The focus before Wales had even taken the flight to France was of their superstar who had won his second Champions League medal with Madrid. All the talk was about what the Caucasian Samurai (have you seen his hair?) would do with his fellow Welsh compatriots and how far he could carry them.
Bottom line; this was a team performance and not just a case of ten dudes kneeling and praying for Bale to produce a miracle every time he touched the ball.
Coleman has forged a togetherness, like a band of brothers. The whole team act as one and there is no space for egos or individuals not willing to roll up their sleeves and sweat blood all in the name of the cause. Just by how they celebrated the first goal, it was all done as one. If I was Bale, I'd probably stand in an arrogant posture and welcome all the adulation.
That was the symbol of unity that Coleman wanted to produce and it brought about the win that was needed for them. They were hit back from the equalizer but fought back to get the winning goal and held onto it.
It's a wise move from Coleman. The tendency would be to give Bale the captain's armband, build the whole team around him and treat all the other players like unwanted children with bad breath. Instead, he's made the player with the strongest character and soul the captain; Ashley Williams. This action causes a ripple around the team with a statement that their persona is not about bowing down to a superstar, but by having steel, determination mixed with good football and flair when needed.
Perfect Mix.
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