Euro 2016: Hal Robson-Kanu dubs heroic Wales the ‘Leicester of the European Championship’ as they bid for fairytale win across the Channel
Welsh forward reckons his country can emulate Claudio Ranieri's stars in going the distance despite underdog tag
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HAL ROBSON-KANU reckons Wales can emulate Leicester and bring fans a fresh underdog triumph at Euro 2016.
Chris Coleman's men have dazzled as they stormed to the last four of the Euros in what is shaping up to be the latest fairytale in a year in which Claudio Ranieri's side beat the odds to win the Premier League.
Striker Robson-Kanu lines up against Portugal in Wednesday's semi-final clash in Lyon, with Real Madrid superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale facing off for a place in the final.
But the ex-Reading ace says the Dragons can follow in the footsteps of the Foxes and see their team spirit launch them to Euros glory.
Robson-Kanu said: "We know we have the tools to progress into the final. This is the year of the underdog in many ways so that emphasises just how important teamwork is over individuals.
"We have a group of winners, one of the most potent attack forces in the competition so far and it's built on a rock-solid defence.
"Yes both teams have Galactico superstars in Bale and Ronaldo but the competition is going to be a great spectacle. The quality throughout the squad gives us confidence."
Robson-Kanu produced a brilliant Cruyff turn to slot home and grab the lead as Wales stormed from behind to a 3-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium on Friday.
And he confesses he feels honoured to have paid homage to his hero on such a big stage - pulling off the move he has been perfecting since childhood.
Robson-Kanu, 27, said: "Johan Cruyff is one of the greatest figures in football of all time - I have huge admiration for everything he achieved.
"I have watched countless clips of his playing career when I was growing up and I am honoured to even be mentioned in the same paragraph as a player of his magnitude.
"It's a move I have grown up practising and I am pleased I was able to put it in to practice but it will always be associated with Cruyff alone – and rightly so."
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London-born Robson-Kanu represented England up to Under-20 level. But he was eligible to play for Wales thanks to his grandmother's Welsh roots and made the switch in 2010.
And, unlike the Three Lions flops who crashed out in a humiliating defeat to Iceland, the striker insists his side are loving every minute of their remarkable journey to Wales' first semi-finals at a major tournament.
He said: "Wales have played with zero pressure throughout the tournament and we have enjoyed every minute of it - like you're supposed to.
"We feel the nation is completely behind us - and that allows us to play without the weight of expectations.
Wales celebrate beating Belgium to reach the semi-finals in France
"All of my family have been out to support me at various stages which has been brilliant. My whole family are incredibly proud of this historic achievement and have been messaging me daily.
"My grandmother couldn’t be prouder and has watched all of our games."
Wales will miss Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and Tottenham defender Ben Davies through suspension for the Portugal match, but Robson-Kanu is confident.
He added: "It's a fantastic achievement to make it to the semi-finals and we are not going to allow this feeling to end just yet. We don’t want to go home.
"The best feeling of all is to be part of this team and making the nation proud."