Euro 2016 qualifying: Wales 2-0 Andorra

Wales won six of their 10 games to qualify for Euro 2016

Wales finished their historic Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a patchy win against Andorra - but that did not detract from the party atmosphere at a delirious Cardiff City Stadium.

Having already secured their place at a first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, Chris Coleman's side were dominant but frustrated by diligent Andorran defending in a goalless first half.

The breakthrough finally came five minutes after the interval, as Aaron Ramsey fired in a rebound after Ashley Williams's header was saved.

Gareth Bale struck his seventh goal of the campaign with five minutes left as Wales finished second in Group B following Belgium's win against Israel.

Wales had ended their long and painful absence from major tournaments in strange circumstances on Saturday, losing 2-0 in Bosnia-Herzegovina but qualifying thanks to Israel's 2-1 defeat by Cyprus.

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The Welsh players, coaches and fans in Zenica did not care how they reached Euro 2016, so deprived of success had they been over the past half a century.

But after the initial celebrations had subsided, attention turned to Andorra's visit and the opportunity to toast their achievement with their home crowd at a sold-out Cardiff City Stadium.

Party first, match second

With Welsh band Super Furry Animals playing a three-song set before kick-off and the home fans rattling through their repertoire of chants at full volume, the match almost seemed secondary to the jamboree in the stands.

It is just as well the atmosphere was so charged - because the action on the pitch offered little excitement in the first half.

Welsh band Super Furry Animals performed before kick-off at the Cardiff City Stadium

There was a lengthy stoppage early on as Andorra's Victor Moreira departed on a stretcher following a clash of heads with James Chester.

Although Wales monopolised possession, they were thwarted by the dogged determination of an Andorran side who had never won a competitive game away from home.

The home fans did not seem overly concerned, however, as they continued to bask in the glory of qualification - and the opening goal arrived five minutes into the second half.

Captain Williams' header was palmed away by Andorra goalkeeper Ferran Pol, but Ramsey was on hand to fire the rebound into the net from a tight angle.

Wales continued to exert total control and doubled their lead late on as Bale collected Ben Davies's low cross and shot into the bottom corner.

No mishaps this time

Even with the slow start, this was a far cry from Wales's opening match of the campaign in Andorra.

In that fraught fixture, Wales fell behind to the minnows' first competitive goal for four years and were in danger of becoming only the second team in history to lose a qualifier against the Catalan principality.

Euro 2016 will take place in France between 10 June and 10 July

Coleman was booed at half-time but, thanks to Gareth Bale's two goals, Wales escaped with a precious three points which laid the foundation for their campaign.

Although Andorra proved resolute once again, the match in Cardiff was in stark contrast as the home crowd stayed inside the stadium en masse after the final whistle to pay tribute to Coleman and his players.

Wales settle for second spot

Wales started the final round of games second in Group B and would have finished top if Belgium had slipped up.

They didn't. A team including Manchester City pair Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne ran out 3-1 winners at home to Israel.

Belgium ended the 10-match campaign with 23 points, Wales on 21. Bosnia-Herzegovina advance to the play-offs after winning 3-2 away to Cyprus.

What happens now?

Wales have already started their preparations for Euro 2016, twice visiting France in recent months to look at potential training bases.

Although Coleman's side recently rose to an all-time world ranking high of eighth, the nature of Uefa's coefficient ratings mean they will be among the bottom group of fourth seeds for the tournament, potentially leading to a difficult draw.

This Welsh side will not be fazed by illustrious opponents, though. Coleman and captain Williams have described their team as fearless, ready to embrace the pressures and challenges which come with their newfound success.

Man of the Match - Aaron Ramsey

The driving force of Wales's midfield always looked the likeliest to break down Andorra's defence, and so it proved as he scored the opening goal

What they said

Wales boss Chris Coleman on the crowd: "These supporters have been absolutely incredible. I've never seen anything like it. I played for Wales for some time, managing for some time, but the support we've had this campaign - home and away - has been absolutely fantastic. They've helped us get over the line."

Wales captain Ashley Williams on Chris Coleman: "I can assure you whenever we've gone out on the field he's got us right up for the game. We enjoy the camps, he makes them enjoyable.

"If you ask any of the guys in there we always try and perform for him. We feel disappointed for him when we lose. He deserves all the credit he gets."

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Gareth Bale ended the qualifying campaign with seven goals - the same number as England's Wayne Rooney, Northern Ireland's Kyle Lafferty and Scotland's Steven Fletcher

Wales trailed away to Andorra in their first match of the qualifying campaign in September 2014

Wales conceded just four goals in qualifying - only Romania, England and Spain let in fewer