Euro 2016: Welsh win The best night of my life

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Welsh heroes bannerImage source, Stu Forster

Wales have reached the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time.

Chris Coleman's side beat Belgium 3-1 at Euro 2016.

And when Sam Vokes powered in the third goal Welsh football witnessed scenes - well, never seen before.

A grown man in front of us was reduced to tears, while others hugged and leapt about like small children. For many, it was quite simply "the best night" of their lives.

Image caption,

David (l) and Lewis

Moments after the full-time whistle, Newsbeat caught up with fans David White and Lewis Skinner.

"It was just a fantastic performance," says David.

"We don't often see them do well at football so it's really nice to see that happening."

Image source, Getty Images

Wales manager Chris Coleman had described the last-eight tie against Belgium as his country's biggest match since the 1958 World Cup.

Wales were defeated by Brazil at that tournament, their only previous appearance in the knockout stages of a major competition.

"It's the best night of my life and we'll go and celebrate now," says Lewis.

"It's nice to see them accomplish something."

Image source, Reuters

A look of shock was etched across people's faces as we left the Stade de Lille and headed back to the city centre.

It was as if Wales supporters, although full of pride, couldn't quite believe what they had seen.

Truth is their team fully deserve a place in the semi-finals.

They rose to the occasion and dismissed Belgium, ranked second in the world, comfortably.

"Best day ever. I'm just lost for words and I can't really explain what has just happened," says Lee Cartwright.

"Best night of my life, not even my Mrs comes close.

"It was just unbelievable."

Wales will now play Portugal in Lyon on Wednesday for a place in the final.

Image source, Getty Images

It's a game which will see Gareth Bale face his Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

But for now, the fans prefer to look back rather than forward.

"I honestly don't believe it," says Rhys Thomas.

"It was weird to watch, it was surreal.

"Just the best night of my life."

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