Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Round of 16

Jun 25, 2016 at 5pm UK

Wales
1-0
N. Ireland Northern Ireland

McAuley (75' og.)

FT(HT: 0-0)

Wales boss Chris Coleman: 'Northern Ireland were better than us'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 25 June 2016

Wales manager Chris Coleman admits that Northern Ireland were the better side in their clash which resulted in the Welsh reaching the quarter-finals at Euro 2016.

Wales manager Chris Coleman has conceded that Northern Ireland were the better side in their last-16 win in Paris at Euro 2016.

The Welsh outfit made history by reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time, but it was a single own goal from Gareth McAuley that was the difference.

The defender turned the ball into his own net after Gareth Bale whipped a cross into the six-yard box, aiming for Hal Robson-Kanu.

After the match, Coleman told BBC Sport: "It's amazing. First and foremost commiserations to [Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill] and his team - they were better than us, but we showed a lot of heart and a lot of courage.

"These boys have got that bit of spite and when they're not playing well they hang on. [It was] unbelievable support again today. I would rather be standing here in the quarter-final having not played at our best.

"What [Northern Ireland] do is very difficult to play against, they're dangerous. They were probably the better team today but we showed a lot of courage and a different side to our game."

Wales will face either Belgium or Hungary in the final eight.