Some matches of the Euro 2016 knockout rounds have been a bit underwhelming. It’s hard to deny that at this point in the tournament. What isn’t underwhelming, though, is the attacking power on the field when Belgium and Wales square off in the quarterfinal.
Wales vs. Belgium, Euro 2016: Time, TV schedule and team news for quarterfinals
Two of the best teams of Euro 2016 so far square off in the quarterfinals.
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These are two of the highest-powered and best-performing teams in the tournament so far. Belgium were shut out in their first match of the tournament but have scored eight goals in three matches since then to turn things around and dominate their competition. Wales have scored in every match and seven overall. Wales have explosive attacking power oozing out of every pore, while Belgium have athleticism and technical grace on their side. What happens when they meet up is anyone’s guess -- but it should be a lot of fun to watch.
Key player -- Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
In a very real way, Belgium go the way De Bruyne does. In their first match of the Euros against Italy, he was well contained, and it cost Belgium the game. He got free after that, though, and since then De Bruyne and Belgium have been getting better and better. Against Hungary he was a walking inspiration, the catalyst of his nation’s 4-0 win. If he can play that well again, Belgium’s attack can overwhelm Wales’ somewhat haphazard defense, and they’ll be in the semifinals. If he doesn’t, though, it might be Wales celebrating at the end of the day.
Bale has been, if not the best player in the tournament period, certainly its best attacker. He’s driven Wales to their wins and been a true star with his performances so far, and he’s going to be central to their plans again against Belgium. Hazard, though, has been right behind Bale in the quality of his own performances, leading the way when his team has been at their best and a light in the dark for Belgium when they haven’t been. While Bale and Hazard won’t be spending much time going directly head to head, their impact on the field will certainly go a long way toward determining the result of the match, and whichever player has the best day will almost certainly be playing in the semifinals.
Match Date/Time: Friday, 3 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. local
Venue: Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille, France
TV: ESPN2 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Één, La Deux (Belgium), BBC One (Wales & U.K.)
Online: ESPN3, WatchESPN (U.S.), Sporza Live Streaming (Belgium), BBC iPlayer (Wales & U.K.)
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