Gareth Bale inspired Euro 2016 rookies, Wales, to defy all odds to humble tournament’s favourites, Belgium, 3-1 in a battle of the biblical “David versus Goliath” to book a place in the semi-finals.
The Chris Coleman-tutored men put up one of the most shocking results in Euro 2016 by neutralising the fire power of Belgium to reach its first semi-finals in 58 years.
Wales, coming against Belgium in the quarter-finals was tagged underdog, judging by the Belgians ranking as the most senior ranked team in the competition.
The Dragons, however, smashed the 58 years wait for a semi-final game in a senior international football.
Belgium came to the competition as number two in FIFA’s ranking, thus giving them a scorecard of the tournament’s favourite, only to be booted out by 26th ranked Wales.
Goals from the Wales’ Skipper, Ashley William, in the 31st minute, Hal Robison-Kanu 55th and Sam Vokes in the 86th minute were enough to complete a riot run on Belgium’s star studded team.
Wales had to come from a goal down to level after a smashing long range strike from Radja Naingolan had put Belgium ahead in the 13th minute.
However, Wales, through a well-fortified defence, quenched the firepower of Belgium’s attacking trio of Romeo Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyme and Eden Hazard to keep the scoreline.
Belgium also had Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, to thank when he parried a low drive shot from Richard Taylor in the closing minutes of the game, which could have made the scores 4-1.
Wales will now face another tournament’s favourite on paper, Portugal, in the semi-finals.
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