Friday evening treats us to the second quarter-final of Euro 2016 as Belgium go head-to-head with Wales for the right to face Portugal in the last four.
Marc Wilmots’ side arriving in fine form after dismantling Hungary 4-0 in the Round of 16. Certainly, the underlying numbers justify Belgium’s position as favourites for the 8pm kick-off – they scored more goals than any other side and also led the way for shots on target over the first four rounds of fixtures, suggesting Wayne Hennessey could be in for a busy evening between the posts.
Belgium also roll up on the back of three successive clean sheets, though will need to make do without the suspended Thomas Vermaelen, who collected a second yellow against The Magyars last time out, whilst Jan Vertonghen has been sidelined with ankle ligament damage.
Wales, though, will be no pushovers. Chris Coleman’s side have scored just one goal less (seven to eight) than the Red Devils and sat joint-third for attempts on target over the first four matches.
Their hopes may ultimately depend on Gareth Bale tonight. Joint-top scorer for the tournament, the Real Madrid man also leads the way for attempts on target and looks the man most likely to upset the odds and steer Wales into the last four.
7 years, 10 months agoEden Hazard is the first player in a Euros tournament with four assists since Ljubinko Drulovic in 2000.