ONE HAL OF A FAIRYTALE

Welsh can carry on dreaming as Bale’s brilliant boys put one foot in last 16

AFTER nearly 60 years dreaming of a major finals, Gareth Bale and substitute Hal Robson-Kanu made it a day to remember for Wales and their ecstatic fans.

Boss Chris Coleman boldly opted to play Real Madrid superstar Bale up front on his own in a new-look line-up.

His tactics and substitutions were thoroughly vindicated with a vital opening day win which already gives Wales a superb chance to reach the last 16.

Just as in qualifying, Bale unleashed his brilliance with a swerving left- foot free-kick after 10 minutes.

And Wales, roared on by their 24,000 fans, went on to win with Robson-Kanu’s late strike after Slovakia equalised.

The triumphant scenes in Bordeaux will live long in the memory for Wales at their first major finals since 1958.

Coleman said: “Seeing the sea of red was incredible. At the anthem I had to keep my focus, detach myself a little. It was very difficult. It was unbelievable.

“The support we had deserved nothing less than three points. It was a fantastic game and big result.

“I’m delighted for them – we’ve all waited a long time. I hope they enjoy it.”

It wasn’t all red as Slovakia, unbeaten in eight games, proved dogged opponents and possessed quality in Marek Hamsik. He might have scored before Wales took the lead and there were tense moments for Coleman’s men who had rookie Danny Ward in goal after Wayne Hennessey’s back spasm. Ward was beaten in the 61st minute by sub Ondrej Duda’s low left- foot shot for a deserved equaliser. But Coleman’s decision to introduce Joe Ledley and Robson-Kanu off the bench swung the game back in Wales’ favour. The pair combined as Ledley and Aaron Ramsey ( left) teed up RobsonKanu to score nine minutes from time with a close-range left-foot finish in front of the Welsh end.

Wales had held their nerve and composure impressively from the outset after a passionate belting out of anthem Land Of My Fathers by players and fans alike.

Liverpool goalkeeper Ward, who spent the season on loan at Aberdeen, got his third cap.

Bale scored seven of Wales’ 11 goals in qualifying playing mainly off front man Robson-Kanu. But the Real Madrid star was deployed up front, with Jonny Williams getting the nod for the No.10 role despite only having 12 caps previously.

In midfield, Coleman went for experienced Wolves midfielder David

Edwards to start ahead of Ledley, who wasn’t deemed fit to start after his hairline leg fracture on May 7.

Hamsik top-scored in qualifying for the Slovaks with five goals as they reached their first European Championship.

He nearly scored after three minutes with a fine run and shot after Bale lost possession outside the box.

Hamsik turned past Ashley Williams, Edwards and James Chester before sending a left-foot shot goalbound but Ben Davies produced a brilliant clearance.

Wales had their first sight of goal when Patrik Hrosovsky brought down the lively Jonny Williams 30 yards outside the area.

Bale superbly thumped a left- foot swerving free-kick over the Slovak wall and past the right hand of Matus Kozacik.

Coleman said: “People will look at his goal but some of his best moments were at the end.

‘‘He used his intelligence, wasting time, heading the ball out of play.

“He gave everything. He knew it wasn’t about Bale, it is about Wales. That’s why three million people love him to pieces.”

Bale reportedly broke the nose of a Welsh fan in the warm-up with a stray powerful shot before apologising.

But there was no mistaking the accuracy of his free-kick before running to the Wales bench where he was mobbed.

Slovakia equalised on 61 minutes through Duda. He latched on to a pass from Robert Mak and buried a low left- foot shot seconds after coming on.

With Slovakia pushing for a winner, Coleman brought on Ledley to stem the tide and Robson-Kanu (right) to stretch the game.

The forward, a free agent this summer after ending a 12-year association with Reading, netted with a left-foot finish after Ledley found Ramsey.

There was more drama to come as Adam Nemec headed against t he po st but the We l sh held on.