Five foundations for Wales to nurture hopes of winning Euro 2016

Coach Chris Coleman's team has been on fire in their first tournament appearance, and while there are still two hurdles ahead, they have every reason to dream of a title this summer.

Fighting spirit. Wales have shown great fighting spirit throughout their journey at Euro 2016. This was most evident in the match against Belgium, where they conceded an early goal but did not flinch and then won 3-1. The Football Association of Wales used the slogan “More united, stronger” to motivate the team, and that is exactly what Bale and his teammates have done.

"The team always comes first. If someone is out of position, I'll run back to fill in. If I have to move without the ball to create space for my teammates, I'll do it. The same goes for the other players. We're a team, we play for each other, and I think that's our biggest difference," Gareth Bale said about his team's greatest strength.

Wales does not only have Bale, but also a team of people with the same mind and spirit, fighting for the common ideal of the team. Photo: Reuters.

Gareth Bale is in top form. Although he did not directly contribute to the goals against Belgium in the quarter-finals, Bale's influence was undeniable. In the 1-1 equalizer, he attracted three Belgian defenders and created space for Ashley Williams to head home. At times, Bale dropped back into his own half to help defend and help distribute the ball. For Wales, the Real Madrid superstar is more than just a goalscorer.

Since the beginning of the tournament, Bale has also shown that he is in very good form, shown through his runs, his handling and the three goals he has scored. Moreover, Bale has never considered himself a star, but has always accepted to sacrifice for the team's overall achievements. A talented player, who knows himself and his opponents, and always tries his best like Bale is the undeniable strength of Wales.

Excellent coach. Everything that Coach Coleman has done up to this point can be summed up in two words: "perfect". This coach has built a disciplined, united team that can defeat any team.

Coleman made many accurate decisions, helping Wales maximize the ability of the players. Photo: Reuters.

Coleman also showed his ability to read the game well, with his substitutions and tactical changes having a positive impact. Two of those were Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes, who left their mark when he brought them on against Slovakia and Belgium.

Sharp and varied scoring. All the pre-tournament attention has been on Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, with the rest of Wales' goalscoring ability questioned. Bale has shown his killer instincts with three goals, but his midfield and defence have also shared the load well.

Wales have 10 goals to their name ahead of the semi-finals, just behind hosts France. As well as Bale's three, Hal Robson-Kanu netted his second of the tournament after netting against Belgium, while Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor, Ashley Williams and Vokes also got on the scoresheet for Wales in France. Wales' other goal came from an own goal by Northern Ireland's Gareth McAuley.

Scoring from many positions and many lines helps Wales not depend on Gareth Bale and become more unpredictable. Photo: Reuters.

Lucky branch. Wales are having a great tournament, but there is no denying that they have been helped by an easier draw. Coleman's side only face Northern Ireland in the last 16 after finishing top of Group B, and after knocking out Belgium in the quarter-finals, they will face Portugal in the semi-finals. Fernando Santos's side have yet to win a game at Euro 2016, and are certainly a much easier opponent than Germany or France in the other draw.

According to VNE