Everybody doubted Wales, except for me. I know that sounds arrogant but bear with me.
If you follow Euro 2016 and were unable to watch the quarter-final matchup between Wales and Belgium you missed a decisive Welsh victory over a heavily favored Belgian team.
Belgium, pundits, fans: everybody was shocked. Everybody, that is, except the Welsh players.
They have been playing with confidence throughout the tournament; Grinding out results through tough defense, moments of brilliance, and sheer determination. This Welsh team has one heart, and one goal.
Granted, the Belgian team had a lot of starters injured or suspended, but that is no excuse.
Before the match, I watched the ESPN pundits sit around and discuss how Belgium would win, despite the track record of Wales throughout the tournament. They all thought this was where the Cinderella story would end. The Belgian team was labeled as a “dark horse” team that could win it all. They have a “golden generation” of players that includes the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thibaut Courtois. Those players will now be watching from home.
The Welsh team themselves were the only ones who believed they could beat Belgium, and why shouldn’t they? Belgium was in their Euro qualifying group, and they played each other twice. The result? A 0-0 draw in Brussels, and a 1-0 Welsh victory in Cardiff. Both games were considered upsets by the media.
During the match, the Belgians started strong with an opening attack that looked sure to produce a goal; if not for a couple of goal line clearances and a save from Wayne Hennessey. Then, a screamer from Radja Nainggolan in the 13th minute gave the Belgians an early lead. Belgium thought that after the early goal, they could sit back and coast for the rest of the match. They were dead wrong.
The equalizer came in the first half, a brilliant header from Ashley Williams. Then, Hal Robson-Kanu executes a fabulous “Cryuff turn” to put Wales in front. And the icing on the cake came in the 86th minute, when a Sam Vokes header sealed the deal.
Wales was not phased by the early Belgian goal, and proceeded to dominate the rest of the match, outclassing a Belgian side that looked disorganized and lacked motivation. After the match, they celebrated with each other, and the fans; showing the true motivations behind their success.
Looks like this Cinderella story could go all the way to the big dance.
Portugal, watch out.
Leave It On The Pitch 