Monday 4 July 2016 15:50, UK
As Wales prepare to play Portugal in the Euro 2016 semi-finals, we look at why Chris Coleman's men can go on to win the competition.
The Dragons clinched their place in the last four with a stunning 3-1 win over Belgium on Friday night, becoming the first team to progress the semi-finals in their maiden European Championships since Sweden in 1992.
Chris Coleman's men face a stern test against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co, but can they dare to dream of lifting the trophy? Here are five reasons why the Dragons can reign supreme at Euro 2016...
While performances and results are the bread and butter of any football team, Wales have shown that team spirit and togetherness also goes a long way in making a successful side. The Welsh FA use the mantra 'Together, stronger' to inspire the country, and it certainly epitomises their campaign so far.
Full-back Chris Gunter has described their spirit as 'unbreakable', and it shows on the pitch. Wales work tirelessly for each other and it makes them difficult to beat.
"Literally everything is about the team," said Bale recently. "If somebody can't get back, I'll fill in. If I have to make an unselfish run to create space, I'll do that. It's the same for all of us. We are united as one, we will do anything for each other, and I think that is the big difference for us."
Wales were hugely impressive against Belgium, and while it was one of his quieter games at Euro 2016 so far, the impact and talent of Gareth Bale cannot be underestimated.
There was plenty of expectation of his shoulders heading into the tournament, but the world's most expensive player has turned up trumps. He is currently leading the charge for the Golden Boot having netted three times so far - putting him joint-top of the scoring charts with France's Antoine Griezmann and Spanish striker Alvaro Morata.
Indeed, he would be in the lead if his cross against Northern Ireland had made the net of its own accord, but there's no doubting he'll be just as pleased with the assist and, more importantly, the victory. With a semi-final clash with Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo up next, Bale will be just as fired up as he is for every game for his country.
Practically everything Wales manager Chris Coleman has done in this tournament seems to have worked out perfectly. He has a group under his guidance that looks capable of beating anyone.
Apart from in their group stage defeat to England, every substitution and tactical tweak Coleman has made has had a positive impact, including the goalscoring introductions of Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes against Slovakia and Belgium respectively.
Coleman is contracted to Wales until the 2018 World Cup, but his reputation has soared at this tournament, and there will be no shortage of takers when his time in charge of the national team is up.
All the talk centred on Real Madrid star Bale at the start of the tournament, and people wondered where else the goals would come from for Wales.
And although the forward's goal haul so far is impressive, there are plenty of other players in the squad who have chipped in. Wales are the top scoring nation at the tournament with 10 goals, and they are the first home nation since England at Euro 2004 to reach double figures.
Hal Robson-Kanu scored his second of the tournament with his stunning turn and finish against Belgium, while Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor, Ashley Williams and Vokes have also found the back of the net in France.
There is no questioning Wales' brilliant performances at Euro 2016, and they have also been helped by the luck of the draw.
The Dragons faced Northern Ireland after topping Group B, and, having seen off Belgium, they will face Portugal in the last four. Fernando Santos' men are yet to win a Euro 2016 game in 90 minutes, and they certainly look a more favourable opponent than the likes of Germany, Italy or France on the other side of the draw.
One of those sides would likely be their opponents in the final, but Wales have plenty of reasons to believe in themselves.
