Daily Express

World for Wales

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to set the tone for a make-or-break evening.

But inside the programme was a quote from Coleman that read, “It is a privilege to manage my country in front of sell-out crowds in Cardiff. Long may it continue.”

The rousing rendition sung by a full house of 33,000 at the Cardiff City Stadium would have never felt possible during the early months of reign.

At that moment, not a single home supporter would have been thinking of anything other than a fourth successive victory, a milestone they had not achieved since 1981.

Coleman was tasked with breathing life into Welsh football while dealing with the death of his close friend and predecesso­r Speed. The his journey could well have been over after only three matches.

The manager contemplat­ed walking away following the 6-1 defeat by Serbia that ended their hopes of reaching the 2014 World Cup.

But his decision to stay paid dividends as he led his country to the last four of the European Championsh­ip last summer and united a footballin­g nation along the way.

Nobody in Wales would begrudge his decision if he chooses to step aside.

Wales may not be making their first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1958 but under Coleman they dared to dream of mixing it with the best in the world.

 ??  ?? IT’S AGONY: McClean hits the winner for the Irish and Williams tears his shirt in frustratio­n, above
IT’S AGONY: McClean hits the winner for the Irish and Williams tears his shirt in frustratio­n, above
 ??  ?? ANIMATED: Coleman had a tormented night
ANIMATED: Coleman had a tormented night
 ??  ??
 ?? Main picture: JOHN SIBLEY ??
Main picture: JOHN SIBLEY

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