Advertisement

Wales ‘hurting but proud’ after stirring run to semi-finals at Euro 2016 says boss Coleman

Manager heaps praise on players as they bow out

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
Chris Coleman (L) consoles Wales' forward Gareth Bale AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA

Wales boss Chris Coleman heaped praise on his players for a historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals before bowing out 2-0 to Portugal on Wednesday.

Advertisement

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring and then teed up Nani as two goals in three minutes early in the second half condemned Wales to defeat in their first ever major tournament semi-final.

“It hurts that we lost the semi-final, the players are gutted, but they need to look back and see they have done their country proud,” said Coleman.

Wales' fans light a smoke bomb at the end of the match (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Wales' fans light a smoke bomb at the end of the match (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

“They could only give what they had and we looked a bit tired tonight.

Advertisement

“We never really found our momentum when we had possession, but you have to give Portugal credit, they defended deep and killed our space.”

Advertisement