Wales - Belgium: Affirming the spirit!

(Baonghean) - With a team of evenly matched, high-quality players, the Belgian team played better and better as they advanced into the next round, demonstrating cohesion and efficiency in their playing style. In particular, with the 4-0 destruction of Hungary in the round of 16, the "Red Devils" proved that they are completely worthy of the title of King of Euro 2016. On the other side of the battle line, Wales is making a strong impression in France when participating in the Euro finals for the first time but has overcome all doubts to reach the Quarterfinals...

Many experts believe that thanks to the cohesion in the playing style and the timely brilliance of Gareth Bale, along with a tight and reasonable defensive and counter-attacking strategy, Wales will cause Belgium many difficulties. Speaking before the match, coach Coleman sent a message, or more accurately, a warning to his opponents: “We are improving every day. Belgium has the world's top quality players while we are just "underdogs". But in football, it is not always the strong team that wins.”

The Belgium - Wales match promises to be dramatic and exciting. Photo: Internet

The Belgians should remember that Wales is a “rookie rising” and they certainly cannot deny that, with a round ball, anything can happen. Although we know that the philosophy of “form is temporary, class is forever” always exists, it is not always true, this year’s Euro has proven that when the strong cannot step on the weak as usual.

England’s humiliating defeat to Iceland is a prime example of this, while Wales have also kept two clean sheets against Belgium on the way to France, with Bale scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win in Cardiff last June.

Gareth Bale is the brightest star of the Wales team at the moment.

However, it must be admitted that Wales’ previous “victims” were all “underdogs”. That is, the Russian team has degraded, Slovakia is only a team with average professional quality and Northern Ireland is also considered much weaker. And they could not have a historic victory over England. Besides, Wales is still a one-man team because it is too dependent on star Bale.

In fact, in Wales' four matches since the start of Euro, Bale has made his mark by directly scoring three goals and indirectly scoring one. Therefore, it is not too much to say that Bale alone has pulled Wales into the quarter-finals of Euro this year. That is the fragility in the context of the tournament entering a fierce purification process, where many other decisive factors are needed to make it successful.

Facing a highly rated opponent like Belgium, Coach Coleman's team will certainly find it difficult to come up with the most feasible plan. Because if they play an open game, they will not have enough strength to compete with their opponents when they only depend on Bale. Choosing a team that is too low will make them passive against Belgium's midfielders with good technical qualities. Moreover, Belgium's wing attacks also prove to be very dangerous with Lukaku's rampage. Therefore, this is the real challenge for the "dark horse" of Wales. However, playing tight defense and counter-attacking quickly is probably the option that Coach Coleman chooses.

Meanwhile, after the defeat against Italy in the group stage, Belgium impressed by scoring 8 goals in 3 consecutive matches. In particular, the 4-0 destruction of Hungary was like a "rage" that did not require too much effort but was enough to extinguish all doubts and prove that they are still a strong candidate for the championship. The "Red Devils" played better and better, the ability to connect between the stars increased, helping them have a highly effective attack and a solid defense on their journey to the final.

Obviously, in terms of personnel, Belgium is somewhat superior to Wales when possessing a balanced, quality squad, especially in attack. It is no coincidence that they have been ranked highest in the FIFA rankings among European national teams for over a year. That is also why the team nicknamed “Red Devils” is listed in the number 1 seed group for the championship in the most prestigious tournament in this old continent.

The Red Devils are revealing many limitations.

However, to be fair, the “Red Devils” are showing a lot of problems. Only the brilliance of goalkeeper Courtois helped them avoid conceding a goal. What is giving coach Wilmots a headache is that captain Eden Hazard is doubtful of playing in the quarter-finals due to a minor injury in the win over Hungary. In addition, Cass the Cat’s prediction is a “sign” that makes the Belgians worried when he chooses Wales as the winner.

The history of 12 previous matches also shows that the chances for both teams are equal when Belgium won 5, Wales won 4 and 3 matches drew. It seems that this "war" will not be easy for both teams when the "Red Devils" are forced to prove their superiority and Wales also wants to respond that they are the true "Dark Horses". And the sweetness will only be reserved for the team that keeps a cool head when affirming its mettle.

Kim Thuy