ROBBIE SAVAGE has urged Wales to take their chance and end 57 years of major tournament agony by qualifying for Euro 2016. 

Following the outstanding 1-0 victory over Belgium, Chris Coleman’s men are in pole position in Group B with four matches remaining in qualifying, starting with the trip to Cyprus on September 3. 

Wrexham-born Savage, who won 39 caps for his country before his international retirement in 2005, believes the current Welsh squad will end the agonising wait for a Wales appearance at a major tournament, which would be their first showing at a finals since the 1958 World Cup in Brazil. 

Wales lead Group B on 14 points, three clear of Belgium and, crucially, five points clear of Israel in the bid to finish in one of two automatic qualification spots. 

“I thought it was an unbelievable performance from a group of players who showed what it means to play for their country,” said the former Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder. 

“They threw themselves at every ball, were strong, resolute and it just goes to show you don’t need 11 superstars in the team, or technically gifted players, just 11 players who want to perform for that jersey.” 

Savage was part of Mark Hughes’ Wales team which failed to qualify for Euro 2004, having led their group following a remarkable 2-1 win over Italy in Cardiff. 

Wales lost 1-0 to Russia in a two-legged play-off to qualify for that tournament but Savage firmly believes this side, including stars such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, won’t ‘crumble’ like Wales sides of the past when the pressure picks up. 

“I think now it’s a great opportunity and it’s up to those players to take it,” Savage explained. 

“In the past Welsh teams have crumbled when the pressure has been on. The Romania game in 1993 when we needed to win to reach the World Cup, and we blew it against Russia in the play-off for the Euros. 

“This team now have the chance to make history and it’ll be interesting to see how they handle the weight of expectation ahead of the Cyprus game. 

“But with the group of players we’ve got, with Chris Coleman in charge, I think they’ll make history and the fans will all be joining myself and the rest of the media in France next summer for the finals.” 

Savage, who was commentating on the Belgium victory for radio, said the atmosphere at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night was louder than any noise he has heard at a Wales international previously. 

“I think that atmosphere was right up there with the best of them,” he added. 

“There were 72,000 fans at the Millennium Stadium the night we played Italy and that was fantastic, but 33,000 inside this stadium made as much if not more noise than that. 

“That’s the best result, atmosphere and performance from a Wales side since that night when we beat Italy. 

“The fans have been unbelievable. They sung for the whole 90 minutes and have travelled here in their numbers. 

“There were a lot out in Israel for the last game and I’ve no doubt they’ll be plenty going out to Cyprus for the next game, and it makes a difference as an international player.”