UEFA Euro Cup 2016 Qualifiers Group B
June 12, 2015
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Gareth Bale scored the only goal of the match, on his 50th appearance for Wales, which took them top of their group for the 2016 UEFA Euro Cup qualifiers. This win is also a big boost to the Welsh team’s ambition, who are seeking to play in their 1st major tournament since the 1958 World Cup. They were unbeaten in their last 5 competitive matches, winning three and drawing two, but the Belgians had a far better record, they were unbeaten since their World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina.
Belgium started the match with their usual fluid attacking movements, keeping pressure on the Welsh defence, which featured Jazz Richard making only his 5th international appearance. Radja Nainggolan and Eden Hazard kept Wayne Hennessey busy with their shots, but the Welsh keeper didn’t budge, although his team-mates struggled in front of him. Jason Benayer committed a foul in the 25th minute, Aaron Ramsey stepped up to take the free-kick. He delivered a cross from the left, which was only half-cleared by the Belgium defence, when Nainggolan headed back towards his own goal. Gareth Bale was onside as well as unmarked, and he pounced on the gift with composure and clinical finishing. The Black Shirts could only watch in horror as the ball slid in through Courtois’ legs. Later on, Hal Robson-Kanu couldn’t add a second goal for Wales, as he failed to slot home the rebound, after Ramsey’s shot was parried out by Courtois.
Belgium introduced Romelu Lukaku after half-time, but the Welsh back-five put their body on the line to stop Kevin de Bruyne, Christian Benteke, and Eden Hazard from equalizing. Sam Vokes came on for Bale after the forward was affected by a cramp. Backed by a jubilant home crowd, Wales stuck to their one-goal lead till the end. The statistics told a completely different story as Belgium had 65% possession compared to a paltry 35% by Wales, while also having 18 shots compared to the home team’s 6. Nevertheless, Wales had the most important statistic,that is 3 points in their favour. They now sit on top of Group B with 14 points.
Other qualifiers saw Italy struggling to draw 1-1 at Croatia, while Latvia lost to the Netherlands 0-2. The next round of qualifiers will take place on September 3rd and 6th, 2015.