The great Wales adventure at Euro 2016 came to a disappointing end as they were beaten in the semi-final by Portugal in Lyon.
Chris Coleman's side entered the biggest game in Welsh football history at their first major tournament since 1958 carried by a wave of emotion and optimism after their 3-1 win against Belgium in the quarter-final.
The big threat was always going to be Cristiano Ronaldo - and so it proved as his magnificent header broke the deadlock after 50 minutes and his shot was redirected in by former Manchester United team-mate Nani three minutes later.
Wales sorely missed the energy and authority of suspended Aaron Ramsey in midfield and with Ronaldo overshadowing his Real Madrid team-mate Bale in this semi-final's crucial battle, a journey that has made a country proud reached its conclusion.
Portugal will now face hosts France or Germany in the Stade de France final on Sunday.
Wales exit with pride
The Wales fans have been magnificent at Euro 2016, entering into the spirit of a patchy tournament with the same passion and positive thinking that has epitomised Coleman's squad.
And as defeat became increasingly inevitable on a steamy night in Lyon, they showed their appreciation for what they have seen in these recent weeks with rousing songs and a splash of colour.
Wales may have lost here but the manner in which they approached Euro 2016 was exemplary and has provided memories that will last a lifetime, especially those second-half goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes that sank Belgium.
They took the tournament head-on, perhaps only wavering when gripped by the occasion against England in Lens, even then only losing to Daniel Sturridge's injury-time winner.
The confidence Wales can take away from France will provide the ideal platform for their World Cup qualifying campaign to reach Russia in two years' time, which starts against Moldova in Cardiff in September.
Ronaldo edges out Bale
It was the great personal confrontation of this Euro 2016 semi-final - the meeting of the two Real Madrid superstars on either side.
And, sadly for Wales, it was Ronaldo who came out on top, although this is no reflection on Bale, who has been a shining light on and off the pitch in France. He was tireless in Lyon and ends the tournament with his reputation enhanced as an international.
Bale was dangerous in the first half here, especially with one dangerous run and cross and shot clutched by Rui Patricio, but once Wales had suffered those two blows early in the second half it was beyond even his powers to be the catalyst for a comeback.
Ronaldo had a quiet first 45 minutes but, as the greats do, he changed the emphasis of game with a towering header that was a triumph of power, technique and ability that flashed past Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey.
Now he has the chance to crown his career with the honour that has always escaped him, namely leading Portugal to victory in a major tournament.
A step too far for Wales
Wales were robbed of their dreams of reaching the Euro 2016 final when they conceded those two goals in three minutes at the start of the second half - and it was then that it looked like their exertions in reaching the last four finally caught up with them.
The demoralising effect of those two goals from Ronaldo and Nani had a visible impact on Coleman's team.
Wales never looked likely to launch a comeback. Indeed it was Portugal who threatened to add more goals with Ronaldo firing a blistering free-kick just over as well as having other chances.
Once those blows had been delivered, Wales looked tired and short of ideas. There is no shame in that and they can take their leave from Euro 2016 with heads held high.
The game in numbers
- Cristiano Ronaldo is the first player to play in three Euro semi-finals (2004, 2012, 2016).
- Ronaldo has appeared in 20 European Championship games, three more than any other player (Gianluigi Buffon and Bastian Schweinsteiger on 17).
- Ronaldo equalled Michel Platini's record of nine Euros goals. Five of them have been headers.
- This is only Portugal's second semi-final victory in a major tournament (out of seven) and their first on foreign soil.
- This was Portugal's first win at Euro 2016 in normal time.
- Wales failed to score for the first time in their last six games.
- Since the start of 2015, Wales have failed to win any of their four games without Aaron Ramsey (D1 L3).
The match made tense and nervous viewing for suspended Welsh duo Ben Davies (left) and Aaron Ramsey
Portugal and Real defender Pepe missed out on the Euro 2016 semi-final encounter against Wales due to an injury
