Gareth Bale admits Wales are dreaming of the unthinkable – winning Euro 2016
Fairytale-chasing Wales forward Gareth Bale admits his side are dreaming of winning Euro 2016 as they prepare for their first ever major tournament semi-final against Portugal in Lyon on Wednesday.
The clash represents Wales’s biggest match since a World Cup quarter-final showdown with Brazil in 1958 – a remarkable achievement considering the principality were ranked No117 globally just five years ago.
The Welsh camp, including manager Chris Coleman, has consistently spoken of the need for a no-fear mentality, and former Tottenham star Bale has stressed that his so-far nerveless side will be devoid of stage fright.
“We came here to do a job, we came here to do the business. Ultimately we want to win the tournament,” said Bale.
“We think it’s our time, we don’t want it to end here. We want to continue the journey and keep on fighting. We are not going to fear anything, we’re not going to freeze.”
The last-four tussle has pitched Bale, the world’s most expensive player at £86m, against Ballon d’Or winner and Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite speculation to the contrary, Bale reiterated there is no tension between the pair, while he has backed Wales’s collectivity to stifle the Portugal captain.
“Of course we get on very well at Madrid, we enjoy playing with each other,” added Bale.
“He’s a fantastic player, everybody knows what he can do. But we have always spoken about what we do, what we do ourselves as a team. We don’t worry about the opposition.”
Real Madrid centre-half Pepe, meanwhile, is a doubt for the clash after missing training today with a thigh problem.
Portugal are already without suspended midfielder William Carvalho, while Wales will bid to set up a final showdown with either hosts France or world champions Germany without duo Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies, who are also both banned for one game.