So many of the big dogs are no longer barking.
Spain, Belgium, England – all hushed into silence.
And who’s still growling, staking their claims for dominance in the kennels? The underdogs.
The Icelands of the world. The Welsh.
Chris Coleman delivered the greatest night in Welsh footballing history on Friday and he’s done it through a combination of hard work and fearlessness.
Wales were not expected to make it to the quarter-finals. They’re in the semis. And they did it by upending the top-ranked side in the competition. They didn’t squeak through either. They won 3-1 and looked dominant for the majority of the game.
After the final whistle, Coleman was asked what message he’d give to those watching after he managed to take this nation – a traditionally rugby-focused country – and get them into the final four of the European Championships.
“Dream!” he said. “Don’t be afraid to have dreams.”
“Because four years ago, I was as far away from this as you could imagine. And look what’s happened.
“If you work hard enough and you’re not afraid to dream, and you’re not afraid to fail.
“Everybody fails. I’ve had more failures than I’ve had success. But I’m not afraid to fail.
“And every now and again…I can’t say every now and again because this has never happened to me, but I’m enjoying it and I think we deserve it!”
