A Gareth McAuley own goal handed Chris Coleman’s men a 1-0 victory in Saturday’s Euro 2016 last-16 tie in Paris.
Wayne Hennessey 7/10 – The Crystal Palace keeper made a fine early save to deny Stuart Dallas before coming to the rescue again in the first half to keep out Jamie Ward.
Chris Gunter 7/10 – Impressively active down the right and defended responsibly, too. Reading should be preparing themselves for an onslaught of bids this summer.
James Chester 8/10 – An excellently-timed challenge on Kyle Lafferty was just one of a number of crucial interventions the West Bromwich Albion man made over the course of the match.
Ashley Williams 7/10 – The Swansea City star and skipper led by example, seeing out the closing moments of the match with an injured shoulder. His distribution could have been better on the afternoon but he won all his challenges when it mattered.
Ben Davies 7.5/10 – The Tottenham Hotspur defender continue his strong tournament with another impressive performance, making a superb headed clearance in the first half to stop Craig Cathcart from getting a chance on goal.
Neil Taylor 6/10 – Couldn’t make the same impact as against Russia going forward because of the threat of Jamie Ward but did send in a couple of threatening crosses.
Joe Ledley 5.5/10 – Battled admirably for someone who break their leg only six weeks ago but struggled to impose himself before being withdrawn just after the hour mark.
Joe Allen 6/10 – The Liverpool midfielder wasn’t incisive enough on the ball but defended well during spells when Wales were under pressure, winning the second-most tackles in the match with six.
Aaron Ramsey 6.5/10 – The Arsenal ace managed to grow into the game after a slow start but lacked some of the spark that helped inspire the Russia win. Did help create the winner, though.
Gareth Bale 7/10 – Wasn’t as influential as expected but delivered when it mattered, sending in a brilliant cross that forced the own goal 15 minutes from time. Also came close with a free-kick earlier in the second half.
Sam Vokes 5/10 – Struggled for service up top but should still have given Northern Ireland’s defence more problems. Headed a good chance wide in the second half before being substituted.
SUBSTITUTES
Hal Robson-Kanu (Vokes 55) 6.5/10 – Helped open up Northern Ireland with his pressing and movement.
Jonny Williams (Ledley 63) 7/10 – Immediately made a difference in the final third with his energy and willingness to take on opposition defenders.
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