Taylor's "amazing" moment for Wales

21st June

Neil Taylor reflected on the "amazing" emotions of scoring his first international goal as Wales progressed to the knockout stages of Euro 2016.
Wales were already leading Russia 1-0 in their final group match in Toulouse before the Swans left-back doubled the advantage after 20 minutes.
Taylor latched onto a ricochet following Gareth Bale's mazy run before firing home from close range after his initial shot bounced back into his path.
Wales added another through Gareth Bale, with Chris Coleman's side also winning Group B in the process.
It was a landmark moment for the nation. So too, for Taylor, whose last competitive goal came six years ago against Grays Athletic in the non-league during his time at Wrexham.



"To score in a game like this is amazing," reflected Taylor. "I got forward and I looked to square it three times, but no-one was there!
"Then I thought I'd put it through the keeper's legs, but he didn't open them, so the first two ideas didn't go great.
"But it came back to me and I put it in.
"My last goal was a volley at the back post for Wrexham in my last game for them, so it was about time I got a few more.
"I play a bit higher up the pitch for Wales, and I'm asked to get up there and into the box whenever I can."
A proud moment for Wales, a proud moment for captain Ashley Williams.
As the team gathered in its post-match huddle following one of the greatest performances by a Welsh side, Williams was almost lost for words.



"I just said to them, 'Boys we always do a huddle at the end but I don't know what to say today'. That was that, it was just to make sure we enjoyed the evening and that moment," said Williams.
A big leader within the team, this was one occasion where Williams needn't say much, for the performance did all the talking.
Wales now face the third-placed team from groups A, C or D with Albania, Northern Ireland, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Turkey or Croatia among possible opponents.
That fixture is at 5pm on Saturday at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
For now, though, the whole nation can just enjoy the moment.