Euro 2016: Wales Nets Quarter-Final Place

Wales has secured its place in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals with a scrappy 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland.

The victory came after Gareth McAuley scored an own goal following a teasing Gareth Bale cross during the match at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

Wales claimed most of the possession in the match and spent much of the second half on the front foot, but were unable to break down Northern Ireland's resilient defence.

The match was locked at 0-0 until the 75th minute, when Bale's cross was deflected into the net by McAuley.

It was a cruel blow for the Northern Irish, who had more than held their own in the encounter but lacked the quality to craft enough opportunities.

Wales will now face Hungary or Belgium in the last eight in Lille on Friday.

"They were better than us today really," said Wales coach Chris Coleman.

"They played very well. We showed a lot of heart, a lot of courage. We showed another side to our game.

"We hung on and we came through. It is a fantastic achievement."

Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis added: "We gave it everything and we can't have any regrets. I am disappointed in the manner that they scored.

"He (McAuley) didn't deserve that because he has been excellent."