In the second EURO 2016 semi-final, Welsh and Northern Irish footballers clashed. Wales left behind England, Slovakia, and Russia in Group B. Their opponents, in turn, outclassed Ukraine and finished third in Group C. Team lineups: Wales: W. Hennessey; C. Gunter, A. Williams, J. Chester, B. Davies, N. Taylor; J. Allen, A. Ramsey, J. Ledley (63' J. Williams); G. Bale, S. Vokes (55' H. Robson-Kanu). Northern Ireland: M. McGovern; G. McAuley (84' J. Magennis), J. Evans, C. Cathcart, A. Hughes; S. Davis, C. Evans, S. Dallas, O. Norwood (79' N. McGinn); J. Ward (69' C. Washington); K. Lafferty. The start of the match was much less exciting than the first quarterfinal. Both teams had very few opportunities. It is worth mentioning the statistics, as Northern Irish footballers only struck three times at the goal, while the Welsh team did it only twice. However, the goal that the fans gathered in the stadium to see. Nonetheless, Aaron Ramsey's goal was scored after the assistant referee raised the flag. The first half ended goalless. The second half of the match was similar. The attackers of both teams tried their best, but the defense worked flawlessly. One of the more interesting episodes happened in the 52nd minute, when Sam Vokes struck shot after Aaron Ramsey's header towards the goal. He was substituted a few minutes later. After playing just under an hour, Gareth Bale took a decent penalty shot, but goalkeeper Michael McGovern saved it. The only goal of the match also came after Bale's pass from the edge. However, the Welsh players failed to react to the ball, and Northern Irish defender Gareth McAuley directed it into his own goal. They failed to equalize later, so the Welsh team will advance to the quarterfinals. Result: Wales 1 - 0 Northern Ireland [1-0] 75' Gareth McAuley (own goal) Bale became the best player of the match.
Here is how the knockout stage tree currently looks:
Congratulations @FAWales - you're into the quarter-finals of #EURO2016
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 25, 2016
And here's the proof! #WALNIR pic.twitter.com/RJFV2fTDLI
