Former Wales manager Chris Coleman is celebrating his 50th birthday today, almost four years to the day that he took charge of his country’s opening Euro 2016 game in Bordeaux.
In a memorable five-year tenure, Coleman demonstrated patience and resolve to overcome a difficult start and lead Wales to their first major tournament in more than 50 years.
We’ve taken a look at five moments which proved to be key during his managerial reign.
Wales 2-1 Scotland (2014 World Cup qualifying)
Coleman’s start to life as Wales boss was disappointing. He became the first Wales manager to lose his first five games in charge. This was until his side faced Scotland in a World Cup qualifying match at the Cardiff City Stadium in October 2012. A late comeback, inspired by then 23-year-old Gareth Bale, saw Coleman end his managerial losing streak.
This win would lift spirits around the Wales camp and, despite eventually missing out on qualification for what would have been their first World Cup in 54 years, the team demonstrated tremendous grit and determination; two common traits of Coleman’s teams during his tenure.
Wales 1-0 Belgium ( Euro 2016 qualifying)
After a promising start to the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign for Coleman’s side, they would face a star-studded Belgium team who were leading the group.
A defensive masterclass, which showed Wales’ game plan to frustrate attack-minded teams was effective, saw the team pick up a priceless point in Belgium seven months prior to this fixture.
However, the reverse fixture, played in Cardiff, would have a different outcome. Fuelled by the Red Wall’s excitement and belief of reaching their first international tournament since 1958, Wales played their usual way with five defenders nullifying Belgium’s attacking starlets with Jazz Richards and Chris Gunter often doubling up to prevent Eden Hazard from posing a threat. Bale, on his 50th appearance for his country, anticipated an attempted header by Radja Nainggolan and calmly placed the ball past Thibaut Courtois to give Wales all three points.
This game showed how the new-look Wales team was capable of beating the best in the world, and would be a sign for things to come.
Wales with a Q
Despite Wales losing 2-0 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it would eventually turn into one of the most historic nights in the history of Welsh football. News of Israel’s 2-1 loss to Cyprus – which meant their qualification would be guaranteed – travelled around the ground as players, coaches and fans were reluctant to celebrate early in case they had been misinformed.
It turned out that Wales had, in fact, qualified for their first major tournament in 58 years. Years of last-gasp failed attempts had been rectified. The vast majority of Welsh fans thought they would never witness their team play at a major tournament. Many believed, regardless of how well Wales would do at the tournament, that Coleman’s legacy would go down in history.
Wales 3-0 Russia (Euro 2016)
After their injury-time loss to England, Wales needed to win against Russia in their final group-stage match to guarantee they progressed into the knock-out rounds of the tournament (it transpired that a point would have been enough after England drew with Slovakia.) Russia, who had forced England to drop points in their opening match of Euro 2016, were proven to be difficult to play against.
Wales came firing out of the blocks immediately as goals from Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Gareth Bale saw them win comfortably by three goals to nil. The top-class performance, believed by many to be one of the best in Wales’ history, lead to Gunter supposedly telling his manager ‘’enjoy this, gaffer”.
Speaking after the game, Coleman said: “This is the best because whether you’re a player or a manager or a coach, it’s all about the points. I think the performance tonight was really pleasing. I’ve been a player myself and just missed out on a major tournament and been part of a few really good teams, so I’m so lucky now to be experiencing this as a manager.
“And to see your team perform like that, execute everything that you’ve worked on, that’s really pleasing. So I’m immensely proud.”
Wales 3-1 Belgium (Euro 2016)
Lille would play host to possibly the most famous Wales game of all time. Completely written off by many, Wales went into the game as big underdogs.
Radja Nainggolan would strike first as his effort from range found the top left corner just 13 minutes into the game. This meant Wales had to change their approach and move the ball further up the pitch to increase their chances of scoring. After creating a few chances, it seemed Wales had settled into the game after Belgium’s goal as Ashley Williams headed home from a corner to level the game before half-time.
In the second-half Hal Robson-Kanu, who was without a club at the time after leaving Reading, was found in the Belgian box before executing a sublime turn – similar to that of Johan Cruyff – and slotted home in front of the travelling Wales supporters.
With five minutes of normal time left to play, Gunter was played through on the right wing with substitute Sam Vokes making a run towards the front post. Despite the initial disapproval from his manager, the right-back felt crossing would be a better option and found Vokes’ with an excellent delivery, and the striker headed home to secure Wales’ place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
(Featured image: Jon Candy)
Mair Griffith
What a Brilliant write up Well done Lewis Sharpe xx