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*Official* Quarterfinal Two: Wales vs Belgium

Magrat Garlick

Global Moderator
Wales vs Belgium
Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille Métropole
Friday 1 July, kick off 21.00 CET


Wales: 1st appearance at major tournament since 1958 (qualified as Asian/African representative)
Belgium: 5 Euro appearances (1972-), 3 times in quarter-finals, twice in semifinals (1972 3rd, 1980 2nd), semi-finals at World Cup 1986
 

GIMH

Norwood's on Fire
I did not know about the African/Asian representative thing. Can you elaborate?

The amount of goodwill towards Wales round here is sickening.
 

Magrat Garlick

Global Moderator
I did not know about the African/Asian representative thing. Can you elaborate?

The amount of goodwill towards Wales round here is sickening.
It's one of Brumby's favourite quiz questions.

Israel had originally qualified from that zone by a bunch of walkovers because they were drawn against mainly Arab nations. (Indonesia wanted to play but only on neutral ground.) As Fifa found it slightly weird that a country had qualified without kicking a ball in anger, they wanted to arrange a playoff against a European group runner up ("randomly" drawn). Belgium were first drawn, but declined, so the chance went to Wales, who won 2-0 and 2-0.

Israel were quietly shuffled away to Oceania and Europe after this.
 

Cabinet96

Global Moderator
Yeah don't know why people thought this would be bad. Both really good counter attacking sides.
 

Magrat Garlick

Global Moderator
Everyone (English) despise Wales though.

Bit disappointed in Belgium taking their foot of the gas after that banger from Nainggolan.
 

Cabinet96

Global Moderator
Easy to see why people conclude that Wales are a one man team, but it's pretty harsh on Bale who has his moments.
 

MW1304

Cricketer Of The Year
Easy to see why people conclude that Wales are a one man team, but it's pretty harsh on Bale who has his moments.
I mean Neil Taylor isn't that much better than the rest.

Belgium already had a shaky defence but both Vers missing has made even more of a hole. Good for the match.
 

Cabinet96

Global Moderator
So weird that Wilmots doesn't rate Dembele. He's literally perfect for a game like this. Can't get past him and you can't stop him getting past you.
 

MW1304

Cricketer Of The Year
This is great.

All I could think as that happened was give it to Bale, ya moron, but that was so composed.
 

Meridio

International Regular
Ha, sold the defenders way down the river with that turn. Quality. Just when Belgium looked like they were getting on top too.
 

Cabinet96

Global Moderator
Player of the tournament out of the semi final because of the **** suspension rules hope UEFA liquidate.
 

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