Two teams that know each other very well will clash in the second quarter-final at Euro 2016 as Wales take on Belgium on Friday. The two sides were in the same qualifying group for Euro 2016 and Wales got the upper hand in the direct meetings with a 0-0 draw in Brussels and a 1-0 victory in Cardiff with Gareth Bale scoring the winning goal. Wales have matched their best ever performance at a major final tournament, they reached the quarter-finals again after having done so at the 1958 World Cup. Belgium have reached the final at Euro 1980 but lost to West Germany.
Wales have done very well at their first ever European Championship, they have reached the quarter-finals and everything they can achieve from now on is a bonus. They have lost just one of their four matches so far, 2-1 against England, and won the other three. They reached the last eight after a scrappy 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland, a tricky match for a Welsh side that relies on a strong defence and quick counter-attacks. That will not be the case against Belgium, who will surely try to dominate the match through possession. Ashley Williams has picked up a shoulder injury but might be fit to start.
Belgium have recovered very well after a poor start at Euro 2016. They lost their opening match 2-0 against Italy, but then won the following three with no goals conceded and eight goals scored. Their last performance was exceptional and it produced a comfortable 4-0 victory over Hungary. Defender Thomas Vermaelen is suspended after having picked up his second yellow card during the Hungary match while Eden Hazard had some slight fitness problems but should be ready to play on Friday.
Probable line-ups:
Wales: Hennesey - Chester, Williams, Davies - Gunter, Allen, Ledley, Ramsey, Taylor - Bale - Vokes
Belgium: Courtois - Meunier, Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen - Witsel, Nainggolan - Mertens, De Bruyne, Hazard - Lukaku
My prediction: 2-2 draw after 90 minutes.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Wales win - 5.75 Draw - 3.60 Belgium win - 1.75
sharpe
7 years ago
No doubtfully it was the greatest Wales game at the Euro, the expectations trough the Belgian team was too high once again. But Ramzi and Joe Allen were just incredible in the midfield for Welsh team. It was a game after which we thought Wales could do the unthinkable and even play at the final, it was pity it didn't...
No doubtfully it was the greatest Wales game at the Euro, the expectations trough the Belgian team was too high once again. But Ramzi and Joe Allen were just incredible in the midfield for Welsh team. It was a game after which we thought Wales could do the unthinkable and even play at the final, it was pity it didn't work that way. Nevertheless well-done to the whole Welsh team.
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urkesh0rk
7 years ago
This is a game where we should see many many goals. Belgium until two games ago didnt keep their sheet clean for almost ten games. And now with Vertongen and Vermalen out of rotation they should face same issue. Both this national teams have attacking football in their blood. They are not going to look to defend entire...
This is a game where we should see many many goals. Belgium until two games ago didnt keep their sheet clean for almost ten games. And now with Vertongen and Vermalen out of rotation they should face same issue. Both this national teams have attacking football in their blood. They are not going to look to defend entire game. Both of them have amazing counter attacks. I agree with 2-2 prediction, with this game being determinanted in extra time or penalties shot out.
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