Wales vs Slovakia: Chris Coleman hails history-making players for 'deserved' victory as Gareth Bale takes plaudits

Chris Coleman, Wales manager, hailed his players as “courageous” after opening their Euro 2016 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Slovakia. Wales led early through Gareth Bale but were pegged back on the hour mark and looked in danger of defeat.

“We sunk too deep as a team and were inviting them on to us,” said Coleman. “To come back was very courageous. We got what we deserved - nothing less than three points. It is a big three points and a great experience.”

He added: “We got the three points, but more important, in the context of a tournament, was the performance. The players give their best, and when they are at their best we are a good side.”

Coleman had to give Danny Ward a full debut after Wayne Hennessey suffered a back spasm. “Wayne is devastated,” said Coleman. “He is a big reason why we are here. He tweaked his back and was in no condition to play, but he has had it before and recovered quite quickly. I hope he can play some part [in the rest of the group stages]. But for Danny to come into that atmosphere and perform like that was outstanding.”

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen paid tribute to Gareth Bale, who scored Wales’ opening goal. “He’s world-class,” said Allen. “Every time he steps on to the pitch in a Wales shirt he does the business. But I also have to mention the shift he puts in for the team. It would be easy for him to expect us to dig in and work hard while he does his bit up front but he puts in as much effort as the rest of us.”

Of the historic nature of the match Allen said: “It has not settled in yet. We are obviously thrilled to have come through this game with three points. There are two games to come but we will savour this. Our focus now must be to make sure no complacency sets in, but to go into the other games with the same mind-set. With this set of lads I am sure we will.”