Date: 20th June 2016 at 9:24pm
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Wales made light work of Russia as they won 3-0 in Toulouse to progress to the second round of Euro 2016 as Group B winners after England failed to beat Slovakia.

Goals from Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Gareth Bale saw the Welsh cruise to a comfortable win and finish at the summit, above the Three Lions, in their first ever European Championship finals.

Wales started the brighter of the two teams and led after just 11 minutes as Joe Allen slid a perfect pass through to Ramsey, who coolly dinked the ball over an onrushing Igor Akinfeev.

The Dragons doubled their lead just nine minutes later as the ball fell to Taylor off a Russian defender, but after the Swansea left-back saw his first effort saved by Akinfeev, the ball fell kindly for the full-back and he stabbed the ball into an empty net to send the Welsh fans into delirium.

Russia did threaten to pull one back just before the half-hour mark when a long ball from Akinfeev sent Artem Dzyuba through, but Wayne Hennessey pulled off an excellent one-handed save to deny the striker.

20th June 2016 - UEFA EURO 2016 - Group B - Russia v Wales - Gareth Bale of Wales celebrates after scoring their 3rd goal - Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Gareth Bale of Wales celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal against Russia. Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Bale was always a danger on the counter-attack for the Welsh, first setting up Sam Vokes, who saw his shot saved, before seeing a shot of his own go straight at Akinfeev after he burst from inside his own half.

Chris Coleman’s side controlled the second-half, dominating possession, and they sealed the win and progression to the second round midway through the half when Bale finally got his goal after latching onto Ramsey’s pass – the Real Madrid is now the top goalscorer at Euro 2016 after netting three times in three matches.

The win sees Wales progress and means they will face the third-placed team from Group A, C or D in Paris on Saturday, depending on results over the next few nights.

Man of the Match: Aaron Ramsey (Wales)

The Arsenal man ran the show in midfield, netting a goal and picking up an assist to cap off an impressive group stage for him. His goal was a delightful finish off a great pass from Joe Allen and that set Wales on their way to a historic win. His assist for Gareth Bale was another touch of class, splitting the Russian defence and summed up his display as a whole.

What’s Next?

Chris Coleman’s side progress to the second round of the tournament as winners of Group B, meaning they will play a third-placed team from either Group A, C or D. As of now, they will face Albania, but a lot of things could change over the next few nights, but one thing is for sure and that is that they will play their game in Paris on Saturday at 5pm.

 
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