Wales pulled off an historic feat by qualifying for the knockout phase of Euro 2016 with a 3-0 win over Russia.
Goals from Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Gareth Bale put the lacklustre Russians to the sword and saw the Dragons finish top of Group B, with England only managing a goalless draw with Slovakia in the evening’s other fixture.
The Russians, who went into the match bottom of the group, looked lethargic from the off and came undone in the 10th minute when Ramsey latched onto a Joe Allen through-ball and lobbed the on-rushing Igor Akinfeev.
Wales peppered the Russian goal with chances in the first half and scored a deserved second in the 20th minute when Bale’s deflected cross fell kindly for Taylor in the box and the Swansea City defender found the net at the second time of asking.
Chris Coleman’s side did not have it all their own way and slack defending from Ashley Williams in the 27th minute almost saw their lead reduced. Artem Dzyuba picked the Welsh skipper’s pocket, but goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was on hand to make the save.
Welsh dominance continued into the second half but they had to wait until the 67th minute to extend their lead, Ramsey and Bale exchanging passes before the Real Madrid star toe-poked the ball beyond Akinfeev to put the Dragons out of sight.
Although the match was thoroughly one-sided, Russia almost reduced the deficit in the closing stages as Dzyuba blazed Pavel Mamaev’s cross over the bar from close range, while Welsh victory song rang out across the stadium.
The result sees Wales finish top of Group B with six points from their three matches.
In Saint-Etienne, England failed to make their chances pay as they were held to a goalless draw by Slovakia.
The draw sees England qualify as runners-up on five points.
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