Wales were taking on Belgium for a place in the semi-finals. For the Welsh it was their biggest match since 1958, that year they fell to a Pele-led Brazil side in the quarter-finals of the world cup. Brazil would go on to win the tournament, the Red Dragons had not been to a major tournament since -- and they were looking to make the most of their opportunity.
But it is the Belgians that get on the board first -- Radja Nainggolan put Belgium ahead with a thunderous 25-yard strike in the 13th minute.
but Wales captain Ashley Williams heads in from a corner to equalise in first half littered with chances at both ends.
LILLE, July 2, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Sam Vokes of Wales (L) vies with Jason Denayer of Belgium during the Euro 2016 quarterfinal match between Belgium and Wales in Lille, France, July 1, 2016. Wales won 3-1. (Xinhua/Tao Xiyi)
The Welsh continue to press and Hal Robson-Kanu, a striker without a club, gave them the lead with a divine turn and finish.
But Red Dragons are far from over as Sam Vokes would head in to seal the victory five minutes from time
3-1 is how it ends as Wales set up a semi-final against Portugal and a mouth-watering duel between Real Madrid team-mates Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
"You know, at the start of qualifying we were underdogs to even qualify but we knew the quality we have in our group. We've taken that into the tournament now. We've performed throughout and as you've said, to get through to the quarters is a fantastic achievement but to put the performance in that we did today it's just a credit to everyone involved; the players, the staff and the whole country," said Hal Robson-Kanu, Wales winger.
"We were listed among the teams that could have gone all the way, and I said that over the last two years. We got to the quarter finals but we wanted to go further because we are competitive. And the loss will leave the players with a bad taste in their mouths. Things didn't go our way. We made too many mistakes, too many mistakes to win this match against a very good Wales side and I would like to say that they know how to play football, they have good talent, so well done to them. We could have played better but I can't really explain why we kept dropping off. Perhaps we were fearing the space in behind and that is a situation when you need a lot of character," said Marc Wilmots, Belgium
manager.
