Former Wales and Liverpool striker Ian Rush has labelled his country's Euro 2016 semi-final clash with Portugal the most important game in their history.
The Welsh have defied all expectation in their drive to the last four and will take on Cristiano Ronaldo and Co on tonight for the right to line up in Sunday's Saint-Denis final.
Rush, who earned 73 international caps but never played at a major tournament, said Chris Coleman's men have lifted the whole country, and backed them to keep the dream alive.
“First of all we done well to qualify. To do that, anything else was a bonus," Rush told RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland.
"The way they played against Belgium (in the quarters), after coming from a goal behind, I thought they were fantastic. We’re here to enjoy ourselves now.
"We’re all in it as nation together and there’s no reason why we can’t get to the final."
“Tonight is the most important game in Welsh football history. In 1958 we reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup. We’re in the semi-finals now. It’s a big boost for the nation.
"It’s put Wales on the map and we’re looking forward to it. We’ve got to look forward to it with confidence."
Much has been made of the face-off between Real Madrid's Gareth Bale and Ronaldo. The talismanic attackers have had contrasting fortunes at this tournament, with the latter struggling to find his best form and Bale being central to the underdogs' remarkable run.
Rush is drooling over the prospect of the superstars going toe-to-toe, and expects a cagey contest.
“They’re both completely different players, on and off the pitch, so it’s going to be amazing," said Rush. "It’s going to be very intriguing.
"It’s going to be very difficult. It may go to extra-time, even penalties. You look at Portugal, over 90 minutes they haven’t won a game. They do let goals in.
"Yeah we know they can score goals but I think the team spirit that’s in the Wales camp can actually take them through. We’re all in it as nation together and there’s no reason why we can’t get to the final.
“I knew Gary (Speed) well," Rush added of the former Wales manager who tragically died almost five years ago.
"He’ll be looking down so proud. It’s amazing what he set up and Chris Coleman has taken it that bit further."
Watch Wales v Portugal live on RTÉ2 tonight from 6.50pm
