Euro 2016 preview: Wales vs Belgium: What time does it start, where can I watch it live?

A look ahead to Friday's last eight encounter

Michael Parsons
Wednesday 29 June 2016 08:36 EDT
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Manchester City's Belgian forward Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City's Belgian forward Kevin De Bruyne (Getty)

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It’s a big game for…

Gareth Bale

With three goals in four games and the run and cross in the build-up to the winner against Northern Ireland, there has been heady talk in some quarters of Bale making this his tournament. Other players may have performed better generally, but it’s hard to argue that anyone has been as decisive as the Welshman. With Belgium finally looking like they might live up to the hype, this will be his stiffest test so far, with opportunities to effect the game likely to be limited.

Best stat…

Six of Belgium’s eight goals at Euro 2016 have been scored in the final 30 minutes.

Player to watch…

Axel Witsel

Lesser known to English fans than many of his Belgian teammates, Witsel is keeping Tottenham’s Mousa Dembélé out of the side. Less flashy than Dembélé, Witsel is an all-action midfielder charged with keeping the ball circulating quickly around the pitch.

Signed by Zenit St Petersburg for £32m in 2012, Witsel could well be on his way to the Premier League this summer, with Chelsea reported to be preparing a bid.

Premier League interest…

Wales (12): Wayne Hennessey, Neil Taylor, Ben Davies, James Chester, Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, Andy King, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Ledley, Sam Vokes, James Collins, Danny Ward

Belgium (11) Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Simon Mignolet, Divock Origi, Mousa Dembélé, Christian Benteke

Past meetings…

Wales 1 (Bale) Belgium 0, Euros qualifier, 2015

Belgium 0 Wales 0, Euros qualifier, 2014

Who will the winners face next…

The victors will face the winners of Poland v Portugal in the semi-final.

Vital information…

Date: Friday, 1st July

Venue: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

Kick-Off time: 8pm

TV: Live on BBC One

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