Joe Allen and Wales were beaten 2-0 by Portugal tonight in the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani at the start of the second half were the difference, with Allen and Bale unable to initiate what would have been a remarkable comeback.
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Before the tournament, few had predicted that Wales would get much beyond the group – but they confounded the experts with wins over Northern Ireland and Belgium before eventually losing to Ronaldo and co.
Unsurprisingly, tributes have been flooding in from around the football world from fans of every nation.
Here are some of the best:
Reality sucks. But Wales, you’ve been fucking brilliant!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 6, 2016
So proud of this team & this country. Only sadness is that we can’t do this forever. Diolch boys. #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/ifrtX1hT0x
— George Dugdale (@GeorgeDugdale) July 6, 2016
Statesmanlike from Bale, fair play, really impressed with how Wales have handled themselves all tournament.
— Andy Heaton (@Andrew_Heaton) July 6, 2016
Joe Allen covered the most distance in #POR 2-0 #WAL
– 11.34 km— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) July 6, 2016
couldn't be prouder of this group of men #WAL #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/ADnZ0xPksO
— Danny Ward (@dan_ward52) July 6, 2016
Commiserations Joe Allen, @dan_ward52 & #WAL. You’ve done yourself and your country proud. https://t.co/4Fy6LZcLNg
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 6, 2016
From the greatest of nights in Lille, to heartache in Lyon; we know how that feels. Bravo Wales, you’ve done your nation proud #WAL #IRL
— Ryan (@ryan3levis) July 6, 2016
UEFA will be pleased. Couldn’t have that lot spoiling the final with all their kids on the pitch and small tv market.
— Jonathan Northcroft (@JNorthcroft) July 6, 2016
The whole squad have made the country immensely proud and all return heroes anyway. Well done @FAWales #TogetherStronger ⚽️
— Sam Warburton (@samwarburton_) July 6, 2016
What an achievement by Chris Coleman, his boys and their fans.
Be proud Wales— StatsAndSwearwords (@SimonBrundish) July 6, 2016