#Euro2016: Gareth Bale, Hal Robson-Kanu help Wales make history

Gareth Bale saluted the supporters for helping to inspire Wales to an historic Euro 2016 victory over Slovakia.

“After half-time, we did our best to succeed”, said Kozak, whose team had drawn level in the 61st minute through substitute Ondrej Duda.

But Chris Coleman’s side had the final say with just nine minutes left, when Hal Robson-Kanu sparked scenes of jubilation with a late victor.

The world’s most expensive player and double Champions League victor did not disappoint in a debut to remember on the global stage.

Coach Chris Coleman, whose decision to introduce Robson-Kanu gave Wales late impetus, said he would stick with the same overall approach for the crunch match with England in Lens on Thursday. He had a chance after 54 minutes when Joe Allen floated over a cross through the six-yard box but his downward header was this time well saved by Matus Kozacik.

Needed no second invitation to try his luck from the best part of 30 yards with an early free-kick – and delivered a swerving shot which wrong-footed the goalkeeper as it flew up over the wall, then down into the bottom left corner for a 20th global goal.

Up the other end, Slovakia had a free-kick of their own, however Juraj Kucha directed a long-range shot way over Ward’s crossbar.

But Coleman had promised before kick-off that Wales would rise to the challenge, and he felt his players did just that as they battled for the cause.

As proceedings resumed for the second-half, Wales were left off nine minutes in, when Robert Mak profited from a clever ball forward, though he could only shoot over the bar.

England open their campaign against Russian Federation in Marseille on Saturday evening.

However, Wales showed that they have enough quality in their squad as second half substitute Hal Robson-Kanu scored in the 81st minute to win the match for the Dragons.

The Tottenham Hotspur full-back epitomised the never say die attitude of his countryman in their victory of Slovakia on Saturday afternoon.

At the start, Wales were grateful to Ben Davies for his crucial early goalline clearance after Marek Hamsik’s superb solo run.

The 23-year-old, who has impressed at worldwide level, will be key for his country, moving forward into the following group B games.

Wales will take on England and Russian Federation in their remaining group games.