Bale the difference for Wales

Two weeks after winning the Champions League for the second time in three seasons with Real Madrid, Gareth Bale played a pivotal role as Wales made a triumphant return to a major competition following a 58-year absence.

It was Bale who put Wales ahead in the 10th minute with a curling free kick and who was the driving force behind much of his team's attack in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Slovakia in their Group B match at the European Championship.

Coach Chris Coleman was effusive in his praise of the 26-year-old.