Wales v Belgium
Friday 1st July 2016 Kickoff 2000hrs
Football – European Championships – International
Following Iceland’s excellent performance and the surprise result of the tournament against England on Monday, Wales are the last home nation in Euro 2016. Bearing in mind Chris Coleman’s men are playing in their first major finals since the 1958 World Cup, their achievements thus far must surely be beyond what they had set out to do before their opening group game against Slovakia. A well deserved 2-1 win over that opponent set them up with a great chance of qualifying for the knockout stage, and even a last minute defeat against rivals England was not enough of a setback to derail that hope as they thrashed a poor Russian team to top the group and earn their place in the round of 16. The Welsh team’s reward for that effort was a tie with another home nation – Northern Ireland. Unlike the match against England, where they were very much the underdogs, Wales were favourites against the Green and White army but they had to endure some nervy moments as the Irish posed problems throughout and were the better team overall. However, a player with the class of Gareth Bale often makes the difference and that proved to be the case as his dangerous cross was turned into his own net by Gareth McCauley. It may not have been pretty, but Wales are now into the last eight of the European Championships – whatever happens now, that is a fantastic campaign.
It has been something of a mixed campaign for Belgium thus far, from the low of their opening game defeat against Italy, in a match they were widely tipped to succeed in, to the very high of an authoritative and dominant performance over Hungary in their first knockout game. There’s a suggestion that the 4-0 final score may have flattered the Belgians somewhat because three of their goals were scored in the final 15 minutes, but that should not detract from how much better Marc Wilmots’ team were throughout the 90 minutes. It remains to be seen whether or not that game is a sign of things to come and Belgium are finally beginning to realise their potential on the biggest stage, or if it’s another false dawn in what is described as a the country’s golden generation. In between the Italy and Hungary games, Belgium racked up another couple of wins. The 3-0 success over Republic of Ireland was again another illustration of just how devastating this team can be when they get it together, however they were unable to back that up in their final group came as they laboured to a 1-0 win against a poor Swedish outfit. Nevertheless, finishing second in their section meant they were placed in what appears to be the easier side of the draw and that certainly seems to be the case as Belgium could well reach the semi final stage having faced Hungary and Wales in the knockout stages – they would have been delighted with that route beforehand.
No player scored a higher percentage of their team’s goals in qualifying than Gareth Bale did for Wales and that trend has continued into the Championship’s themselves. The Real Madrid forward has scored three of his nation’s seven goals, and has assisted another two. His importance is obvious but Wales have shown that there is much more to them than just one player. Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen have also played huge roles in their team’s advancement to this stage, whilst Coleman has gotten the best out of a back five who are willing to do anything for the cause. That was demonstrated by the fact captain Ashley Williams refused to go off against Northern Ireland, despite suffering a late shoulder injury. It’s expected the Swansea defender will be fit enough to take his place on Friday evening but he will have to be fully fit as he prepares to face what is very much an inform Belgian attack.
Belgium have an injury concern of their own as Eden Hazard has not trained the last couple of days. The Chelsea winger – who has been made captain of his country due to Vincent Kompany’s injury – was sensational against Hungary and capped a fine individual display off with a goal he made for himself. He went off straight after that, though, and continues to be bothered by a thigh injury. You can rest assured that even if he’s not 100% fit he will still want to play but despite this being a crucial match, there is very little point in risking further injury. Hazard is so often the difference when he plays, and Wilmots will give him every opportunity, but there is also a case to be made that Belgium may well have enough to get the better of Wales without him and give their captain time to fully recover ahead of a potential semi-final on Thursday. Whether the coach is strong enough to do that is another question altogether.
Wales v Belgium Betting Tips
These two are no stranger to meeting each other having been drawn together in both the qualifying for this tournament as well as the last World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite Belgium being big favourites to win this game in the 90 minutes, Wales took four points of their more illustrious opponents in their two most recent meetings – suggesting this is not as cut and dried as some would think. Finals football is totally different to the qualifiers, of course, and Belgium appear to be in a much better period now than they have been for a long time, but Wales will still be a stubborn proposition.
If Hazard is fit enough to start and do himself justice I would strongly fancy Belgium to progress with little fuss – that’s how good he was on Sunday against Hungary. His lack of productivity for Chelsea last season has been well documented but it’s also meant he’s come here with a point to prove and will be relatively fresh, too. Belgium are reaping the benefit of that at the moment so his involvement could be a pivotal factor. Wales’ limitations have been shown against England already this tournament and they face a stronger team on Friday in the shape of Belgium. In what has been a tremendous tournament thus far for the Welsh, they will again put up a brave fight but I cannot see that being enough against a team who are just beginning to get ahead of steam. I’m not fully convinced Belgium have enough to go all the way but I would be hugely surprised if they do not see of a spirited Wales team this weekend.
Belgium 3/4 @ Boylesports
