UEFA Euro 2016, quarter-finals: Wales beat Belgium 3-1

Sunday, July 3, 2016

On Friday, in the quarter-final match of UEFA Euro 2016, Wales defeated Belgium 3–1. Wales is to play Portugal in the semi-finals.

File photo of Eden Hazard who provided the fourth assist in the tournament, highest since 2000.
Image: Aleksandr Osipov.

In the 13th minute, captain Eden Hazard assisted Radja Nainggolan who scored from about 25 yards. Thibaut Courtois produced a crucial save to from Neil Taylor's shot to maintain the lead. But just after the half an hour mark, Welsh captain Ashley Williams scored an equaliser from a header. Belgium had greater ball possession.

With a Cruyff Turn, Hal Robson-Kanu was able to beat three defenders and scored a goal which gave Wales the lead. Sam Vokes's goal in the 85th minute booked the semi-final spot for Wales.

Hazard's assist to Nainggolan was his fourth assist in this tournament, the highest in last four Euro tournaments. With this loss, all the Chelsea F.C. players are out of the Euro campaign. Wales winger Gareth Bale potentially faces his Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe in the semi-final against Portugal.


21:00 July 1, 2016 (UTC+2)
Wales 3–1 Belgium Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lillie
Referee: Damir Skomina, Slovenia
Ashley Williams Scored after 30' or 31 minutes 30' or 31'
Hal Robson-Kanu Scored after 55 minutes 55'
Sam Vokes Scored after 85' or 86 minutes 85' or 86'
Ben Davies Booked after 5 minutes 5'
James Chester Booked after 16 minutes 16'
Chris Gunter Booked after 24 minutes 24'
Aaron Ramsey Booked after 75 minutes 75'
1–1 (HT) Radja Nainggolan Scored after 13 minutes 13'
Marouane Fellaini Booked after 59 minutes 59'
Toby Alderweireld Booked after 85 minutes 85'

Sources