Euro 2016: 5 things we learned from the group stages

#4 Gareth Bale-inspired Wales are the dark horses

Gareth Bale has scored in of the first round games so far

This is Wales’ first appearance in a major international tournament since 1958. Now that they’ve made it, their supposed ‘golden generation’ of players are daring to make this opportunity count. They’ve cleared the first obstacle in style, topping their group and pipping traditionally stronger rivals England in the process.

Gareth Bale – the world’s most expensive player – has been in sublime form – scoring in each of his nation’s games, while Neil Taylor has been tireless at fullback and midfielders Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey have shown the intensity and desire to move the ball forward.

Their reward for topping their group is a last 16 tie against neighbours Northern Ireland. On paper, they are expected to overcome this obstacle quite comfortably. Do Wales have the mentality to go deep in the tournament? Their performances so far definitely suggest that they have the ammunition to do so. Don’t take your eyes off them.