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Rediff.com  » Sports » Euro: Wales demolish Belgium to reach first ever semi-final

Euro: Wales demolish Belgium to reach first ever semi-final

July 02, 2016 03:00 IST
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IMAGE: Gareth Bale, centre, along with his Wales team mates celebrate winning their quarter-final against Belgium. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

Wales produced a stunning upset to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals after Hal Robson-Kanu's superbly fashioned goal and Sam Vokes's late header secured a 3-1 victory over fancied Belgium on Friday to set up a clash with Portugal.

Robson-Kanu left three Belgium players for dead with a 'Cruyff turn' and calmly stroked his finish into the net to put Wales ahead in the second half, while Vokes's header ensured they reached their first ever major tournament semi-final.

IMAGE: Hal Robson-Kanu of Wales scores his team's second goal past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

It was a crushing blow for heavy favourites Belgium, who had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Radja Nainggolan rifled the ball into the top corner from distance only for Wales captain Ashley Williams to level with a header from a corner.

There was a frenetic opening to a match that many had predicted would be a cagey encounter as Belgium took the early initiative and would have grabbed the lead after seven minutes but for some superb last-ditch Wales defending.

Wayne Hennessey saved superbly from Yannick Carrasco before efforts from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard were blocked by lunging defenders as Wales, looking to talisman Gareth Bale for an outlet, sought to stem the early Belgian tide.

IMAGE: Radja Nainggolan scores the opening goal for Belgium. Photograph: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

The Welsh were undone, however, when Nainggolan took a touch, then unleashed a monstrously powerful shot from 25 metres that thundered past Hennessey's outstretched fingers into the top corner to give Belgium the lead.

Instead of fuelling a Belgian onslaught, however, the goal seemed to swing momentum back in Wales's favour, with Chris Coleman's side fluffing a great chance to level when Neil Taylor sidefooted at goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from six metres.

The equaliser arrived five minutes later in the 55th, though, and was clearly crafted on the training ground. Having won a corner, Wales's players lined up behind each other, before breaking from the pack as Aaron Ramsey whipped the ball in.

IMAGE: Wales' players celebrate their team's first goal scored by Ashley Williams. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

Wales captain Williams, who had recovered from a shoulder injury to make the starting lineup, found himself unmarked to head down and past Courtois for the first goal the Belgium keeper had conceded since their opening defeat by Italy.

While Belgium began the second half stronger, with Romelu Lukaku glancing a header wide and Hazard flashing a shot just past the post, it was not long before Wales struck again with Robson-Kanu producing a sublime piece of individual skill.

Ramsey's cross found the striker in the area with his back to goal but he sold three Belgium players a dummy with a trademark 'Cruyff turn' and then sidefooted the ball powerfully past the helpless Courtois in the 55th minute.

Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser but Wales were resilient and then broke with four minutes remaining as Chris Gunter crossed for substitute Vokes to leap and angle his header across goal into the net, sparking wild Welsh celebrations.

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