28). Wales deserve their place in the sun and as a passionate Englishman who loves footy, Everton above all else, I would love to see my team brush everyone aside.

Wonderful moment of appreciation of the fans by the team at the end and vice versa. I'd love to see some of that at Goodison next season, and less of the bling bling ch' ching . . . . . . .

Well done Wales, and remarkable management from Coleman. Are the FA watching? It is possible to be a manager if you are under fifty . . . . . .

Paul Andrews
53 Posted 02/07/2016 at 07:33:05
Having a team spirit doesn't guarantee you will win anything.Not having team spirit guarantees you will win nothing.

Hats off to the Welsh,100% effort allied to some good players got them the result.

Poor contribution from Lukaku,should have scored definitely one probably two.

Brin Williams
54 Posted 02/07/2016 at 07:47:05
Paul 48 'Hogia Ni' samne as we call our Everton Players 'Our Boys'

This thread is truly amazing, never thought there would be such high praise and support for the 'Hogia" Cymru am Byth - Wales for Ever.

I do believe that everyone can learn something from this performance by the underdogs - belief is one thing but self belief is what it's all about.

Andy Meighan
55 Posted 02/07/2016 at 07:57:41
Does anyone else think that England would have beaten Belgium last night after going a goal down? No, thought not. Wales showed them arrogant big-headed shower how it's done and have got a manager who plays players in their right positions not squeezing square pegs in round holes like some, hey, Woy.

I'll bet the likes of Sturridge, Clyne, Henderson, Lallana, Milner and Sterling (see what I did there) were sitting there seething at that brilliant Wales performance. I can see them easily beating Portugal who quite honestly aren't a good side but losing the final to my tips, Germany.

But what an achievement in itself just getting to the semi-final... brilliant!!!

Nev Renshaw
56 Posted 02/07/2016 at 08:13:56
When Bale was asked would any of the English players be good enough for the Welsh squad he said, tongue in cheek, ('least I think it was tongue in cheek), "No, none of them would get in the squad". On pride and determination to win he was spot on.
Jeff Armstrong
57 Posted 02/07/2016 at 08:23:54
William (#52),
Miserable, yes. Old, Deffo. Bigoted, way off the mark, mate. Jealous,100%.

And completely disappointed with that video of the Wales players celebrating like kids at Christmas when some of their mates got knocked out of the tournament. That's when I thought, "Nah, not rooting for them anymore."

Sean Kelly
58 Posted 02/07/2016 at 08:31:31
Well done Wales and congrats to all Welsh Toffees. Hope this journey goes all the way. Great passion, pride and togetherness. Well done on and off the pitch.

The only downside is Rom's value has collapsed. A week in boot camp in the Valleys might sort him out.

Les Martin
59 Posted 02/07/2016 at 08:35:48
Excellent team management and application by the Welsh players, who played to their strengths. Hit the Belgians on the break and shows the importance and devastating effects of counter attacking football against loaded possession.
As for Lukaku well I have to say he was just awful and lazy yet again.,no movement as stated also by the commentator. He is only effective by running onto a through ball that he can chase, once the play is static he has no idea how to pull off or move defenders around.
Well done Wales and dream to win it !
David Price
60 Posted 02/07/2016 at 08:53:42
Bale was right!!! Give me Williams and Chester all day long. Who have we got? One over-rated so-called footballer, and a player who can't even get in the England team!!

Oh, I forgot... we've got a passionate committed international player who just lost a Copa America Final, who doesn't get a full season because he's apparently not good enough.

If there is a god, please make Ronald at least see players for what they are rather than listen to the media.

I just woke up with a bad head and a sore throat after watching my home country destroy the second best team on the planet!!!!!! Does that make us the first best team on the planet!?! lol.

Paul Conway
61 Posted 02/07/2016 at 09:03:57
Bravo Wales! for realising 'Fantasy Football'! I just hope they won't miss Ramsey too much in the Semi-Final, as he is a big player for them.

As for Lukaku....

There was a little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good, she was very, very good.
But, when she was bad, she was horrid!

Ray Robinson
62 Posted 02/07/2016 at 09:20:12
The mantra of pass, pass, pass ad infinitum, espoused by so many (including Sñr Martinez), was effectively destroyed by Wales's brilliant third goal last night. Getting the ball in early works sometimes too!

Oh, and as for practising set pieces ...

Wales need fear nobody. A proper team with no ego and no distractions.

Brent Stephens
63 Posted 02/07/2016 at 09:31:23
Was out watching this at the pub last night. Although in England, and no Welshmen among us, there was rapture at each Welsh goal, especially the third - unbounded. And nothing but contempt for the England side and management.

