In the end, the Euro 2016 final was one step too far for Chris Coleman’s Wales side.
They weren’t outclassed by Portugal in Lyon, but having fallen behind to two quickfire goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani at the start of the second half, there was no way back for the Welsh.
Disappointing, but given this was the first major football tournament for the country in over half a century, reaching a semi-final is a real achievement and something very few would have expected.
Portugal will contest Sunday’s final in Paris but Wales have certainly left their mark on Euro 2016.
In contrast to England’s embarrassing exit at the hands of Iceland, Wales have entertained, played as a team and won the hearts of many a football fan.
Seconds after the full-time whistle in Lyon, Gary Linkeker summed it up perfectly.
Reality sucks. But Wales, you've been fucking brilliant!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 6, 2016
Fucking brilliant, indeed.
If the last few weeks is anything to go by, we’ll definitely be seeing more of this Welsh side at major tournaments in the future. We look forward to witnessing them return to World Cup action in Russia in a couple of years.
