Russia 0 Wales 3: Chris Coleman’s fired-up Dragons torch rivals to storm into last 16

THEY say blondes have more fun and nobody is having more than Aaron Ramsey and Wales.

The Arsenal star stunned his team-mates by showing off his sharp new peroxide hairdo in the days before the tournament.

Bale slots past Russia stopper Akinfeev to seal victory for Wales

Russia tried everything to stop Bale but Welshman still caused problems throughout

Yet his new style is not the only reason he has stood out at Euro 2016 — and this was surely his finest hour with the Dragon on his chest.

But it is not just Ramsey enjoying himself. Chris Coleman’s squad are loving a first major tournament in 58 years.

As for their thousands of fans — once again in perfect harmony — they just do not want the party to end.

While Gareth Bale has taken the headlines in the first two matches, this time Ramsey stepped out from the shadows with a masterful display.

Of course, the £86million man got on the scoresheet to put the seal on a magnificent night and move to the top of the goalscoring charts.

But it was created by Ramsey — who also finished off a brilliant first and had a hand in the second.

It was a night he will never forget and neither will any of his countrymen.

They will be talking about this in the Valleys for years.

The target was to make the knockouts stages — they have done it and then some.

The Dragons topped Group B and are now the top scorers in the tournament with six from three matches.

You can be sure Albania, Northern Ireland, Turkey or Czech Republic — Saturday’s possible Paris opponents — will not be looking forward to it.

So how far can they go? On this evidence, a long way.

Ramsey said: “Our main target was to get out of the group. To finish top is a fantastic feeling.

“Now we got through, we want to see how far we can go. Anything can happen in 90 minutes.”

Chris Colemans side reached the knockout stages of their first major tournament since 1958

Yes Russia were awful — and their coach Leonid Slutski reportedly quit after carrying out his press duties last night.

But Wales were irresistible, with a performance that left SunSport columnist and former Dragons forward John Hartson “speechless”.

They began the night knowing a draw would probably see them through.

But Ramsey and Co had vowed not to settle for that — and they tore into a weary Russia side from the off.

Aaron Ramsey lifts the ball over Igor Akinfeev for the opener

Wales celebrate Ramsey's cool finish against the Russians

Bale cut the ball on to his left foot inside the first couple of minutes and stung the gloves of Igor Akinfeev.

Since the start of the Euro 2016 qualifiers, the £86million man had scored or assisted 11 of Wales’ 14 goals in competitive games going into this one.

No other team to have made it to this year’s finals has relied so heavily on one man.

Yet when the opening goal came the Real Madrid superstar was not involved.

James Chester’s header was superbly collected by Joe Allen and his delicious pass sent Ramsey racing clear.

The Arsenal man casually lifted the ball over Akinfeev and into the net right in front of the delighted Wales fans.

Ramsey was quick to thank Allen for the assist.

The Liverpool ace is dubbed the “Welsh Pirlo” with his beard and long hair — yet the Italian would have been happy with such a pass.

Neil Taylor smashes home at the second attempt to doubles the Dragons' lead

Ramsey, meanwhile, had a hand in the second as he set Bale roaring away.

He dallied too long in possession but a panic-stricken Roman Shirokov passed the ball straight to Neil Taylor.

The Swansea full-back hardly looked confident as he fired his effort too close to Akinfeev but he got another bite and made no mistake.

Taylor's last goal was a bit different it came for Wrexham in a 2-0 Blue Square Premier win at Grays in 2010 in front of 300 people — no wonder he did not know how to celebrate.

There was a warning shot for the Dragons as skipper Ashley Williams failed to deal with a long punt forward from Akinfeev.

The ball fell nicely for Artem Dzyuba but Wayne Hennessey got down to save.

Ramsey’s blistering shot from 20 yards then thudded against the chest of Akinfeev as the Dragons kept pushing forward.

And there were more chances after the break.

Akinfeev stuck a toe out to deny Bale, who was also just off target with a set-piece.

Wales celebrate Taylor's strike which gave them a commanding lead at the break

The former Tottenham man scored a free-kick in Wales’ first two matches but was just off target as he tried to make it a hat-trick before the hour.

But he was not to be denied. More Ramsey trickery saw him lay the ball on for Bale, who ran from deep to spring the offside trap. With his trusty left foot, he clipped the ball beyond Akinfeev. Job done.

Bale was subbed before the end and tapped the Dragon on his chest to a huge ovation.

This really does mean everything to him.

Taylor needed two bites at the Cherry but managed to fire home