Bale v Ronaldo - bring it on.

Guy Hastings
64 Posted 02/07/2016 at 09:33:24
With Palace signing the French lad, Hennessey for EFC?
Joe Clitherow
65 Posted 02/07/2016 at 09:50:07
Roger Lukaku! Roger Lukaku!

Your boys tuke one hjell of a bee-atting!!

Hahaha!!

Ian Bennett
66 Posted 02/07/2016 at 10:07:29
Believe boys, just two more wins!
Eddie Dunn
67 Posted 02/07/2016 at 10:35:04
Da Iawn Cymru! What a performance from a real team,working as a unit.
As for Rom, I wondered if we would see him pull his socks up playing for his country, especially as he is in the shop window. Alas he has demonstrated the weaknesses in his game, and continued the mistakes that have plagued him of late.
I hope that Wales now go on to batter another big ego in the semi.
Bobby Thomas
68 Posted 02/07/2016 at 10:36:50
It was apparent to me after the first game that the Belgians have a lack of team spirit and the correct mentality. Something wasn't right there.

I thought the Fellaini miss was key, but Wales more than deserved it. Despite the fast and very impressive Belgian start, you could have made a case for Wales to be up at half-time and they were tremendous for the last 20/25 minutes of it, playing like a seasoned international outfit that had done it all before. They were controlled, organised and had threat.

I would be made up if they got to the final. Going to be tricky as Ramsey has been massive, and it's harsh on Davies as well, but they can do it. Let's be honest, Ronaldo is an absolute tool and his preening, petulant arrogance, compared to the grounded team ethic of Bale, is striking.

Kim Vivian
69 Posted 02/07/2016 at 10:36:54
I haven't taken me meds yet but I find myself feeling very "Welsh" this morning.
Geoff Williams
70 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:00:27
Do you think Arsenal would swap Ramsey for Lukaku? Well I'll keep on dreaming...
Derek Thomas
71 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:02:04
Ray @ 62; Pretty much spot on. Everything that is good about Football, the playing and the players, the attitude, commitment, the set pieces, the quick breaks...dare I say it, the whole 'Sin Miedo' bill of goods we thought we were getting came from Wales. Teams don't win things without it, or no small measure of skill either...Takes a lot of doing to score 3 jammy goals

Wilmots, Belgium, Lukaku, the lack of 'proper orginisation', the poor defence and marking...Stay on your post man!! - oh no too late, the flattering to deceive; Short version Everton with chocolate, waffles, mayo in chips.

Being your typical British Mongrel...our boyos did good...and yet the only team to beat them were??...but that's Football innit

Portugal have stuttered through each game and are beatable, just. The lack of Ramsey and the fact, that one day Ronaldo has got to hit form is the only worry.

Tony Abrahams
72 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:14:33
I think most people are delighted for the Welsh, because they played with guts, pride, honesty and best of all, they played for each other.

I hope you're right, Jack, and Ramsey gets to play in the final. We all love skill, but to me, the best thing you can witness on a football pitch is good players working their fucking bollocks off for the team.

It's so infectious, and going off thread just a little bit, I see those same qualities in young Tom Davies. Let's hope so!

Mark Fitzgerald
73 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:18:57
Not an official spokesman for the island of Ireland but I'd like to think that everyone over here would offer huge congrats to our Celtic cousins in Cymru. Thoroughly deserved victory last night. As good as I've ever seen the Welshmen play.

I watched it in the local and huge cheers went up for each of the Welsh goals. Guess not many Belgian tourists visiting the south coast these days.

Nice to see us linked with a player like Witsel but, after watching last night, I wouldn't mind seeing him partnered in midfield by Ramsey. Nice thought, eh?

Peter Roberts
74 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:22:33
Yes congratulations Wales. Top marks in the following:-

Work ethic
No egos
Anticipation
Hunger
Character

All lacking in our much spoken of want-away striker.


Now then..... where are the lads who usually tell us that Rom just needs service, that he's a goal machine thwarted by the dastardly Roberto Martinez who didn't play to his strengths?

As I said in the other thread, unless the Belgian wingers destroyed the Welsh full backs so well that the centre-halves left Rom unmarked, then he wouldn't score... They did get the crosses in but he missed or just ran in a straight line, as per usual, and never got in front of his man.

We are going to be stuck with this lad and some of you "goal stat only' merchants deserve it.

Gutted, it's like having an accumulator bet and not cashing out.

Trevor Lynes
75 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:40:51
Wales played the way English teams used to play! Not always the best players but plenty of heart and spirit. Leicester turned the Premier League on its head by playing in a similar way.

