Wales' fans light a smoke bomb at the end of the match (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
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https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986459/wales-hurting-proud-after-stirring-run-semi-finals-euro-2016-says-boss Football
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
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.
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.
“They could only give what they had and we looked a bit tired tonight.
“We never really found our momentum when we had possession, but you have to give Portugal credit, they defended deep and killed our space.”
Ronaldo made the difference by equalling Michel Platini’s record of nine goals in European Championship finals matches to open the scoring.
Players of Wales salute their fans. (Xinhua/Tao Xiyi)
And Coleman admitted Wales failed to respond from the blow of conceding first.
“That first goal was going to be crucial, we just lost our concentration for five minutes and when you are up against the quality in the semi-final of a tournament like this, Portugal unfortunately...capitalised on that.
“We’ve done plenty of winning. Tonight it is our turn to lose, but congratulations to Portugal and I hope they go on to win the tournament.”