Watford's Craig Cathcart and Northern Ireland's European Championship hopes ended by Wales

The Hornets centre-half, who has played every minute of his nation’s first appearance in the European finals, once again played his part in helping Northern Ireland producing a trademark organised and defensively resolute display.

But Michael O’Neill’s men, who were the better of the two sides and had their chances, were undone by a moment of quality from a predictable source and a bit of misfortune with 15 minutes remaining when Gareth Bale’s superb cross from the left was diverted into his own net by Gareth McAuley.

Both sides effectively cancelled each other out in a cagey first half which saw Northern Ireland once again playing to their strengths and succeeding in nullifying the threats of Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen.

Ramsey did have the ball in the net in the 19th minutes following Sam Vokes’ goalbound knockdown, but it was ruled out for offside. Either side of that incident, Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey had kept out shots from Stuart Dallas and Jamie Ward.

The Hornets centre-half almost had had an opportunity five minutes before the break following a deep Oliver Norwood free-kick from the left, but a good defensive header from Ben Davies prevented Cathcart getting on the end of it.

The game opened up after the break and Cathcart was caught out in the 53rd minute when Vokes got in behind him to meet a superb Ramsey delivery, but the Burnley striker headed wide.

Bale had a chance to score his fourth goal of the tournament five minutes later when he struck a free-kick on target from at least 25 yards, but it was kept out by a good save from Michael McGovern.

But the Real Madrid star provided what proved to be the decisive moment with 15 minutes remaining when his whipped in delivery from the left was turned into his own net by McAuley.

The next stop for Wales in their historic journey is Lille on Friday night when they will face the winners of Belgium and Hungary in the last eight.