Wales and Belgium compete for a spot in the Euro 2020 semifinals

PARIS - Wales and Belgium will try to secure their place in the Euro 2020 semifinals with their respective stars, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard, as their main hope to lead their teams to the top four teams in Europe after decades without tasting the fruits of major international tournaments.

For the Welsh, who can barely remember reaching the semifinals of the 1958 World Cup, this is the biggest game of their lives for many of their fans.

They have the advantage of Bale's excellent form, who scored seven out of their eleven goals in the qualifying phase and another three goals and an assist in France, making him one of the favorites to win the Golden Boot.

On the road to the Euro, Wales' victory against Belgium was, according to Bale, a turning point in the progression of the national team.

"Since that night, we've reached another level," declared the 26-year-old Real Madrid forward, who is the only representative of the United Kingdom in the Euro after the eliminations of England and Northern Ireland.

Belgium, who reached the semifinals of the 1986 World Cup, are more accustomed to competing in international competitions and arrive in France as one of the favorites to win the tournament.

Their 2-0 defeat against Italy in their first match in France cooled down the "Red Devils" spirits.

But the successful change in position for Kevin De Bruyne, moving from the wing to play as a number ten in the center of the attack, combined with victories against Ireland, Sweden, and Hungary, with 8 goals scored and none conceded, have raised expectations once again.

The Belgians will not be able to count on Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen, who is suspended, or left-back Jan Vertonghen, who will miss the rest of the Euro due to an ankle injury that will keep him out of action for 6 to 8 weeks, as confirmed by coach Marc Wilmots on Thursday.

The Belgian coach is considering playing Jordan Lukaku, younger brother of forward Romelu Lukaku, on the left side of defense, and it is expected that Romelu will be in the starting lineup.

"Of course, it's fun to be on the team with my brother. He's only one year older than me and we have a close relationship. If we could both start on Friday, it would be very special for us," said the younger Lukaku.

For the center of defense, there are two options to fill Vermaelen's spot. Jason Deneyer, 21, and Laurent Ciman, 30, are the candidates. Wilmots hinted, "I don't know if I want to play with two young defenders," referring to Deneyer and Lukaku. "I will consider everything tonight," he added.

At least, Wilmots has cleared up the mystery surrounding Hazard's fitness, as he was nursing a quad injury in his left leg during the round of 16 match against Hungary. The Chelsea player confirmed in a press conference that he is feeling much better and will be able to play.

The winner of the match will face Portugal.

- Probable Lineups:

Wales: Hennessey; Chester, A. Williams (C), B. Davies, Gunter, Ledley, Allen, Taylor, Ramsey, Bale, Robson-Kanu or Vokes.

Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Ciman or Deneyer, Jordan Lukaku; Witsel, Nainggolan; Carrasco, De Bruyne, Hazard (C), and Romelu Lukaku.

Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia).

Pierre-Mayroy Stadium in Lille at 9:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT)

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Quarterfinal match of the Euro.

Wales eliminated Northern Ireland in the quarterfinals (1-0) and Belgium eliminated Hungary (0-4).

The key matchup: Gareth Bale against Hazard and De Bruyne. The Welshman is competing to finish as the tournament's top scorer, while Belgium aims to be the highest-scoring team.

The stat: Out of the seven matches played between both teams, Belgium has the upper hand with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 4 defeats.

The quote: Marc Wilmots, Belgium coach: "We will try to make sure Hazard is 100%. The desire and rhythm are there, but I am most interested in his quadriceps." EFE