Underdogs Wales continued their sensational campaign in the 2016 European Championship when they came from a goal down to beat favourites Belgium 3-1 to qualify for the semifinals. Belgium had tried to intimidate Wales at the start when they went ahead in the 13th minute, thanks to a thunderous shot by distant shooter specialist, Radja Naiggolen of AS Roma.
However, Wales were not impressed and they came near to equalising in the 26th minute but brilliant Belgium keeper, Courtious denied Neil Taylor, who was fed by Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey with a tailored pass from the edge of the box. It would have been his first goal for Wales in six years.
But five minutes later captain Ashley Williams, who was a doubt to start the game due to injury, took matters into his hands when he headed home the equaliser from. Wales could have gone 2-1 up two minutes later but again the Belgium keeper from FC Chelsea stopped Gareth Bale’s right footed shot after he cut to pieces the Belgium defence with a mesmerising solo run.
After Lukaku failed to put his country up after the break when he headed wide inside the six yard box, Robson-Kanu out-tricked three Belgium defenders inside the box to send Wales 2-1 up in the 55th minute. Ramsey again provided the assist.
Substitute Sam Vokes, with his second ball contact, made the sensation perfect with a perfect header in the 86 minute to ensure that Wales tore all forecast books and qualified for the semi final of a major tournament for the first time in its history. The are also the smallest country to have reached this far in the history of the tournament.
They now face Ronaldo’s Portugal on Wednesday in Lyon.
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