So long as effort and spirit is on show, fans will always support whatever happens. Wales would have been praised even if they had lost because they showed 100% effort throughout the whole tournament. Ironically England were better than Wales when we met and should have easily beaten Iceland if effort and application had been on show.

I honestly wrote earlier that I fancied Wales to beat Belgium. Two of Belgium's best defenders were not playing and their defence looked suspect IMO. They played Hazard really well and virtually nullified the Belgian attack.

Let's hope they can continue to fly the flag and beat Portugal.

Tony Abrahams
76 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:44:08
Hunger, Peter, it's getting more important, with every new deal from Sky!
Eugene Ruane
77 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:49:04
Ashley Williams (who got the equaliser for Wales) had that great 'switched on' thing I love to see in a player – something that we've been lacking for a while.

(When he scored, the three defenders around him all switched off.)

Plus he didn't hide or wait for others or leave it to others, he grabbed the thing by the neck and by his actions drove the rest of them on.

Cyrum Myr Crrellg Ogcyll rhynn!!

(That's not Welsh by the way – just clearing my throat!)

Brin Williams
78 Posted 02/07/2016 at 12:19:20
'Cyrum Myr Crrellg Ogcyll rhynn!!' (That's not Welsh by the way – just clearing my throat)

Have you got anything for clearing my head Eugene – it's full of silly thoughts of street parades, lifting trophies and one massive hangover that will last another week at least.

Nicholas Ryan
79 Posted 02/07/2016 at 12:37:33
I wish to make a very public apology, and eat a huge slice of humble pie [with leeks and soda bread].

Before the Belgium match, I had mistakenly thought that the Welsh only play with an egg-shaped ball, because they're so crap with the round one!

Whereas, in reality they are a nation of sunny, smiling generous football Gods, who do nothing but light up the otherwise boring tournaments in which they play!

Seriously, when Wales were 2-1 up, and 'Land of My Fathers' boomed around the stadium, I literally had a tingle down my spine, and actually shed a tear. That has never happened with England, not even in 1966. Wales did everything right, just as England do everything wrong.

The football was exciting and skilful, the support raucous but well-behaved ... and they are the only fans who actually SING as opposed to chant.

So, Wales; even though you hate us [and you do!] WIN, WIN, WIN!

Brent Stephens
80 Posted 02/07/2016 at 12:43:57
And why do the Welsh always have the best songs and hymns?! Any Welshman admit to listening to this with dry eyes?

Link

Paul Black
81 Posted 02/07/2016 at 12:44:46
Brin, 54...

Thanks dude, last night in the pub when I was singing a few hymns and arias (whatever they are) and trying to pass myself off as having 25% Welsh blood, I was told I was about as convincing as an English knock-out stage performance and a rubbish singer. So it wasn't a surprise when I asked for a discount on Screech Owl for celebratory reasons, it wasn't even considered!

I'm going back tonight with plans to perform a Max Boyce tribute act and see how that goes.

Ray Roche
82 Posted 02/07/2016 at 13:30:43
Brent, that's ALWAYS been a killer. Even my dog used to shed a tear when we'd listen to a choir singing that in a local.
Paul Andrews
83 Posted 02/07/2016 at 14:17:07
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/spine-tingling-moment-wales-players-11557208#rlabs=2%20rt$category%20p$2

Fuck me, you would run through a brick wall if you were playing after listening to that.

Lee Brownlie
86 Posted 02/07/2016 at 16:47:16
Still feeling let down by England, still hopeful and very positive about the Toffees new manager and coming season.. add to that, currently also chuffed for Wales and their great showing against Belgium!!

Why shouldn't you do what England simply don't? Continue to play without fear, WITH real passion and win this tournament!

(PS Portugal – luckiest team left in it. Croatia unluckiest to be out. Come on Wales!)
Jamie Crowley
87 Posted 02/07/2016 at 16:54:33
If Wales win this thing - and why the hell not at this point? - is Garreth Bale then considered one of the best footballers in the world? If he's not already...

If he propels his country to a Euro title do we mention him in the same breath with Messi and the douche (aka Christy Ronaldo)?

Brin Williams
89 Posted 02/07/2016 at 17:00:10
JC 87 Re G Bale "If he propels his country to a Euro title do we mention him in the same breath with Messi and the douche (aka Christy Ronaldo)?'"

No, we don't even take a breath - it has already been taken away.

Alan J Thompson
90 Posted 02/07/2016 at 17:18:50
It is my opinion that Lukaku has the ability, at times, to make the difficult things look easy but has absolutely no idea when it comes to the simple things, hence my belief that top class coaching should bring improvement.

