At 22:00 at the "Pierre-Mauroy" stadium in Lille, the second quarter-final of the 2016 European Championship took place. The national teams of Wales and Belgium, who fought their way through the qualifiers to this tournament, clashed. After an amazing goal by Radja Nainggolan, Belgium, who had taken the lead, had to acknowledge Wales' advantage. Later, the Welsh team, scoring three response goals, secured a historic ticket to the semifinals of the tournament on the Old Continent. Starting line-ups: Wales: Hennesey, Davies, Williams, Chester, Allen, Ledley, Gunter, Ramsey, Taylor, Bale, Robson-Kanu. Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, Alderweireld, Denayer, J. Lukaku, Witsel, Nainggolan, De Bruyne, Carrasco, Hazard, R. Lukaku. In the 6th minute, a tumult arose near the Welsh national team. Yannick Carrasco took a free kick at the goalkeeper, after the rebounding ball Romelu Lukaku attempted to send it into the goal, and finally on the third try the ball flew over the goalpost after Eden Hazard's strike. In the 13th minute, an incredible goal was scored by Radja Nainggolan. From about 30 meters out "Roma" defender sent a powerful shot towards Wayne Hennessey's goal. The goalkeeper had no chance, and the Belgians gained a minimal advantage. In the 26th minute, Wales had a great opportunity to equalize the score. Defender Neil Taylor redirected the ball into the goal net after a brilliant breakthrough and pass from Aaron Ramsey into the penalty area, but Thibaut Courtois played excellently in that situation. In the 31st minute, Wales finally achieved their goal. Ashley Williams sent the ball into the net with a header after a corner taken by A. Ramsey. During the remaining time of the first half, Wales dominated possession and had territorial advantage, but no more goals were scored at the Lille stadium during the first 45 minutes. The second half started dangerously with Belgian footballers attacking. The Belgian coach decided to introduce Marouane Fellaini instead of Y. Carrasco. At the beginning of the half, dangerous shots were taken by R. Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. Later, Eden Hazard also tried his luck after a successful run on the wing, but the ball did not reach the target. In the 55th minute, Wales created one of the first chances in this half and scored their second goal. Striker Hal Robson-Kanu received the ball in the penalty area, turned away from several defenders, and sent the ball into the Belgian goalkeeper's net. After the second goal, Wales did not intend to close up defensively, and dangerous opportunities were created near T. Courtois' goal. In the 74th minute, a perfect chance to equalize the score was created by substitute M. Fellaini. From a good high pass by Toby Alderweireld, the "Man Utd" defender headed the ball just next to the goal. As the match drew to a close, Belgium's attacks in the opponents' half increased, but they failed to create anything more dangerous. Nevertheless, Wales found their counterweight - during a counterattack, Chris Gunter lifted the ball into the penalty area and there Sames Vokes, who came on as a substitute, headed the ball into the net, finally ending Belgium's chances to advance to the semifinals. In the remaining time, Belgium did not produce any miracles, and Wales achieved victory with a score of 3-1, advancing to the semifinals where they will face Portugal. Result: Wales 3 - 1 Belgium 13' [0 - 1] R. Nainggolan 31' [1 - 1] A. Williams 55' [2 - 1] H. Robson-Kanu 86' [3 - 1] S. Vokes The best player of the match was named Hal Robson-Kanu. Main match statistics: Wales 3-1 Belgium FT: #WALBEL
