GARETH BALE revealed Wales have been inspired by the Class of 58 in their bid for Euros glory.
The Dragons squad got ready for their crucial clash with Russia on Monday by watching a new documentary about the nation’s most famous team.
It was 58 years ago this week that John Charles, Cliff Jones, Ivor Allchurch and Co reached the last eight of the World Cup.
They were ultimately beaten 1-0 by Brazil, with Pele grabbing the winner — and that was the last time Wales were involved in a major tournament.
Hopes are high that Chris Coleman’s squad can at least match that achievement at Euro 2016 — although Bale has set his sights on going all the way.
The Dragons talisman said: “We watched it on the day of the game. It was interesting.
“You see what’s happened in the past and you don’t want that to be you.
“When you watch it, you want to succeed, help the nation grow in football terms.
“That’s a part of our jobs now. Not just for ourselves and getting the rewards but to give our nation more of a chance.
“To give kids the belief they can go out and play football. That will make our national team stronger in the future.
“We’re all happy to be here, playing for Wales, honouring the nation, trying to do everyone proud.
“That’s the biggest responsibility — to make everyone proud and give everything we’ve got.”
After watching the film, Wales went out and breezed past Russia 3-0.
The result could yet be significant. It allowed them to top Group B ahead of England and they now find themselves in a much friendlier half of the draw to Roy Hodgson’s men.
The knockout stages start tomorrow, with Wales facing a last-16 game against Northern Ireland at Parc des Princes in Paris.
Bale, 26, admitted the fact this group of players is so close-knit is what makes it even more special.
For all the Real Madrid star has achieved in his career, he feels at his happiest here, among some of his closest friends.
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The £86million man said: “To be at a major championships with my country, it doesn’t get any better.
“To top the group was an incredible feeling, nobody expected it and it was an incredible feat.
“We’ve not just been working on it two years. It’s been since we were all young boys playing together.
“We’ve come through a massive journey. We’ve been in some bad places, we were 112th in the world. Now we’re in the last 16 of the Euros.
“These days are to enjoy, some of the others not so much.”
Bale said the Dragons have been able to enjoy themselves out here because the FAW have done such a good job with their training base.
Their camp in the quiet Brittany town of Dinard has worked out perfectly for Coleman and his squad.
Forward Bale, who is joint-top Euros scorer with three goals, said: “Everything has been planned meticulously. We never leave a stone unturned.
“We’re just enjoying the ride. Everything is set out and all we have to do is go and give our best on the pitch.”
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