Against Wales he had 4 or 5 chances to score but for a man of his size he seems to have little idea how to head a ball nor the desire to put his head in where it hurts. Several occasions he appeared to need only get down, sliding or diving, beyond his marker to score from close range.

If his ambition, other than joining already qualified Champions League teams, can be whetted, 25 goals a season would be peanuts.

All the way, Wales!

Anto Byrne
91 Posted 02/07/2016 at 17:25:36
Turns out I'm a bit Welsh my great great great great grandmother was from Flint. Come on you Boyos.
Phil Bellis
92 Posted 02/07/2016 at 17:32:36
One of the greatest, committed displays from a British national side I've seen; well done Wales and all the Welsh Toffees.

Not a dry eye in a Liverpool pub last night – brilliant stuff.

Wales join EFC 85 and LCFC 16 in showing what decent players, with proper management, performing as a team, can achieve

Brent Stephens
99 Posted 02/07/2016 at 23:40:25
Wales might just do it against Portugal. But Germany (or France) would surely be the end?? But what an end. What a journey.
David Price
100 Posted 03/07/2016 at 07:37:29
Thank you, Brent. That comment about either France or Germany being the end is why English international football doesn't succeed. As a Wales fan, I don't see either of them giving us problems; they need to fear us as we are a very good team.

ps: Even worse news for England – Gerrard has been asked to go on the coaching team!!!!!!

Brian Wilkinson
101 Posted 03/07/2016 at 08:07:52
You only have to look at the difference in the Hungry game, when Rom came off at 1-0. As soon as Mitchi came on, the game speeded up, quicker balls played in the box, end result: 4-0.

I've said it before, he cannot anticipate a ball in the box, he's slow at tracking back from an offside position. Time and again last season, Deulofeu whipped in some first-time crosses, only for Lukaku not to run into position.

If we can get a decent amount, I would cash in and bring in a top class striker, Mitchi Batshauyi and Gameiro would do for me, although it looks like we have missed the boat with him.

Congratulations to Wales, now beat one of the most ordinary, yet over-rated Portugal teams in the semis.

Paul Burns
102 Posted 03/07/2016 at 11:48:19
Can't believe people are saying Wales are a team without egos.I'm sick of the sound of the mouthpieces Bale and Ramsey and the anti-English racism displayed after the Iceland game.

Some people on here will jump on any bandwagon, shame on you.

Derek Thomas
103 Posted 03/07/2016 at 12:38:13
Paul @102; Nothing wrong with a bit of ego... if you can back it up – and Wales did. Having walked the walk, they are entitled to talk a bit of talk
Iain Davies
104 Posted 03/07/2016 at 12:58:48
Paul@102

Wales showed absolutely no rascism whatsoever, is it wrong to show your pride in this case at being the last home nation left in the competition!? Or to show your support to fellow underdogs??

Would you do the same if Everton won the league?

One simple word.... jealously

I would love EFC under this new regime to show the same passion, pride and team ethic of Wales/Cymru.

Stephen Brown
105 Posted 03/07/2016 at 18:14:39
Nicholas 79 I've shared that post with all my mates- love it!

Wales' team spirit is really to be admired and hopefully emulated by Everton. Young Stones could take a leaf out of Ashley Williams book on being a defender!

It's nice to read the majority of Toffees getting behind Wales! Diolch yn fawr !

Alan Bodell
106 Posted 03/07/2016 at 18:27:51
Paul#83, not sure Lukaku would mate but oh, where are all those
TW's that shouted us down time and time again when we dared question the useless twat ?, gone to denial now his value has plummeted I guess.
Michael Hughes
(South Wales)

107 Posted 03/07/2016 at 18:32:30
Paul (#102), you would have seen the same celebrations if it had been Germany or France losing to Iceland, nothing racist about it, just a possible major competitor being eliminated from the competition.
Alan J Thompson
108 Posted 04/07/2016 at 05:59:38
Michael(#107); It's a well known fact that we are English until we get beaten and British when we do.
Ernie Baywood
109 Posted 04/07/2016 at 06:47:44
And exactly what race are the Welsh accused of being racist towards? They're just enjoying seeing the English National Team fail as many of us did. I'm certainly not racist against the English - I'm English!

That said, so are half the Welsh side. Many will be proud to consider themselves Welsh, others may just be there for the opportunity of international football. The Wales side's performance does highlight that it's a team game.

