Golden generations in rival bid for glory
Print Edition
THE Welsh are happy to cast themselves as underdogs in their Euro 2016 quarterfinal against Belgium today but such modesty belies their ability to bite hard.
The Belgians, who finally came together as a team to demolish Hungary 4-0 in their last-16 match, will start as favorites.
Both sides, though, are fully aware that Wales has proved its mettle against Belgium, beating it 1-0 in Cardiff and drawing in Brussels in the tournament’s qualifying stage.
Belgium, playing before what will be virtually a home crowd in the northern French town of Lille, is under huge pressure for its much-vaunted golden generation to fulfil their promise and challenge for a major trophy.
Wales could also claim to have developed a golden generation, spearheaded by Gareth Bale, even if it has fewer illustrious players than the side ranked No. 2 in the world. “We’re good normally in that situation when we’re right up against it,” Wales defender Chris Gunter said.
All eyes will be on the form of Bale and Eden Hazard.
Bale, the world’s most expensive player, has scored three goals and fired in the cross that led to Northern Ireland’s own goal in Wales’s 1-0 last-16 victory.
Hazard came to life against Hungary — as did the whole team after a stuttering start to the campaign. He set up the second goal for Michy Batshuayi and scored with a solo effort two minutes later to crush Hungary’s hopes in what he said was his best-ever game for his country.
The Belgium captain has missed two days of training with a thigh injury, but should he be declared fit to play, he will be returning to the city where he made a name for himself.
The Welsh are playing in their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, when they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Brazil.
“Wales are a very strong side, and not just with Gareth Bale; they have other good players,” cautioned Belgian coach Marc Wilmots.
Belgium, however, has greater depth. Wilmots has pointed to influential playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. Romelu Lukaku scored 27 goals for Everton this season and always looks threatening.
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