Wales’ fairy tale-like Euro 2016 came to a crashing end after a tightly fought encounter with Portugal ended in a 2-0 defeat.
Whilst the Welsh had the better of the first half, two quick second half suckerpunch’s via former Manchester United pairing Ronaldo and Nani, consigned Chris Coleman’s brave warriors to defeat.
Reeling in the absence of key players Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies, the Welsh matched their opponents blow for blow from the off. Perhaps on reflection, given Portugal’s unconvincing backline, their only regret could be that they didn’t give both barrels going forward.
Saying that Gareth Bale ended the first half as the best Real Madrid player on the pitch. Come the final whistle however, Ronaldo would have the bragging rights.
With 50 minutes on the clock, the multi Ballon D’or winner rose like a salmon to head home with a quite superb effort. A goal all the more devastating considering that Hennessey and the backline had hardly been tested all match.
As the Dragons slowly tried to make sense of the madness, Nani hit them again with a goal of far scrappier proportions. It was to be the final nail in the coffin for Chris Coleman and his merry men.
Whilst the manor of defeat will no doubt hurt for much of the Welsh side for months to come, the tournament was an undeniably triumphant success. Here’s hoping the lads can build for an equally emphatic World Cup campaign.