Geoff Williams
111 Posted 04/07/2016 at 10:19:41
France proved by beating Iceland 5-2 just how poor England were. How on earth does the FA justify paying Hodgson £4.1 million when Coleman is on only £200k???
Nicky Styles
112 Posted 04/07/2016 at 11:35:42
I'm not Welsh and wasn't even really arsed cheering for them but I am delighted Lukaku had another bad game and will leave the tournament having underachieved greatly.
Brent Stephens
113 Posted 04/07/2016 at 12:31:20
David (#100). Just seen your comment. I promise you my comment was totally positive in its support and enthusiastic for Wales, having once lived in Newport for many years. I was just making a prediction but would love to be wrong.
Ernie Baywood
115 Posted 05/07/2016 at 04:36:52
Geoff, because the English job is a much bigger job. With an FA with a larger turnover and greater expectation.

Coleman probably wouldn't have got sacked for England's performance.

Top be honest, I still don't see English expectations as unrealistic. I just think the performances are shit.

Barry Jones
116 Posted 05/07/2016 at 17:32:06
Another Welsh toffee here. I am absolutely delighted about their progress. The Ramsey ban is a big loss but I feel we can still push on to the final. I am also delighted with all of Koeman's early targets. he knows what he is doing. I see good things happening this season.
Tony Abrahams
117 Posted 06/07/2016 at 12:17:11
Good luck again tonight, to everyone connected to Wales.

I've just been watching a few of the Welsh fans singing, "There is only one Gary Speed," to his father Roger. So sad, but so beautiful, it did look like it was going to overwhelm him. But, like the team his son helped to create, the man has obviously got a great spirit.

I hope the Welsh can win again tonight, and hope that the loss of two key players can be overcome, so the party can carry on a bit longer for them!

Raymond Fox
118 Posted 06/07/2016 at 12:33:27
If I'm honest, I'd like to see Wales stuffed tonight! Why, because there seems little doubt that when England play, the Welsh, Scots and Southern Irish are delighted when we lose.

What's the saying do unto others as is done unto you, or something like that. Oh, and while we're at it, give us English a referendum on do we want the Scots especially as a member of the UK.

Tony Abrahams
119 Posted 06/07/2016 at 12:41:10
Raymond, I'm sure the sweaty's will walk, before any such thing happens!
Brian Harrison
120 Posted 06/07/2016 at 12:43:25
Raymond

Spot on in both cases. Seems are nearest neighbours have massive chips on their shoulders when discussing England. I hope Sturgeon gets her way and the European union allow Scotland to join. Then get proper builders in and make Hadrians wall about 100 ft high. Also charge them £100 every time they want to come across the border.

Patrick Murphy
121 Posted 06/07/2016 at 12:52:20
There's nothing like a bit of Nationalism is there people? Honestly Wales are in a Semi-Final and deserve to be there and, for no other reason than to see all those superstars from most other nations get a huge slap in the face, I hope the Welsh lads go on to lift the trophy.

As for the annexation of various parts of the British Isles to satiate this English need to be an independent state, how soon we forget the sacrifices that the Welsh, Scots and others made during the Great War and many other conflicts since. The only flag I'm interested in, is the one that insists on tripping me up on my way home from the pub.

Jamie Crowley
122 Posted 06/07/2016 at 13:20:24
Today is my 20th wedding anniversary. One wife, five sons, and an eventful and wonderfully happy two decades.

So how do you celebrate 20 years of marriage? We're going to a pub in Amelia Island, FL to watch the Welsh beat up on Christy Ronaldo, whom I hate with a red-hot passion...

Happy Days.

Oh and Raymond, as I just came to this thread, to answer the question of why the Irish, Scots, and Welsh seemingly can't support the English? Perhaps centuries of repression they find hard to forget? Know your 'istory...

A history that thankfully harkens to another time that is gone. But as an American, asking why Wales, Scotland, and the Welsh can't support the English is like asking why so many people in the world hate America.

Pretty obvious really.

Raymond Fox
123 Posted 06/07/2016 at 13:46:58
Jamie, I've Irish and Welsh blood in me, and I do know the history very well thank you. I can understand the resentment; it is well founded.

Nevertheless after many years of reading comments like Dennis Law's who said it was 'the worst day of his life' when England won the World Cup etc, etc it's little wonder an Englishman says 'I hope Wales get stuffed'.

Jamie Crowley
124 Posted 06/07/2016 at 15:00:21
True Raymond. ;0)

Didn't mean to be condescending. Just pointing out "the other side of the coin" which you clearly know.

Cheers.

Tony Abrahams
125 Posted 06/07/2016 at 17:36:55
Hope you have a great day and night Jamie, it's posts like 122, that make me think that "youse yanks" aren't so bad after all!

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