HAMPSHIRE swallowed its pride to cheer them on, but it wasn't enough.

Wales' defeat in the Euro 2016 semi-final split loyalties, but at the final whistle it felt like a defeat.

Portugal progressed to the final on a special night for Saints stars Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares.

But the final Brexit from the tournament struck a nerve for fans in Hampshire, with many cheering on local hero Sam Vokes and former Saint Gareth Bale.

The Daily Echo joined fans at The Alexandra in Southampton, named the 12th best place in the country to watch the tournament.

It was a diverse turnout, with Italians, Spaniards, Irishmen, Englishmen and Chinese exchange students cheering on Wales in the beer garden.

And while the true Welsh contingent lacked numbers, the handful present made up for it in passion.

They draped Welsh flags on the walls and invited others to join their national anthem.

Early chances for Chris Coleman's side fired them up - along with a few beers - but things started to go Portugal's way after an evenly matched first half.

The pub fell to stunned silence when Cristiano Ronaldo put Portugal into the lead with a 50th-minute header.

And the mood fell again moments later when Nani doubled their advantage. Some Wales fans missed the goals as they had gone for takeaway.

It wasn't to be for ex-Saint Bale or Lymington boy Vokes, whose goal in the quarter final made him a hero across borders.

Speaking after the match, Bale said the team had "no regrets" and would carry their Euros confidence into the next campaign.

Wales fan Archie Edwards, 23, who watched at the Alex, said: "I felt like we were going to do something more. But as soon as they had something more to play for they didn't deliver. They suddenly realised where they were and what was going on."

He added: "I feel good in the end, because they got to the semi-final. They played as a team, they were a unit... and they were much better than England!"

Now Hampshire's eye will turn back to Sunday's final, where Fonte and Cedric have a chance of making history.

Saints fan Stuart Pinch, 40, from Southampton, said: "I don't think Portugal are gonna win the final, but I'd like to see two Saints players win the thing because they'd be worth more!"