Agencies
Lyon, July 7: Star striker Gareth Bale and manager Chris Coleman, both said they were proud of the Wales team after the semifinal loss to Portugal here Wednesday. Both said that the success achieved at Euro 2016 must be used as a springboard for Wales to qualify for major tournaments in future.
“It’s very disappointing to be so close and not make it to the final but this is a proud moment for us,” said Bale after the game. “We have achieved a lot. We had pride and passion and the fans are the best in the world, by far. We wish we could have done it for them but we’ve given everything on the pitch, off the pitch. So we are satisfied.”
Wales face Austria, Serbia and the Republic of Ireland in qualification Group D to reach the World Cup in Russia in two years’ time, with the aspiration to capitalise on their performance at Euro 2016 by becoming regulars at major tournaments duly echoed by the manager, Chris Coleman.
“That has always been the target: qualifying regularly,” he asserted. “There was a psychological barrier we needed to go through to reach the first one, given it had been so long since our last appearance. We’ve now sampled tournament football, and it was such an experience. It has enriched us and we are ready for any challenge.”
Coleman also stated that he had nothing to complain regarding the performance of the players and he has simply been blown away by their passion. ‘Let’s make one thing clear… this group (players) will be there for Wales, longer than I will be. They are an immensely talented lot,” expressed a satisfied coach.
