Friday Euro 2016 Wales vs Belgium – Preview

July 01, 2016 20:00pm – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille Métropole

Quarter-finals

Recent Form (all comps)

Wales: WWLWL

Belgium: WWWLW

Wales will be looking for a repeat of the Euro 2016 qualifying win over Belgium as they go in search of what would be a history-making semi-final appearance when the teams meet in Lille on Friday. Belgium have the upper hand in overall meetings, having won five of their previous 12 meetings to Wales’ four.

Gareth Bale’s lone goal proved to be the difference between the two sides when they last met in Cardiff on 12 June, 2015. The reverse Euro qualifying fixture in Brussels ended in a 0-0 draw as both sides progressed to the finals. If those games are anything to go by, this should be another tight and tense affair.

Just like quarter-finalists Iceland, Wales are playing in their first ever European Championship finals. However, they did reach the same stage at their only World Cup finals appearance back in 1958.

Belgium are playing in their fifth Euro finals event, with their best result coming in 1980 when they were beaten in the final by West Germany.

Match Facts

• First Euro quarter-final appearance for Wales
• Gareth Bale scored or assisted 82% of his team’s goals in qualifying
• This is Belgium’s first Euro appearance since co-hosting in 2000

Prediction

Gareth Bale already has three goals to his name in this event and will be the key man again for Wales. While Belgium will be favourites to come out on top, Bale may just have another moment of magic up his sleeve.

You can back Gareth Bale to score at 9/4 with Betfair.

Betfair is our recommended bookmaker for all your Euro 2016 bets.