Euro rookie Welsh makes history to enter knock-out stage

Updated: 2016-06-21 09:06

(Xinhua)

Gareth Bale (2-L) of Wales celebrates with his teammates after scoring the 3-0 lead during the UEFA EURO 2016 group B preliminary round match between Russia and Wales at Stade Municipal in Toulouse, France, June 20, 2016.[Photo/IC]

TOULOUSE, France -- Debutants Wales roared into EURO 2016 last 16 here on Monday, whitewashing Russia 3-0 in the third round and topping Group B with six points, followed by England with five points, and Slovakia four points.

Wales, which attended a major soccer tournament after a 58-year wait, beat Slovakia 2-1 in their Group B opener, lost to England 2-1 in the second round and defeated Russia 3-0 Monday night.

With only one point, Russia were sent packed in spite of an 1-1 tie with England in their group opener.

Russia fielded more attacking players in the midfield Monday while Wales kept on their 5-3-2 formation.

However, it was Wales that dominated the game with 19 attempts, 11 on target. Russia's defense in the midfield almost collapsed.