Tomorrow, the Welsh national team, making their debut in the European Championship, will face Portugal in the semi-finals, a feat that a few years ago seemed unimaginable. Goal.com wants to remind everyone and draw attention to the difficult journey of the team led by Chris Coleman from his early moments as the national team coach to the semi-finals of the European Championship.
Coleman becomes the national team coach. In January 2012, Chris Coleman became the coach of the Welsh national team, a position he was entrusted with due to tragically unfortunate circumstances. Previously led by Gary Speed, who was found dead at home a few months earlier. The 42-year-old coach chose to leave life by his own will.
Difficult start. In his first match as the coach of the Welsh national team, Coleman failed to achieve a victory - his team lost 0-2 to the Mexican national team in a friendly match. Shortly after, Wales suffered a setback in official matches, also losing 0-2 to Belgium.
Lowest point. Soon after, the Welsh national team reached its lowest point during Coleman's tenure. In September 2012, Wales was crushed 1-6 by Serbia in a match. The Welsh national team coach later admitted that after those matches, due to immense criticism, he was very close to stepping down, but ultimately decided to stay in his position.
Finally, the first victory. Becoming the first coach in Welsh history to start with five successive failures, Coleman finally had reason to celebrate. Gareth Bale scored two goals, leading the team to a 2-1 victory over Scotland.
Hopes of qualifying for the World Cup lost. After losing 1-2 at home to Croatia, the Welsh national team players lost all hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. Although the "Dragons" initially led, the Croatians managed to level the score, and Eduardo's goal in the dying moments of the match crushed any hopes of reaching the final stage of the World Cup in Brazil.
Stylish finish. Wales ended the qualifying matches at home by beating Andorra 2-0, with Cardiff fans celebrating the entire match. Ramsey and Bale scored goals again, successfully finishing a great qualifying cycle where they finished second in the qualification group.
Great debut. Wales did not have to wait long for their first victory in the European Championship - in the first match, they defeated Slovakia 2-1. Goals from Bale and Hal Robson-Kanu gave the team a historic victory and another joyous celebration at home.
Agony against the English. After a superb start against Slovakia, Wales was close to a similar accomplishment against England. Bale's successful penalty kick allowed the "Dragons" to lead, but in the second half, the English equalized, and in extra time, Daniel Sturridge scored the winning goal, leaving Wales without points in the match.
Top of Group B. Wales quickly forgot the disappointing match against England, convincingly defeating Russia 3-0. This victory allowed them to surpass the English national team and win the group B battles.
Familiar opponents. As group winners, Coleman's team faced the Northern Ireland national team in the quarterfinals. Gareth McAuley's own goal was enough for them to secure victory in the derby, advancing to the quarterfinals where they faced the Belgian barrier.
Defeating the Belgians again. Although the Belgian national team was considered a clear favorite before the match, the Welsh team demonstrated a fabulous game and despite conceding the first goal, they responded with three precise strikes and secured a great victory and a ticket to the semi-finals.
Semi-final against Portugal. Wales awaits the Portuguese barrier in the semi-finals of the European Championship. In this match, the Welsh team will have to cope without the disqualified Aaron Ramsey, making the task even more challenging for the remaining players. Whether Wales can once again defy the pre-match predictions will be seen tomorrow at 22:00.
