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Russia national football team
European Championship | Group Stage
Jun 20, 2016 at 8pm UK
 
Wales national football team

0-3

FT(HT: 0-2)
Ramsey (11'), Taylor (20'), Bale (67')

Half-Time Report: Wales on course for Euro 2016 knockout phase

Goals from Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor put Wales on the brink of the Euro 2016 knockout phase.

Goals from Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor have put Wales on the brink of the knockout phase of Euro 2016 as they headed into the break with a 2-0 lead over Russia.

The scoreline would see the Welsh finish top of Group B as things stand, with England currently being held to a goalless draw against Slovakia in this evening's other fixture.

Chris Coleman's side started the match energetically and almost took an early lead inside the second minute when Gareth Bale's strike was parried by Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. Sam Vokes smashed in the rebound from close range, only to be denied by the offside flag.

Aaron Ramsey scores the opener during the Euro 2016 Group B match between Russia and Wales on June 20, 2016© AFP

Wales were in front less than 10 minutes later as Arsenal's Ramsey latched on to Joe Allen's measured through-pass and chipped the ball over the onrushing Akinfeev to send the Welsh supporters into a frenzy.

Things got even better for the Dragons in the 20th minute when the ball deflected into the path of an unmarked Taylor in the box and the Swansea City defender beat Akinfeev at the second time of asking.

Russia almost forced their way back into the match in the 27th minute when Ashley Williams was caught ball watching, allowing Artem Dzyuba to get a shot away, which was saved well by Wayne Hennessey.

Neil Taylor scores Wales's second during the Euro 2016 Group B match against Russia on June 20, 2016© AFP

Bale could have added a third moments before half time after beating two Russian defenders and letting fly, only to direct his effort straight at Akinfeev, and Ramsey had a goal-bound strike blocked just before the whistle.

Wales will qualify for the last 16 as Group B winners if the scorelines remain the same after 90 minutes.

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Chris Coleman leads a Wales training session on March 22, 2016
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Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


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