Iconic Euros Moments: Wales v Belgium (2016)
Wales 3 - 1 Belgium (Euro 2016)
Let's explore another iconic moment from the European Championships.
Wales recorded the greatest night in their football history as they came from a goal down to beat Belgium at Euro 2016.
Radja Nainggolan put Belgium ahead in Lille with a stunning 25-yard strike but Wales captain Ashley Williams headed in from a corner to equalise in a breathless first half littered with chances at both ends.
Welsh celebrations reached stratospheric levels when Hal Robson-Kanu, a striker without a club at the time, gave them the lead with a divine turn and finish.
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After withstanding late Belgium pressure, Wales sealed victory through a header from substitute Sam Vokes to set up a semi-final against Portugal and what many believed would be a mouth-watering duel between Gareth Bale and his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Wales manager Chris Coleman later described the last-eight tie as Wales' biggest match since their 1958 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Brazil. This had been their only previous appearance in the knockout stages of a major tournament.
On this night, Coleman's players rose to the occasion wonderfully. They recovered from a difficult start to claim what still is the greatest victory in the nation's football history.
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After being absent from major tournaments for 58 years, Wales not only ended a barren half a century but propelled Welsh football into unchartered territory.
Previous Welsh sides have claimed iconic results, such as a 2-1 win over Hungary at the 1958 World Cup, a 1991 victory against then world champions Germany and a qualifying triumph against Italy in 2002. However, those moments were in isolation and they ultimately failed to propel Wales on to greater achievements.
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Gareth Bale was the star but others played an important role
Gareth Bale in Euro 2016 qualifying was a real life superheropic.twitter.com/fypvCUQ0UF
— Viva Bale🏴 (@vivabale11_) September 22, 2023
The former Real Madrid attacking player was a key figure in Wales' success at Euro 2016. He scored three times in the group stages, but this victory highlighted the team spirit that Coleman and his side still speak about.
In this match, Bale worked industriously throughout. However, his efforts were eclipsed against Belgium by the likes of Williams, who scored despite a shoulder injury which made him a doubt for the game.
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Welsh fans remember that amazing night
David, a Wales fan who went to the match, said: "The players defended with the tenacity of soldiers. I never imagined seeing Wales in a major international tournament, let alone reach the semi-finals. It's a shame we didn't beat Portugal, but the journey to get there was incredible."
Paul, another Welsh fan, added: "That is still my greatest night watching football. Like David said, it's a real pity we didn't go on and win Euro 2016 but our adventure in France that summer was something I will never forget."
Jamie provided several more words about what happened on the day. He said: "It was a gloomy day that retained an embedded gloom. Throughout that day, Lille had been turned red by 150,000 travelling Belgians. And yet it is the mighty Welsh who progressed. The fans created an amazing atmosphere in the ground and the players responded with an incredible performance. Every single player that started for the team on the night will be remembered forever."
