Ahead of their quarter-final clash in Lille on Friday, Belgium and Wales UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
BELGIUM – Herwig Devolder (Freight Forwarder, Dubai)
Last time out it was a stunning performance by the Red Devils against Hungary. Finally everything came together, with Kevin De Bruyne and particularly Eden Hazard putting in brilliant performances. Belgium played with passion and flair in attack, while we were also solid in defence; disappointingly, Thomas Vermaelen will be missing for this game against Wales after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament, while Jan Vertonghen is a doubt after picking up an injury.
The replacements will have their work cut out keeping Gareth Bale at bay. I’d really like to see Laurent Ciman given a chance at centre-back – he is a real soldier and has been amazing in the MLS – but I think that Marc Wilmots is more likely to pick Jason Denayer, who has been on loan at Galatasaray from Manchester City. If Vertonghen is confirmed to be out then Jordan Lukaku will come in at left-back.
It will be a different game for the quarter-final as Hungary came out and tried to play ambitious football in the last-16, which played right into our hands. Wales will not do that – they know exactly how to play against Belgium having beaten us in qualifying and we must be prepared for that. They are a strong team.
PREDICTION: Belgium 2-1 Wales
LIKELY BELGIUM XI: Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen; Witsel, Nainggolan; Carrasco, De Bruyne, Hazard; Lukaku
BELGIUM PLAYER TO WATCH: Jason Denayer – Nicknamed the ‘new Kompany’, Denayer has enjoyed a really good season at Galatasaray and definitely has talent but this is a huge new challenge and how he adapts to the big-game environment could be the difference between Belgium making the semi-finals or going home.
WALES PLAYER TO FEAR: Gareth Bale – Four game, four major contributions; Wales is Bale and Bale is Wales. The Real Madrid star can change games in an instant and with Belgium’s defence looking a little uncertain, we could be made to pay.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Belgian Beer Café Souk Madinat has good Belgian atmosphere, beer and food.
WALES – Danny Phillips (Dealer Development, Dubai)
Defining the European Championship campaign that Wales have had so far is becoming increasingly difficult. Qualification was breaking new ground, getting out of the group was a fantastic achievement and to make the quarter-finals has left fans in dreamland. As progress continues, expectation rises though, as does the pressure. So how do Wales progress to the semis?
Belgium will provide the biggest test of the tournament, but it’s not a test that Wales are unfamiliar with. In qualifying, Wales didn’t concede a goal against Belgium – picking up four points on their way to pipping the Red Devils to top spot in the group.
Still, from front to back Belgium provide a stern test, with arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, top class defenders, a fantastic midfield pairing, pace and power up front and, of course, Eden Hazard.
With the destruction of Russia aside, Wales have relied on defensive organisation to get results, and I do not expect them to stray too much from this blueprint against Belguim. Kyle Lafferty gave the Welsh back three a stern test in the last-16, and Ben Davies in particular needs to show greater resilience in dealing with the threat of Romelu Lukaku. The Welsh wing-backs are crucial, if they can occupy Belgium high up the pitch, Wales will have a strong chance, if not it could be a long night.
The duel between Hazard and Gareth Bale is intriguing and probably pivotal. If one can dominate the game it may prove to be the difference. Bale is the better player, but I fear Hazard has the better support. The Real Madrid man certainly offers more defensively and maybe his overall contribution will be worth more.
The most pleasing aspect of what may be my final preview of Euro 2016 is that Wales have proved they are a team, and not just Bale plus 10. With that said, we will need our captain fantastic Ashley Williams to be on top form – he is the rock on which all this is built on. Hopefully he is fit. Whoever wins this one will make the final. Cymru am byth!
PREDICTION: Belgium 2-2 Wales (Wales to win on penalties)
LIKELY WALES XI: Hennessey, Gunter, Chester, A. Williams, Davies, Ledley, Taylor, Allen, Ramsey, J. Williams, Bale
WALES PLAYER TO WATCH: Ashley Williams – The Swansea City centre-back always leads by example, inspires and never shies away from a challenge. He is our captain, our defensive rock – against a potent Belgium attack he will need to be at his very best. English born, but made the right choice!
BELGIUM PLAYER TO FEAR: Eden Hazard – He finally turned up at Euro 2016 with a very special performance against Hungary. As Belgium’s most talented player, the Chelsea playmaker appears to have saved his best for the knockout stages – which could be bad news for Wales!
WHERE TO WATCH: ON42 at the Media One Hotel – definitely the best football party in town!
