Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Wales vs Belgium player ratings: Who was the star man as the Welsh heroes enjoy their greatest night?

Playe ratings from Lille as Wales reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016

Phil Blanche,James Mariner
Friday 01 July 2016 23:26 BST
Comments
Gareth Bale is tackled by Belgium scorer Ranja Nainggolan in Lille on Friday night (Getty)
Gareth Bale is tackled by Belgium scorer Ranja Nainggolan in Lille on Friday night (Getty)

Wales produced a stunning upset to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals after Hal Robson-Kanu's superbly fashioned goal and Sam Vokes's late header secured a 3-1 comeback win over Belgium on Friday to set up a clash with Portugal.

Robson-Kanu left three Belgium players for dead with a 'Cruyff' turn and calmly stroked the ball home to put Wales ahead in the second half, while substitute Vokes's header ensured they reached their first major tournament semi-final, where they will face Cristiano Ronaldo's team in Lyons next Wednesday.

It was a crushing blow for favourites Belgium, who had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Radja Nainggolan rifled a shot into the top corner from distance only for Wales captain Ashley Williams to level with a header from a corner.

“I said before we kicked the ball today, we're not here to enjoy it, we are here to compete,” Wales manager Chris Coleman said. “Don't be afraid to have dreams. Four years ago I was as far away from this as you could imagine. I've had more failures than successes but I'm not afraid to fail. We deserve this.”

But which players shone brightest on a memorable night in rainy Lille? Check out our player ratings and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Wales, playing in their first quarter-final, and major tournament, since losing to Brazil at the 1958 World Cup, next have a match that pits the world's two most expensive players - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team mate Gareth Bale - against each other in a mouth-watering clash.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in