Let's see our bandwagon roll into France

Chris Coleman and his staff embraced amidst a mixture of elation and relief.

Players saluted their delirious home supporters – whose fervent backing created an electric atmosphere that will live long in the memory of those in attendance.

These were the scenes that greeted the final whistle on what was undoubtedly the greatest night for Welsh football since that memorable win over Italy at the Millennium Stadium in OSeptember 2002.

And like that captivating, yet ultimately unsuccessful Euro 2004 qualification campaign, excitement amongst the Welsh public is now at fever pitch – as our national side stands on the brink of a first major international tournament since 1958.

Indeed, it will be nigh on impossible to scroll through the weekend newspapers, or respective Twitter and Facebook feeds – without coming across frequent references to Wales and France 2016.

But unlike the afore-mentioned 2004 campaign, the signs suggest this is to be no false dawn.

Cynics will label last night’s result as a one off. A rearguard action made possible because of a fortuitous Gareth Bale goal following a terrible error from Belgium’s Radja Nainggolan.

Far from it. For all the pressure of the visitors – Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey made just one meaningful save in what was a performance of immense organisation and discipline from Coleman’s men.

To the purist, it may not have been the most aesthetically pleasing of strategies. To the realist, it was incredibly effective, and good enough to topple a team the admittedly questionable FIFA rankings class as the second best on the planet.

In Williams, Coleman has a leader amongst men. For all his consistency in a Swansea shirt, the 30-year-old has never enjoyed the widespread acclaim his performances have merited. Regardless, he has developed into a talismanic figure for both club and country – and the sight of him grimacing through pain in the final moments of another colossal captain’s display signified his ‘body on the line’ approach.

But last night’s clean sheet was about more than just Williams. Coleman’s decision to play five at the back paid dividends as Ashley Richards, Chris Gunter, James Chester and Neil Taylor, despite some rushed and misplaced clearances – all stepped up to the plate against their more heralded opponents.

In Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, and Joe Ledley, Wales boast a midfield trio of genuine quality and composure, with their ability to keep possession critical last night as Wales sought to take the sting out of the intensity of the Red Devils.

Question marks will remain over the goal scoring ability of Hal Robson-Kanu at international level, and his failure to take a golden chance to put Wales 2-0 before the break could have proved pivotal.

But there were no question marks over his commitment to the cause, and his willingness to run tirelessly and unselfishly as he and Bale inter-changed in the lone striker role.

And of course, then there is Bale himself.

The 25-year-old may be the subject of scrutiny in the hyperbole of pressure that is Real Madrid – but for his country, he remains a rare and precious commodity.

Whether it be through his crossing, his ability to run at defenders, or simply his finishing - for Wales he is the goal threat, the star performer, the match winner. And it was of little surprise that the defining moment of last night belonged to him.

But above all else, playing for his country is no chore for Bale. His reaction at the final whistle needed no further explanation – the result meant everything to him.

However, perhaps the biggest acclaim of all should be kept for Coleman himself.

His early struggles in the Wales job inevitably brought out the detractors and social media experts – with many calling for his head after a disappointing 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

And yet, such is the fickle nature of sport, that little over a year down the line, he wakes up this morning a national hero.

And is it heartening to see an individual of Coleman’s nature succeed. For here is not a flash or arrogant character frequently making headlines through managerial mind games, rants or cynicism. He is a hard working, down to earth and honest individual – and the togetherness and team spirit displayed by his side throughout their Euro 2016 campaign thus far speaks volumes.

And furthermore, he has now reinvigorated the Welsh football public whose interest in their national side has in recent times, to put it mildly, fluctuated.

Of course, that will rankle with some stubborn die hards, no doubt asking where all last night’s passionate fans were when Wales, for example, drew 0-0 in a friendly with Paraguay back in 2006.

Irrespective of whether it’s right or wrong, whether it be club or country, success is always followed by more support. And if it takes a bandwagon to put Wales on the international football map, and if that bandwagon helps drive us towards France next year, then so be it.

Especially if, like those tense final moments last night, we can enjoy an atmosphere whereby every hoofed clearance is celebrated like a goal, every tackle brings about an eruption of noise, and every break in play is the signal for a rendition of Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

On a note of a caution, there is of course, still much work to be done. In home games against Israel and Andorra, the onus will be on Wales to come out and attack – while trips to Bosnia and Cyprus represent tough tasks.

But let’s worry about realism in September – after all the hardship we as Welsh football fans have endured over the years, we might as well take this opportunity to get thoroughly carried away.

See you all in France.