MIRROR
Two first-half goals in nine minutes from Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor set Wales on their way before Bale wrapped up victory after the break
But the entire nation will be falling in love with them at this rate after a dazzling display which will leave fans dreaming how far they can go.
Wales needed a win in their final Group B game to be sure of reaching the knock-out stages.
But despite the tense stakes, they produced their best performance yet in France to dump out sorry Russia, who were a shambles.
Man of the match Aaron Ramsey got Wales off to a flying start in the 11 minute after his fine finish capped a slick breakaway.
Then left-back Neil Taylor netted his first international goal ever in the 20 minute as Wales courageously piled forwarded.
Taylor getting on the score-sheet suggested it was going to be a memorable night for the Welsh, who dominated the 33,000-capacity Stadium de Toulouse.
Star man Gareth Bale was a constant menace long before he scored Wales' third in the 67th minute.
Only busy keeper Igor Akinfeev stood between Russia and a huge thrashing.
Wales had been dubbed a one-man team in qualifying as Bale scored seven of their 11 goals and assisted two.
But last night was the occasion when the side's other talents really shone through too and joined the party.
With Ben Davies and James Chester superb in defence, Wales hit the Russians on the break at will as their bottom-placed opponents had to win.
Outstanding midfielder Joe Allen also had a stormer with his precise intelligent distribution as Wales shrugged off their disappointment losing to England in stoppage-time.
Bale added the third with his third goal of the tournament with the outside of his left-foot after good work by Ramsey.
It was Wales' biggest win under Coleman and their best triumph since beating Norway 4-1 in a friendly at home in November 2011.
And it leaves Bale as a real contender for the Golden Boot and perhaps even Wales as dark horses for the overall tournament if the draw opens up.
Coleman made one change to his side that was beaten in stoppage-time in agonising fashion by England at the weekend.
After bemoaning his team's lack of possession and inability to get Bale on the ball, Burnley frontman Sam Vokes started upfront in place of Hal Robson-Kanu.
It was a big call by Coleman as Vokes did not impress on his previous two international starts against Northern Ireland and Sweden.
The striker had only scored six goals in 40 caps previously and not netted for his country since March 2014.
But Coleman wanted a physical presence upfront to hold the ball up better and Vokes did just that early on to allow Bale a shot which Igor Akinfeev saved.
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