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

Wales players 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 Euro participation.

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

Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and co made history for Wales by reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Wales had to wait 58 years to play in a major tournament but didn’t waste a minute to make 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 strike from 25 yards. But that was quintessential Belgium, who topped the FIFA rankings last year. In a game as important as the Euro quarter-finals, a collection of star individuals could not beat a hungry Wales team.

Ashley Williams equalised for Wales in the first half, before Robson-Kanu gave the Reds the lead. Late in the game, Sam Vokes' header ended any hopes of a win for Belgium.

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 the underdogs and chose to retreat 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 have to admit this was a disastrous evening for the Belgian defense. Without two pillars, Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen, it is hard to believe that the replacement players played so poorly at the national team level. One of the most notable is the left-back position of Jordan Lukaku, the younger brother of striker Romelu Lukaku. Jordan constantly left his position, making the left wing of Belgium the main attack for Wales. Lukaku's younger brother was also involved in both situations where goals were conceded without 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 a dangerous header 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 finishing situations.

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 defender Ben Davies and midfielder Aaron Ramsey set to miss the semi-final after picking up yellow cards. Ramsey put in a superb performance 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 ground'.

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 in the tournament on home soil in 1996. If they overcome Portugal, Wales will surpass their neighbours in European achievements.

According to VNE