Wales stun Belgium to reach Euro 2016 semi finals

Wales have reached the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time after a stunning 3-1 win against Belgium.

Goals from Ashley Williams, Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes saw off a highly talented Belgian side and sent Wales into the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Wales' last appearance at a major tournament was in the 1958 World Cup where they lost to Brazil in the quarter-finals.

Chris Coleman's side will now take on Portugal in Lyon on Wednesday for a place in the final.

A header from captain Ashley Williams drew Wales level after Radja Nainggolan put Belgium ahead with a stunning shot from distance. Credit: PA

Belgium had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Radja Nainggolan rifled the ball into the top corner from distance, only for Wales captain Williams to level with a header from a corner.

Robson-Kanu left three Belgium players for dead with a 'Cruyff' turn and calmly stroked his finish into the net to put Wales ahead in the second half, before Vokes made victory certain with a header.

Ryan Giggs, the former Wales captain, hailed Friday as the "greatest night in Welsh football history".

"I'm so proud - it's quite simply the greatest night in Welsh football history, the best result in Welsh football history but more impressively, it was the best performance," he told ITV.

Hal Robson-Kanu turned two Belgian markers in the box and slotted the ball past Chelsea's Thibaut Cortois 10 minutes into the second half. Credit: PA

Coleman said his team are in an "incredible position".

"I think you dream about nights like this," he added.

"You're never sure whether you're going to be good enough or lucky enough to be involved in an experience like that.

"I think if you're lucky enough to be involved in that, it's indescribable, really."

Burnley striker Sam Vokes secured the result with a fantastic header after coming on as a late substitute. Credit: PA
Wales manager Chris Coleman led celebrations on the touchline. Credit: PA
The Welsh faithful at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille saw a historic night in their nation's football history. Credit: PA

The celebrations were slightly tinged with disappointment after Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies received bookings which will rule them out of Wednesday's semi-final.

''It is really so disappointing for both players because they deserve as much as anybody to be in the semi-final," Coleman said.

''They've been outstanding - but they did what they needed to do, what the team needed from them."