EURO 2016: Gareth Bale believes Wales have an edge over last eight rivals Belgium

Gareth Bale feels Wales could have a psychological advantage over Euro 2016 quarter-final opponents Belgium after beating them in qualifying.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jun 2016, 18:49 BST
Updated 29th Jun 2016, 19:53 BST
Wales' Gareth Bale signs autographs for fans after a press conferenceWales' Gareth Bale signs autographs for fans after a press conference
Wales' Gareth Bale signs autographs for fans after a press conference

Wales are unbeaten in their last three games against the star-studded Red Devils, and won their last meeting 12 months ago when Bale scored the winner in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Cardiff.

“We’re like their bogey team, aren’t we?” said Bale, referring to that 1-0 victory at the Cardiff City Stadium and two previous draws in Brussels.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Hopefully that edge gets into their heads - you never know.

“We will definitely draw on those qualifiers, it gives us more knowledge on them.

“We know how to play against them and how they play.

“We know it will be a different game from the qualifiers and it is a more pressurised situation.

“But we understand what they are about, how they work, and we will hone our game plan to try and stop them but help our attack.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wales are the last home nation left in the tournament after beating Northern Ireland in the last 16 and witnessing England’s elimination to Iceland on Monday night.

But Bale insists that Wales are determined to extend an adventure which has already seen them emulate the 1958 side, which reached the quarter-final of the World Cup before losing to Brazil.

“We have done well and the country is proud of us even if we do get knocked out,” said Bale.

“But we want to keep going, we want to keep riding this wave.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We want to go as far as we can and try to win the tournament.

“We understand the position we are in and everything else goes to the back of our mind.

“It is all about trying to beat Belgium and getting to the semis. We want to stay in the competition.

Both sides have had injury concerns in the build-up to the Lille clash on Friday night.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wales skipper Ashley Williams damaged a shoulder in the victory over Northern Ireland, while Belgium captain Eden Hazard complained of a leg problem after the 4-0 win against Hungary and has not trained since.

But both players are expected to play in Lille and the presence of Chelsea forward Hazard will provide a fascinating head-to-head clash with Bale.

Related topics:WalesBelgiumGareth BaleNorthern IrelandCardiff