5 defining moments of Chris Coleman's Wales

#2 Celebrating defeat in Zenica

Chris Coleman and his players celebrate in Bosnia as Wales qualify for UEFA EURO 2016

Wales only lost one match in EURO 2016 qualifying, and it was a defeat that brought the biggest celebration. Although Wales suffered a 2-0 defeat, Cyprus claimed maximum points against Israel on the same night to confirm that Wales would qualify for the finals of a major tournament for the first time since the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

This was redemption for Coleman after a difficult start to his tenure, and the Football Association of Wales deserve credit for sticking with him through the dark times and showing the faith and support needed for him to see his project through to fruition. The result in Bosnia quickly became irrelevant as news filtered through of what his side had achieved.

Recently asked about his most memorable moment with Wales, Chris Coleman reflected back on that night in Zenica, and described the tears of joy that he saw in the faces of the fans that had followed his team across Europe from the very start. They had stuck with the players through the toughest times, and as a passionate fan himself, he appreciated just what it meant.

For Wales, it has always been about qualifying for a major tournament, and previous managers are remembered for narrow failures over the course of the last few decades. Coleman had achieved an incredible feat, and there was no prouder person than him to lead Wales into what would be the most incredible summer.