In recent years, Wales has emerged as a force to reckon with in the footballing world. Their progress is there for everyone to see as they have started to make a mark in major tournaments. Under Chris Coleman’s leadership, they reached their first Euros semifinal in 2016. Since then, the country has been on an upward trajectory.
For the upcoming Euros, they are placed in an open group with Italy, Turkey, and Switzerland, with a good possibility of progressing to the knockout stages. However, they will be without their first-choice manager, Ryan Giggs after being charged with assault and actual bodily harm. Since November 2020, his assistant, Robert Page, has been in charge of the previous two international breaks. To Page’s credit, Wales have maintained their form in the absence of Giggs.
Five years ago, Wales qualified for Euro 2016 in France – their first European Championship tournament. They were placed in a tricky group alongside Slovakia, Russia and England. On their Euro debut against Slovakia, Gareth Bale scored directly from a free-kick before Hal Robson-Kanu netted the second to win the match 2-1. After losing to England, Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Bale scored to beat Russia 3-0 that made them win the group.
They got past Northern Ireland in the round of 16 before setting up a stunning quarterfinal against Belgium. Wales fought back from a goal down before upsetting the favourites 3-1. This victory advanced Wales to their first major tournament semifinal. They were also the first British team to reach the semifinals of a major tournament since England did it as hosts of Euro 1996. They were finally beaten by eventual champions Portugal in the last four, but that emphatic run will give them the necessary inspiration needed to do well in this upcoming Euros as well.
Gareth Bale, all-time leading goalscorer for Wales, has been the team’s talismanic figure for more than a decade. His experience in this young squad proved vital during qualifying. He has played in the biggest of stages at the club level, winning league titles and Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.
The winger, who can play in multiple positions, returned to his earlier club Tottenham Hotspur last season and reminded everyone of his abilities. He played a crucial role in Wales reaching the semifinals five years ago and will need to repeat that feat to help them have another memorable tournament. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey is another player to watch out for in their squad, who is perhaps the most technically gifted player in their team.
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In recent years, Wales has emerged as a force to reckon with in the footballing world. Their progress is there for everyone to see as they have started to make a mark in major tournaments. Under Chris Coleman’s leadership, they reached their first Euros semifinal in 2016. Since then, the country has been on an upward trajectory.
For the upcoming Euros, they are placed in an open group with Italy, Turkey, and Switzerland, with a good possibility of progressing to the knockout stages. However, they will be without their first-choice manager, Ryan Giggs after being charged with assault and actual bodily harm. Since November 2020, his assistant, Robert Page, has been in charge of the previous two international breaks. To Page’s credit, Wales have maintained their form in the absence of Giggs.
Five years ago, Wales qualified for Euro 2016 in France – their first European Championship tournament. They were placed in a tricky group alongside Slovakia, Russia and England. On their Euro debut against Slovakia, Gareth Bale scored directly from a free-kick before Hal Robson-Kanu netted the second to win the match 2-1. After losing to England, Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Bale scored to beat Russia 3-0 that made them win the group.
They got past Northern Ireland in the round of 16 before setting up a stunning quarterfinal against Belgium. Wales fought back from a goal down before upsetting the favourites 3-1. This victory advanced Wales to their first major tournament semifinal. They were also the first British team to reach the semifinals of a major tournament since England did it as hosts of Euro 1996. They were finally beaten by eventual champions Portugal in the last four, but that emphatic run will give them the necessary inspiration needed to do well in this upcoming Euros as well.
Gareth Bale, all-time leading goalscorer for Wales, has been the team’s talismanic figure for more than a decade. His experience in this young squad proved vital during qualifying. He has played in the biggest of stages at the club level, winning league titles and Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.
The winger, who can play in multiple positions, returned to his earlier club Tottenham Hotspur last season and reminded everyone of his abilities. He played a crucial role in Wales reaching the semifinals five years ago and will need to repeat that feat to help them have another memorable tournament. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey is another player to watch out for in their squad, who is perhaps the most technically gifted player in their team.
