The 10th October 2015 will go down in history for Wales as a footballing nation, as they secured their qualification to their first ever European Championships in France next summer.

It is hard to believe that Wales have struggled so badly in recent decades when you consider players such as Manchester United legends Ryan Giggs and Mark Hughes, Liverpool legend Ian Rush, the late Gary Speed (who is one of the Premier League's all-time appearance holders) and former Premier League strikers Craig Bellamy, John Hartson and Dean Saunders, have all represented the Dragons.

In fact, you have to go back to the 1958 World Cup in Sweden to find the last time Wales ever qualified for a major tournament, where they were eventually knocked out in the quarter finals. Wales came close to qualifying for Euro 2004 under Mark Hughes, but were beaten by Russia in the playoff stage. Hughes and Toshack both fell short and in 2010 Wales were at their lowest ever Fifa ranking of 112th in the world.

So how have Wales reached the Promised Land?

In late 2010 Gary Speed took over the reins and started the revival of his national side, taking the Dragons up to 45th in the world rankings, as Wales became the biggest movers within the Fifa rankings in 2011. Speed's death in November 2011 shocked the footballing world. He had been a fantastic role model and professional for club and country throughout his career.

Chris Coleman was the man installed to maintain Wales’ improvement and, since his appointment in January 2012, Coleman has transformed the Dragons taking them from 82nd to 8th in the world rankings, two places above neighbours England. Who would have ever thought that a few short years ago?

Wales were placed into Group B of the 2016 European qualifying campaign alongside Andorra, Belgium, Bosnia, Cyprus and Israel. With Belgium ranked third in the world rankings they were always going to be the massive favourites to win the group and, facing tough trips to Bosnia and Israel, Wales would have to be at their best to progress.

The reds topped the group at one stage, having beaten giants Belgium at the Millennium stadium and drawn away in Belgium. Coleman's charges also did the double over Cyprus and earned a fantastic 3-0 away win in Israel. Although they suffered a 2-0 defeat in Bosnia, other results managed to go their way and they had finally managed to qualify for only their second major tournament. Wales currently occupy second place in Group B, behind Belgium, with only a home fixture against Andorra to play.

Coleman has built a side that has a great blend of youth and experience and one that contains a backbone of quality players in the shape of captain and defensive rock Ashley Williams of Swansea, Arsenals goal scoring midfielder Aaron Ramsey and Real Madrid's and the world’s most expensive footballer Gareth Bale. Wales have a truly fantastic team spirit installed by Coleman, but with Bale and Ramsay in their side they have two 'go to' men who, on their day, are match winners.

Welsh football is seemingly on the crest of a wave with the national side’s fantastic achievement, but also with Swansea continuing to impress in the Premier League and Cardiff improving in the Championship, the future looks bright for the Dragons and, with Coleman in charge, they look to carry on their wonderful progress.

And who knows, we may even see another piece of history made next summer in France.

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