Wales storm into semi-finals after thrilling comeback win over Belgium
Updated 01/07/2016 at 21:50 GMT
Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille Métropole, Euro 2016 quarter-final - Wales 3 (Williams 31, Robson-Kanu 55, Vokes 85) Belgium 1 (Nainggolan 13)
Wales came from a goal down in Lille to defeat Belgium 3-1 with a magnificent performance and reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Belgium, second in the FIFA rankings, took the lead through a thunderbolt from midfielder Radja Nainggolan as he pummelled one in from 30 yards after 13 minutes.
It had been a harrowing start for Wales but they responded superbly, with captain Ashley Williams exploiting some awful marking form a corner to head home on 31 minutes.
And a semi-final showdown with Portugal in Lyon on July 6 was etched into the diary when Robson-Kanu deceived two defenders with a brilliant Cruyff turn in the box and finished into the corner.
Chris Coleman rung the changes to keep his team fresh but substitute Sam Vokes popped up with a goal to end the contest as he latched onto a cross from Chris Gunter and headed home with five minutes remaining.
The only disappointing element for Wales on one of the most famous sporting nights in the country’s history were bookings to defender Ben Davies and Ramsey which rule them out of the semi-final.
TALKING POINT
Can Wales go all the way? Okay, so it’s probably time to start talking about this seriously. 2016 has been a crazy year in football and now it’s possible that Wales could make it even crazier by winning Euro 2016. They are one game from the final, two games from taking the whole thing. What’s more, their semi-final clash against Portugal is winnable. Chris Coleman’s side are the top goalscorers in the tournament and must be considered contenders as one of the final four.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Aaron Ramsey (Wales): The Arsenal midfielder has his critics, but he has enjoyed a sensational tournament this summer. He had impressed before this game, but Aaron Ramsey saved his best display for the quarter-finals, making two assists as Wales claimed the greatest result in their history. However, he will be absent for the semi-final against Portugal through suspension. How much will Wales miss him? On the basis of this performance, a lot.
PLAYER RATINGS
Wales: Hennessey 7, Taylor 7, Davies 6, Williams 8, Chester 7, Gunter 7, Allen 7, Ramsey 9, Ledley 7, Bale 6, Robson-Kanu 9. Subs: King 5, Vokes 7.
Belgium: Courtois 8, Lukaku 5, Denayer 5, Alderweireld 6, Meunier 7, Witsel 7, De Bruyne 6, Nainggolan 7, Hazard 6, Carrasco 5, Lukaku 6. Subs: Fellaini 5, Batshuayi 5, Mertens 5.
KEY MOMENTS
10’ - CHANCE FOR ROBSON-KANU! Bale gets his first touch of the ball all night, sends a cross to the back post where Robson-Kanu has peeled away. But he could only head over the bar.
13’ - GOAL! Wales 1 Belgium 0: What a sensational goal! That is a belter! He found the top corner with an arrow of a shot from about 30 yards out. Hennessey didn't stand a chance with that!
32’ - GOAL! Wales 1 Belgium 1: There's the equaliser! Williams gets a run on the corner kick from Ramsey, powering a header past Courtois in the Belgium goal. It's 1-1 in Lille.
50’ - DE BRUYNE OVER THE BAR! The Manchester City playmaker cuts inside off the right side and fires off a left-footed shot at goal, but his effort rises over the Wales crossbar. Good try.
56’ - GOAL! Wales 2 Belgium 1: What a sensational goal! The cross came into the box, Robson-Kanu controlled it and beat three defenders with a wonderful turn, finishing calmly past Courtois!
62’ - BIG CHANCE FOR WILLIAMS! Courtois flapped at Ramsey's corner kick into the box, with the ball falling at the feet of Williams. But the Belgian keeper recovered to make amends.
81’ - LUKAKU WENT DOWN! The Belgium striker goes down on the edge of the penalty area, with Davies already on a yellow card. But the referee waves away the claims for a freekick.
85’ - PENALTY CLAIMS! Now Nainggolan goes down inside the penalty area under the challenge from Williams, but once again the referee waves it away. There was a case for that one.
86’ - GOAL! Wales 3 Belgium 1: And that should be that! Sensational! Wales are heading into the semi-finals of the European Championships. Vokes gets in front of his marker and sends a wicked header into the Belgian net!
KEY STATS
Wales are the first team to reach the semi-finals in their debut European Championships appearance since Sweden in 1992.
Aaron Ramsey is the first British player to assist two or more goals in a Euros game since David Beckham did against Portugal in 2000.
Wales are now the top goalscorers at the 2016 European Championships.
THE MATCH IN A TWEET
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