Wales swims against the current, Belgium leaves Euro 2016 with regret

Wales had the match of their lives when they defeated Belgium 3-1 despite being behind early on, thereby winning the right to meet Portugal in the semi-finals in their first ever Euro.

Wales gradually built a historic achievement at Euro 2016. Photo: Reuters.

Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and co have written a new page in Welsh football history by reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Wales have had to wait 58 years for a major tournament but have wasted no time in making their mark. The match against Belgium showed that this team is one of the most cohesive teams in European football at the moment.

Belgium got off to a dream start with Radja Nainggolan scoring a stunning 25-yard strike. But that was quintessential Belgium, who topped the FIFA rankings last year. In a match as important as the Euro quarter-finals, a collection of star individuals could not beat a hungry Wales side.

Ashley Williams equalised for Wales in the first half, before Robson-Kanu put the Reds ahead. Sam Vokes' late header ended Belgium's hopes.

Participating in the Euro for the first time and reaching the semi-finals, Wales will meet Portugal and Bale will face his Real Madrid teammate - Cristiano Ronaldo. This is an interesting encounter because both teams were not highly rated before this year's tournament. Euro history has witnessed rebellious performances from Denmark or Greece and Wales has every reason to believe in their own fairy tale.

Wales entered the match as underdogs and chose to play it safe against the Devils.. However, they soon had to change their approach because of the goal conceded in the 13th minute. In the context of having to score, Wales still calmly deployed their play and made the most of the opportunities they had. One of them was from a set piece situation and Williams opened the way for the comeback.

Praise the bravery of Wales but admit that this was a disastrous evening for the Belgian defence. Without two key players, Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen, it is hard to believe that the replacements played so poorly at the national level. One of the most notable was left-back Jordan Lukaku, the younger brother of striker Romelu Lukaku. Jordan repeatedly left his position, making the left flank the main attack for Wales. Lukaku's younger brother was also involved in both situations where goals were conceded without making any effort to block them.

The second goal was typical of the Belgian defense's clumsy play. Robson-Kanu was alone surrounded by three Belgian players, but his lack of determination and alertness made the Welsh striker suddenly equal to Lionel Messi, escaping everything with just one turn before defeating Courtois. European media called it a "moment of genius". The third goal, Sam Vokes was sandwiched between two Belgian players but was still able to head dangerously into the far corner.

Up front, Belgium had a few chances to score. Lukaku and Fellaini lacked the precision to succeed with close-range headers, while Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne only left their mark with individual finishes.

Belgium lost easily and did not show determination in each attack. Photo: Reuters.

The team ranked second in the world according to FIFA still lacked the courage at the decisive moment. Belgium had a big advantage with the lead but did not take advantage, allowing Wales to regain their spirit and the game. When the team decided to push up the attack in the second half, the defense was not strong enough to receive a counterattack.

Wales' historic win came at a heavy cost, with centre-back Ben Davies and midfielder Aaron Ramsey set to miss the semi-final after picking up yellow cards. Ramsey was superb against Belgium, with Gareth Bale closely marked. The Arsenal midfielder assisted Wales' first two goals, while also keeping the tempo with clever touches and timely 'stays on the pitch'.

Wales reaching the semi-finals is also a big blow to their neighbours England. England's best performance at the Euros was reaching the semi-finals at home in 1996. If they overcome Portugal, Wales will surpass their neighbours in European football.

According to VNE