Can Wales challenge Belgium in Lille ?

Wales have exceeded expectations by some margin in recent years and as a result have secured themselves a quarter final against Marc Wilmots' Belgium squad. Belgium are a team laced with talent from the giant frame of Thibaut Courtois in defence to the technically gifted likes of De Bruyne and Hazard up top. However Wales should not book flights back home just yet as they have all too often shown how they can rival the best teams thanks to a combination of resolute tactics, passion and of course Gareth Bale. This is no better epitomised than when Wales beat Belgium 1-0 in Cardiff in qualifying to push them to the top of the group, unsurprisingly a Gareth Bale goal ended up the winner. However that night in June 2015 will act as motivation for a Belgium squad previously described as a 'golden generation' as they seek for revenge in Lille tonight. So how can the Welsh go about beating this freely scoring squad ?

1) Welsh resolution 

In qualifying the five man Wales defence conceded just four times in total, only the likes of Spain, England and Romania conceded fewer. This is an example of the Welsh mentality to remain strong at the back and build from there. Ashley Williams epitomises this philosophy with his no nonsense defending and desire for success. Williams is a leader too, he was determined to carry on and fight for his team despite a painful injury against Northern Ireland. Neil Taylor, James Collins, James Chester and Ben Davies are respectable premier league defenders, whilst questions may hover over their individual quality there is no denying they can all work as a unit in defence as if the Welsh mentality is born and bred in each of them. Stopping the likes of Hazard and De Bruyne will be key, especially after such a convincing Belgium performance against Hungary previously in a 4-0 win, the largest victory so far this tournament.

2) The midfield three

Wales operate in a 5-3-2 system, with a midfield consisting of Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and a Crystal Palace man, either Joe Ledley or Jonny Williams. In such a crucial match against Belgium Coleman is more likely to opt for Ledley since he provides much more defensive cover and grit in midfield which is essential to stop De Bruyne getting on the ball. However Jonny Williams has impressed this tournament against Slovakia and Northern Ireland, his speed and confidence on the ball earned free kicks aplenty, furthermore he is full of energy and will willingly track the likes of Witsel and Nainggolan if they try and bomb forward. An impact sub perhaps ? Joe Allen has improved remarkably, especially in terms of winning the ball back and executing his exquisite passing. Ramsey helps provide further energy in midfield, he has the ability to carry the ball and beat players, stop and play a cross or even get into the box and provide a threat himself. The Arsenal man is certainly a complete midfielder and has been one of the best this tournament alongside the likes of Iniesta and Kroos.

3) Gareth Bale

The Real Madrid record-money man has so far been superior to his ally/rival Ronaldo in the tournament. Bale has marked three times this tournament, 2 from long ranged free kicks, whereas Ronaldo has struggled for form and consistency. Bale arguably should have netted more after a Welsh demolition of the Russian defence in the final group game left the 26 year old with a handful of chances, of which he only scored one. Surprisingly one of the striker's best traits is his heading, in fact 13 of his goals in La Liga last season were headers. Fortunately for Wales, Belgium central defenders Kompany,Vermaelen and also Vertonghen are all out injured and Bale will be hoping to capitalise upon this. In support Sam Vokes may also start, whose enormous height makes him a menace in the air. Wales will be praying that their star man turns up, (Bale, less so Sam Vokes) and can create the opportunity for further progression in an open half of the group.

4) Belgium inadequacies 

The expected Belgium defence may leave some optimistic Welsh fans booking tickets for the semi-final ! Unfortunate injuries have meant the likes of Meunier,Denayer and Lukaku will come in alongside Tottenham ace Alderweireld. Who I here you ask ?! Meunier is a 24 year old right back who plays in the Belgium League with a measly 8 national team caps to his name, however before anyone crosses him off as a weakness in the Belgium fort he is heavily linked with  a move to PSG and sucessfully helped Club Brugge to a first title in 11 years. Denayer at just 21 years of age is also fairly inexperienced and features as a central defender alongside Alderweireld in this squad. Wales fans will be disappointed to hear that Denayer is very fast which may counter Gareth Bale getting in behind on the break. Finally Lukaku is the missing piece in the puzzle. However the Everton striker, Romelu won't be dropping back in defence, in fact his younger brother Jordan Lukaku is expected to start at left back. Once again Welsh fans will be hoping that J Lukaku inherits his brother's current poor form and struggles to find his feet in the Belgium set up.

Overall Wales will need to hope that they can take advantage of a unorthodox and muddled Belgium defence. At the other end of the pitch they know the back five will play with passion but also intelligence to stop the free flowing Belgium talents in an attempt to secure a third consecutive clean sheet after solid defensive performances against Russia and Northern Ireland. Belgium will believe differently, with 8 goals in total this tournament they are the highest scorers and will be confident in their ability to break down a packed Welsh defence.

As a result I predict a 2-1 Belgium win in extra time.