Sunday 28 / April / 2024
Lille: Hal Robson-Kanu put Wales into a major tournament semi-final for the first time in their history with a superb goal on Friday but he has a challenge beyond facing Portugal - finding a new club.
On the day his contract expired at English second-tier club Reading, the 27-year-old striker got a boost for a CV that a month ago looked like taking him nowhere fast as he battled an ankle injury to even make the Euro 2016 squad.
"I've been at Reading for 12 years, have given them a lot of service and have been very loyal," Robson-Kanu, who got Wales' second goal in a shock 3-1 win over Belgium, told reporters of his decision to quit the team that signed him as a schoolboy.
"During the course of the season, I've made the decision to run my contract down and take my future into my own hands," he said, adding that a move would be good for his family's future.
That future can surely take him to grander surroundings than Reading's Madejski Stadium.
He was man of the match on Friday for a performance that included a Cruyff-like shimmy with his back to goal that opened up the space for him to give Wales a 2-1 lead in the second half after they had gone behind in an early Belgian onslaught.
"The ball's coming to my feet," the matter-of-fact Londoner said of the cross he received from Aaron Ramsey. "I was able to turn in the box and put it in the back of the net."
Wales coach Chris Coleman had nothing but praise for a player who a month ago looked as if he wasn't going to make it to France after a late ankle injury put him in doubt.
After a battle to get fit, Robson-Kanu repaid Coleman's confidence, scoring the late winner in a 2-1 group victory over Slovakia that set the dark horses on their way.
"I was delighted he got the goal because he nearly didn't make the tournament," Coleman said. "He worked his socks off to get into shape ... Hal was up for everything.
"He was looking for a battle. He's a defender's nightmare."
His next stop is a date with Portugal stopper Pepe in Lyon on Wednesday when Robson-Kanu thinks the Welsh can continue their dream run and reach the final in Paris.
Meanwhile, it is certain that a combination of world class talent and solid defence will keep Wales' dream run alive.
Two second-half goals from Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes sealed the win against the fancied Belgians after captain Ashley Williams first-half header cancelled out an early strike from Belgium's Radja Nainggolan.
"We were underdogs to even qualify but knew the quality in our group," said Robson-Kanu. "The performance today is a credit to everyone today."
"We kept to our game plan. We've got world-class players - we can be as solid as a rock defensively. With those two combined we stand a good chance."
Former England international Gary Lineker, in his role as a pundit for British broadcaster BBC, called Wales' win "one of the greatest performances in the history of British football".
Robson-Kanu's goal saw him leave three Belgium players for dead with a 'Cruyff' turn and calmly stroke the ball home to put Wales up 2-1 on the 55th minute.
"I think you dream about nights like this, and you never know whether you'll be lucky enough to live them," coach Chris Coleman said
Coleman said he was quietly confident Wales could spring an upset and that they deserved the win.
"I said before we kicked the ball today, we are not here to enjoy it, we are here to compete," said Coleman.
"We defended like soldiers...All I can do is reiterating for the players never to forget what it took to get here. I know my team are good enough to perform against anybody."
On a sour note for Wales though, they will be without inspirational midfielder Aaron Ramsey in their semi-final in Lyon on Wednesday after he picked up a booking that has ruled him out of the match.
"I'm gutted for Aaron (Ramsay). He's been one of the best players of the tournament. We said before the game that we need to do what we have to do."
And, eight days after Britain voted to leave the European Union, British Prime Minister David Cameron offered his congratulations to Wales for staying in Euro 2016.
"Amazing performance, amazing result. Passion & pride shown by Wales team & fans are incredible to watch. Bring on Portugal!" Cameron said on Twitter. - Reuters
