Belgium 0-0 Wales: Gareth Bale & Chris Coleman proud of Welsh

Forward Gareth Bale believes Wales' goalless draw in Belgium was proof of their new-found team spirit.

The result, which Chris Coleman described as his "favourite" as manager, maintained Wales' unbeaten start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

"I think in previous years we would have definitely caved towards the end," Bale said.

"But we showed what we're made of and what true team spirit we've got."

Despite entering the match as Group B leaders, Wales were underdogs against a Belgium side who had reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup.

Wales, ranked 34th in the world, had to withstand heavy pressure at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, and Bale was delighted with his side's resolute performance.

"I'm massively proud. To come to a team ranked fourth in the world away from home [and draw] is a good achievement," he said.

"It's fantastic for our confidence and something for us to build on.

"It's all down to our hard work. No luck has been involved. We feel we're getting everything we deserve out there."

Although Israel overtook the Welsh at the top of the group with a 3-0 win over Bosnia-Hercegovina, Coleman's side still have a realistic chance of qualifying for Euro 2016.

The tournament's expansion means two teams qualify automatically from each group along with the best third-placed team, while another four third-placed teams will qualify via play-offs.

Wales have eight points from four games after a 2-1 win in Andorra,a 0-0 draw at home to Bosnia-Hercegovina and a 2-1 victory over visitors Cyprus. Leaders Israel have one point more, while fourth-placed Belgium are three points behind Wales having played one game fewer.

Coleman believes Wales' point in Belgium demonstrated how his side's character has improved in recent months.

"They're a slick passing team, fantastic players, but we stayed in there and I think 18 months ago we wouldn't have," he said."We would have buckled and succumbed to the pressure that they were putting on us.

"But we're a different outfit now. We're a different team. The players have grown and matured so I was delighted with that.

"We've come here top of the league and to get a clean sheet as well and the fashion in which we did it, then this is probably my favourite result."

Coleman said Wales "rode their luck" at times.

"But our players were unbelievably courageous and brave tonight," he added. "We've been better with the ball, but without it we were magnificent."

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said his side had enjoyed plenty of chances but "missed a bit of luck".

"Wales had good organisation and that was foreseen, Belgium played a good game but we could not score," he said.

"They are a really good team with good individuals and it's not a surprise to me that they play really well and are doing well in the group.

"But the difference between Belgium and Wales is that Wales plays with counter-attacks and Belgium leads the attack."