Fraser Watson reviews how Wales' Euro 2016 campaign got the nation behind its football team like never before

It’s fair to say, that in terms of emotion and drama, Wales’ Euro 2016 campaign had it all.

Later today, Chris Coleman’s squad will justifiably return to Cardiff as heroes amongst men after a tournament which saw them spectacularly defy the notion they were simply happy to be participating.

Beforehand cynics and sceptics, many of them from within Wales, had suggested the new format would work in our favour - with teams able to finish third in their group and be in with a chance of qualifying.

As it turned out, there was no need to rely on loopholes or technicalities, as Coleman’s men topped Group B before overcoming Northern Ireland in the last 16.

It was there that nearly all pundits and experts alike predicted the journey would end, but a surreal win over Belgium, arguably the greatest night in the history of Welsh football, secured a tie with Portugal and a first ever semi-final at a major Championships.

And it was that achievement that sent an already gripped nation into overdrive.

Thousands flocked to France at short notice, with or without tickets, to savour a once in a lifetime moment. Those who remained at home packed into fan zones and pubs around the country, while the Principality Stadium hosted 27,500 people – the great irony being the same venue regularly failed to reach such figures when hosting international football matches in the past.

Indeed, Wales were just 90 minutes from the final of the European Championships, and unlike so often in the past when it came to football, a nation expected.

Sadly, it was here where the almost impossible dream ended, as Christiano Ronaldo and co overcame what was, on the basis of previous performances this summer, an admittedly below par Welsh display.

Therefore, many of us will review this past month with mixed emotions.

Wales undoubtedly exceeded expectations, and created a passion and fervour never previously afforded to football in this country. Had any Welshman been asked a month ago if they would take a semi-final defeat, the answer would have been an emphatic ‘yes’.

And yet, to have gone so far, and lined up a possible once in a generation chance to reach a major final against a side considered distinctly ordinary – will always go down as a golden opportunity missed.

However, the positives for Wales from this tournament, not to mention the legacy left, far outweighs the damage of final four heartbreak.

On the field, Coleman’s side emerged as one of all round quality, despatching the notion that only Gareth Bale was capable of World class displays.

The stock of players like James Chester, Chris Gunter, and Hal Robson-Kanu has risen immeasurably, whilst Joe Allen has made a mockery of Jurgen Klopp’s apparent desire to ship him away from Anfield.

Joe Ledley’s courage in returning from a broken leg to be fit for the tournament, not to mention skipper Ashley Williams’ insistence on seeing out the Northern Ireland game despite appearing to only have the use of one arm, signified the desire and determination that swept through the squad.

Aaron Ramsey, free from the shackles and cynicism that plagues him at Arsenal, mixed touches of class with incredible work-rate – and his true value only became apparent when he missed the Portugal clash.

Then of course there is Bale – the talisman, the match winner, the star performer.

Some may argue he did not always hit the heights we have become accustomed to in France, and yet his three goals in three group games, his role in the winner against Northern Ireland, and his willingness to run to all parts was testament to his status as a big game performer.

And lest we forget the manager himself.

For Coleman, the ‘happy to be here’ persona that so many envisaged didn’t even come into his consideration. His tactics were thought out, his team selection altered depending on the occasion, and his substitutions were meaningful. Wales’ results, were no plucky fluke.

And above all else, he has clearly created a spirit and togetherness that has only served to elevate displays. The sight of players, coaches and backroom staff celebrating together after goals, not to mention the scenes that followed the Belgium victory, reflected a group that were indeed ‘together stronger’.

But if things were good for Wales on the field, to say they also went well off it would quite frankly be a ludicrous understatement.

It has long been said that our national interest in football will never surpass that of rugby union. It is a notion that Euro 2016 has challenged to the extreme.

Thousands who were not even booked to go to France made last minute decisions to empty their bank accounts. Many went out, came home, and went out again.

Those with no previous interest in football were suddenly dressed in red, people who did not even know the offside law were sending messages of support on social media.

For the first time in our history – every man, woman and child became aware of our national team, and Wales’ 3-0 rugby union test series defeat in New Zealand was portrayed in the media as an insignificant sideshow.

Furthermore, the behaviour of Welsh fans in France, determined to enjoy themselves and mix with other nations while creating atmospheres to remember, has drawn widespread praise from French authorities.

Of course, the more bitter folk amongst us have been quick to throw accusations of fickle support, and ask how many so called fans were this interested in the darker days gone by.

They do, of course, have a point – but I’ve said before those who complain of ‘bandwagon jumpers’ often lack as much understanding of the situation as the ‘jumpers’ themselves.

Success creates a fervour that inspires interest. There is a reason why Liverpool and Manchester United accrued such big fan bases in the 80s and 90s, or why attendances at Swansea or Cardiff City rose when they reached the Premiership.

In other sports, it is not hard to pinpoint why interest in English cricket peaked during the 2005 Ashes, or why every English man and woman suddenly became transfixed with the finale of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

After all, fans of Andy Murray weren’t all following his progress when he was ranked 407 in the World back in 2005.

And if our particular bandwagon can raise interest and support for our 2018 World Cup campaign, sell out our home fixtures, and ignite enthusiasm in football amongst youngsters, then all the better.

Of course, the challenge for Coleman and his side now, is maintaining the new standards set, and keeping these huge new waves of support on board.

But for now, when his side return to Wales today, they can do so safe in the knowledge they have helped show off the good side of the beautiful game.

Indeed, there is so much to dislike about football nowadays.

Wages are extortionate, transfer fees border on despicable, ticket prices are often an insult to loyal supporters, and managers are sacked at the drop of a hat, often amidst a barrage of personal abuse from fans on social media.

The goldfish bowl in which professional players are forced to live admittedly does not help, with every misplaced tweet, every slip of the tongue, and every singular mistake scrutinised before being blown up into a dramatic, and yet tedious, media story.

And yet Wales’ run in Euro 2016 has reminded us all why the game still captivates us all so much.

In few other sports will you get grown men crying, bosses giving you 90 minutes off to watch television, and people flocking to stadiums just to see a big screen.

In few other sports do basic songs with innocuous lyrics become a national phenomenon, or do people hug and dance with strangers on the street.

In few other sports, does four victories and two losses in the space of four weeks feel like an incredible journey that you never ever want to end.

Thankyou Wales. For those both at home or in France – it’s been emotional.