Wales have waited a while for this occasion – now it is time to make the most of it, starting with the Group B opener against Slovakia in Euro 2016. Gareth Bale and his Dragons will hope their European Championships debut is one to remember, with the crowd at Bordeaux expecting some fireworks on the pitch.
If that is to happen, Bale and Aaron Ramsey will need to shine for Wales, the two standout players from this squad. As good as the other players are, Wales will know they will not get too far if Bale and Ramsey do not perform to their potential.
Watch the highlights of Wales vs Slovakia HERE
"We're delighted to be here," Wales coach Chris Coleman told UEFA's official website. "We thought it would never happen but we are here. We're super excited and very much looking forward the challenge. The results will be what they will be but we want to make our nation proud. We need to perform like we can perform and then we will enjoy the moment.
"This is what we have always wanted. It's all about what's coming, the next challenge. When the challenges come, these players have met it. These boys will do that."
The danger for Wales is getting a little overawed by the occasion or feeling their job is done now that they have qualified for Euro 2016. What the likes of Bale and Ramsey need to instil in this squad is that just making the numbers is not enough, they need to make an impact as well.
"Walking out will be something special, but we've got to remember that we're here to perform," Coleman added. "I want to see the players enjoying and expressing themselves, they've earned it. We can only do what's made us successful.
"Just walking out and singing the national anthem will be incredible. This first game, everyone wants to win. If you go into the remaining two games with a win, it's a huge boost."
Slovakia will also feel the same way, considering this is also their first appearance in the European Championships as well, with the team, much like Wales do with Bale, relying on the creative powers of Marek Hamsik. If Hamsik ticks, so do Slovakia, and the Napoli playmaker will need to excel on Saturday if Slovakia are to trip up Wales.
The coach of Slovakia Jan Kozak, while praising Bale, insisted Wales are not just about the Real Madrid forward, and Slovakia will have to be at the top of their game to pick up three points.
"I would not like to go into detail [about stopping Bale], but I gave a hint when I said I respect him," Kozak said. "However, Wales are not just about Bale. It's a team game.
"They have other top players who play for top English teams. He cannot be a great threat to opponents without the team to support him."
Where to Watch Live
Wales vs Slovakia is set to begin at 6 p.m. local time (9.30 p.m. IST, 5 p.m. BST, 12 p.m. ET). All the live streaming and TV information is below.
India: TV: Sony Six/HD and Sone ESPN/HD. Live Streaming: Sonyliv.
France: TV: Bein Sports 1 and 2. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
UK: TV: BBC One, BBC Wales. Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live. Live Streaming: BBCiPlayer.
Slovakia: TV: HRT and STV.
USA: TV: ESPN 2 and ESPN 3. Live Streaming: Watch ESPN.
Canada: TV: TSN and RDS. Live Streaming: TSN TV.
Australia: TV: Bein Sports and SBS One. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
Germany: TV: ZDF and ORF.
Latin America: TV: DirecTV.
China and Hong Kong: TV: CCTV and LeTV.
Thailand: TV: Channel 3.
Singapore: TV: Eleven Singapore and Singtel. Live Streaming: Singtel Go.
Malaysia: TV: Astro.
Middle East and North Africa: TV: Bein Sports Max. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa: TV: SuperSport 3. Live Streaming: SuperSport
