Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Bordeaux

A combination of a moving national anthem and a frantic start to the match has whipped the Welsh fans into a frenzy.

A few hearts will have skipped a beat when Marek Hamsik danced through the Welsh defence but, to the audible relief of those in red, Ben Davies was at hand to deny the Napoli man with a brilliant goal-line clearance.

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC One

"This is a big opportunity for Wales to stamp their authority on this game. It is important they get the ball forward to that superstar Gareth Bale.

"I think Andy King is unfortunate not to start, but what a confidence-boost for Dave Edwards. It looks like Aaron Ramsey is going to play the number 10 role behind Gareth Bale."

Tom: Hamsik just sent three Welsh players to the shops.

Daniel Woodley: Absolutely world class defending from Ben Davies!! Defending of the highest quality from the S, externalpurs man.

Wales are trying to re-group having just about survived falling behind. That would have been a disastrous start for Chris Coleman and his players.

Aaron Ramsey whips a decent free-kick into the penalty area and there is panic in the Slovakia area before the ball is just about scrambled away.

Image source, Reuters

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC One

"What a fantastic run from Hamsik! He goes to shoot, cuts inside, but it is a brilliant stretching block from Ben Davies. It had a goal written all over it."

Huge scare for Wales.

Marek Hamsík beats three players as he rampages into the Wales penalty area and looks certain to score.

A nation holds its breath but Ben Davies is brilliantly positioned to hack his effort off the line.

Image source, Getty Images

Nerves? Forget it. 

Wales make a confident start as they set about probing the Slovakia defence.

Gareth Bale straight into the thick of the action.

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport at The Eiffel Tower

We are more than 500km from Bordeaux but there is a massive Welsh presence in the Paris fanzone. All in full voice for the national anthem too - stirring stuff.

Image source, BBC Sport

This is it...

Wales are back on the major tournament stage for the first time since 1958.

Can they mark their first game at Euro 2016 with a win?

We're under way.

Bernard Ryan: Hoping Wales don't rely too much on Bale, but I think Hamšík + Slovakia will show off their credentials. Predicting 0-0.

Twenty-four thousand Welsh voices proudly sing 'Land of My Fathers' in the Stade de Bordeaux including the father of the late Wales player and manager Gary Speed.

It's a hugely emotional moment. They've been waiting for this moment for 58 years.  Goosebumps...

Rapturous applause from all around the stadium as both teams emerge.

National anthem time.

John Hartson
Ex-Wales striker on BBC One

"We have waited an awful long time for this and they are here in their thousands. Wales have the majority of the supporters. 

"But Wales are not just here to make the numbers up. It is imperative they don't lose today.

"They face a tough Slovakia side who were excellent in qualifying. They have good players, play 4-5-1, pack the midfield and play on the counter. Wales have to be at their best."

Image source, Reuters

How far can Wales go in France? Tweet #bbceuro2016 or text 81111.

Mike Pitt: At least the last 16. All depends who we get in that round, but I feel we can beat anyone #TogetherStronger

Kick-off is fast approaching so a good moment to remind you of the teams.

As confirmed earlier, goalkeeper Danny Ward makes his first international start for Wales, after Wayne Hennessey was ruled out through injury.

Jonny Williams plays just behind Real Madrid's Gareth Bale in attack. 

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool's Martin Skrtel starts in defence for Slovakia, in what will be his 82nd cap, while Michal Duris looks to be playing as a lone striker.

Talking of rugby, Dean, the Wales national rugby union team lost 39-21 to New Zealand at Eden Park earlier.

Time for the football lads to step forward and deliver some cheer to the nation.

Dean Saunders
Former Wales striker on BBC One

"We have waited a long time for this. We are a rugby nation - that comes first - but we're pleased to be here. It is brilliant to be involved.

"This first game could decide the whole month."