Wales dominant as it beats Russia 3-0 to win group

Wales’ Euro 2016 adventure continued yesterday as they thumped Russian Federation 3-0 to reach the last 16 as group winners with manager Chris Coleman and midfielder Aaron Ramsey delighted to reward the fans for their fervent support.

They now face a second round tie against either Turkey or Northern Ireland in Paris on Saturday evening and Ramsey is convinced they can reach the quarter-finals and beyond.

Gareth Bale added the final blow as he scored for the third game running.

Our main target was to get out the group. “This is new for us, it’s exciting”.

In Wales’ first two games, he scored a couple of free-kicks but I didn’t see the Bale that I know: running at defences, beating players and sprinting 60 yards to change the game for his team.

“Without getting carried away, let’s try and get to the semi-finals”.

Strikes by Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Bale sent Wales on their way to the landmark win for a side appearing in their first major tournament since the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

Brady’s victor also sends Northern Ireland into the half of the draw that does not feature world champions Germany, reigning European champions Spain, Italy, France or England.

Victory, which could have been by a bigger margin as Wales dominated throughout, was not lost on BBC pundit Saunders.

“I said after the England game from what we’d seen of Russian Federation I was confident we could get something from the game and that proved to be correct”.

“I know how risky football is”.

“As police arrived and the Russian fans dispersed, the Machynlleth FC members were videoed waving their flag and joining in a chant with England fans ‘f*** off Russia, we’re England and Wales”.

“I watched the other two Russian Federation games, the right-back Smolnikov was out of position non stop all game”, said Saunders.

“I’m fortunate I can now as a manager”.

The same report claims that the contract, which would run until 2023, would make Bale one of the highest-paid players in the world and cement his long-term future in the Spanish capital. They were wide open down that side and that suited Gareth. “It was like a home game and to be able to take it in, 3-0 up, was special”.

For the full interview, see Wednesday’s edition of the Leader.