主播大秀 Wales Football Correspondent Rob Phillips has been following the Welsh team at Euro 2016 and, when he gets a chance, he’s been writing updates for his followers and friends on Facebook. Here are some excerpts from Rob’s week at the Wales base in Dinard, Brittany - and on the road following the team.
Friday 17/6/16 (the day after England match in Lens, 3 day to go until Wales v Russia)
Just had a meal and was joined by a group of England fans. Could not disagree they deserved to win the game. But the manner of the defeat - in injury time - just adds to the hurt. That said, as I prepare to return 'home' to Dinard tomorrow, I would ask you to bear in mind the following:
- Wales are still well placed to make the last 16
- Russia, by all accounts, are eminently beatable
- Gareth Bale is extraordinary
- My voice survived intact - ok not quite so important to you as me, but I'll throw it in anyway and the picture below proves how much medicinal aid I had in place!
- Wales and England fans mingled so well in the stadium and outside, which said much about the reaction to the isolated, abhorrent violence which has marred this tournament
Saturday 18/6/16
Just watched Wales players training and happy to report Joe Ledley was looking fine. As you can see, the training was also watched by the pupils of Cwmtawe Community School, Pontardawe. One of their pupils was responsible for the best comment of the morning: ''Ledley! Your beard is amazing!'' Could not argue with that. But more amazing is surely the standard of school trips these days. Go to France and watch Wales train - how good is that?? Beats Longleat by a street!
Monday 20/6/16 - the day of the Russia match in Toulouse
(1) Had a quick stroll in the bit of Toulouse I find myself - saw this feller. Chap in a pram making baby noises… makes a living I suppose!!! PS - also saw many Welsh fans looking happy, but slightly nervous, about the game later.
(2) Don't know about you, but I am nervous and there's still 90 minutes to kick off.
Tuesday 21/6/16 - the day after Russia match
Thanks to my dad being a football supporter, I have watched Wales both as a fan - and professionally - for a lifetime. Reporting it has been nearly 30 years. And I can honestly say I have never experienced a game like that… I'm not name dropping but John Hartson and Kevin Ratcliffe were so emotional either side of me in the commentary box, it was difficult not to get carried away. When you have 110 caps worth of football talent stood up clapping their successors, it makes an impression and adds to the memory.
And there are other winners, too - notably the launderette in Dinard which will again do a roaring trade when I get back to Brittany.
Weds 22/6/16 - 2 days after Russia match, 3 days until knockout game vs. ???
So here it is!! The most famous "Welsh" launderette in the world!
Tomorrow I am leaving Dinard as part of an advanced party heading off to Paris, where Wales play an historic knockout game on Saturday against… Well, that's the point. As my shirts and smalls rotate at 40 degrees in machine number 5 鈥�#creasedbutclean鈥� - we just don't know who Wales will be playing…鈥��
Bottom line is - the Wales players probably won't care who they play. And neither will the Welsh fans who have been walking ambassadors for our great country and will love to bring their melodic presence to the French capital. Anyway, by the end of today, we should know.
In other words… it'll all come out in the wash!!
Rob Phillips is Football Correspondent for 主播大秀 Wales.