Wales wins all-British clash to reach last eight of Euro 2016

Gareth Bale-inspired Wales won the all-British battle of the minnows to reach the quarterfinals of the European Championships for the first time in its history.

An 75th minute own goal from Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley as he stretched to intercept a cross from Bale settled a match of few clear cut chances in the Parc des Princes in Paris.

Wales had gone through to the knockout stages after surprisingly topping a group which included England, but has emerged as an unlikely contender to win Euro 2016, led by Real Madrid’s Bale and a solid supporting cast.

“Fantastic achievement, unbelievable support,” manager Chris Coleman said after the narrow victory.

Eduardo jumps to his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal celebrates their 1-0 win over Croatia on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Bollaert-Delelis stadium in Lens, France.

Portugal players celebrate at the end of the match.

Portugal forward Ricardo Quaresma heads the ball to score a goal in extra time.

Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic tries to stop Portugal's goal in extra time.

Domagoj Vida, center, of Croatia reacts after his shot goes wide.

Cristiano Ronaldo, right, of Portugal shoots for a goal, but Croatia's Danijel Subasic makes the save.

Mario Mandzukic of Croatia falls heavily while competing with Pepe of Portugal.

Ivan Strinic, left, and Domagoj Vida, right, of Croatia protest as Portugal forward Nani falls in the penalty area.

Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, second left, vies with Portugal defenders Jose Fonte, left, and Raphael Guerreiro, right, in front of Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Cristiano Ronaldo, center, of Portugal heads the ball under pressure of Domagoj Vida, left, and Ivan Strinic, right, of Croatia.

Wales forward Gareth Bale celebrates their 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland on Saturday, June 25, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.

Wales supporters celebrate their team's first goal.

Gareth McAuley, third right, of Northern Ireland scores an own goal past Michael McGovern, first left.

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern saves a shot.

Northern Ireland supporters react during the match.

Aaron Ramsey of Wales scores a disallowed goal for an offside.

Wales defender James Chester, left, challenges Northern Ireland forward Kyle Lafferty.

Poland forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates his team's victory over Switzerland in a penalty shoot-out Saturday, June 25, at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne, France.

Poland defender Kamil Glik scores his penalty attempt.

A Poland supporter cheers on his team.

Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, top right, saves an attempt by Switzerland forward Eren Derdiyok, left.

Switzerland midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates after scoring his team's stunning equalizer.

Shaqiri shoots to score on the volley in the 82nd minute.

Fabian Schaer of Switzerland fouls Robert Lewandowski of Poland, resulting in a yellow card.

Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, center, makes a save.

Poland midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski, right, shoots to score past Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Kamil Grosicki of Poland attempts an overhead kick while Granit Xhaka of Switzerland tries to block.

Poland supporters cheer ahead the Euro 2016 Round of 16 football match between Switzerland and Poland.

Euro 2016: Day 14

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Northern Ireland, which had gone through as one of the best third-placed teams, made life difficult for the Welsh and carved out the best opportunity of a tepid first half in Paris through a Stuart Dallas shot.

But after the break, and particularly after the introduction of substitute Jonny Williams, the Welsh dragon started to breath a little more fire and Bale, previously well shackled by the Northern Irish defense, forced a fine save from Michael McGovern from a free kick.

Read: Poland first team into quarterfinals

Soon afterwards, the excellent Aaron Ramsey found Bale with space on the left and his whipped delivery would have been turned in by substitute Hal Robson-Kanu but for McAuley getting a boot to it and diverting the ball past McGovern.

It was another crucial intervention by Bale, who is top scorer in the competition with three goals in three previous games and it takes Wales into a quarterfinal against either Belgium or Hungary.

Bale admitted that Michael O’Neill’s well organized team had made it hard for Wales.

“What can I say? We knew it was going to be an ugly match,” Bale said.

“Northern Ireland made it difficult to play. There was not much space up front. You can’t ask for anymore. It’s incredible,” he said,

“It’s devastating. We were the better team on the day,” O’Neill said. “I couldn’t ask anything more of the players throughout the tournament.”

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Despondent Northern Ireland face up to brave defeat in the Parc des Princes.