Wales through to the last eight
WALES took the honours in the "Battle of Britain" Round of 16 clash against Northern Ireland to reach the EURO 16 quarter finals and end the Green and White Army's brave challenge.
And the 1-0 victory spelt particular heartbreak for Albion favourite Gareth McAuley whose tournament came to a cruel end with the second-half own goal which decided the game.
It means Baggies defender James Chester will be staying on longer as the joyful Welsh now await a last eight contest against the winners of the Belgium-Hungary game.
But for McAuley and club mate Jonny Evans there will at least be the chance to get some well-earned rest before once again thoughts turn to The Hawthorns and they report back for training for the club's seventh successive Premier League campaign.
Yet again, the Northern Ireland Albion duo were magnificent in leading their nation's challenge in a tight match of minimal goal opportunities which could have gone either way.
But the critical moment arrived in the 75th minute when yet again Gareth Bale came up with a stellar moment as he whipped in a devilish cross McAuley could only divert into his own net as he was pressured to clear.
Said Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis after the game: "Big G doesn't deserve that because he has been excellent - he doesn't deserve that."
But the despair for Evans and McAuley spells more excitement for their club mate Chester, whose tournament goes on with his performances also earning critical acclaim.