Summary

  • Wales take major step towards Euro 2016

  • Wales three points clear at top of Group B

  • Bale converts after defensive error

  • Goal comes in forward's 50th Wales cap

  1. Team newspublished at 18:49 British Summer Time 12 June 2015

    Dafydd Pritchard
    BBC Wales Sport at Cardiff City Stadium

    Wales manager Chris Coleman has sprung a major surprise with his team selection for the game against Belgium.

    Injuries to defenders James Collins and Ben Davies were expected to force Coleman to switch from the 5-3-2 formation which worked so well in the 3-0 win away against Israel.

    But Wales' boss has handed Swansea City right-back Jazz Richards a surprise start as he sticks with a five-man defence. James Chester replaces Collins at centre-back in the second of two changes from that victory in Israel.

    Belgium, meanwhile, make one change from the 4-3 friendly win against France on Sunday, as the injured Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini is replaced by Wolfsburg's former Chelsea player Kevin De Bruyne.

    Wales XI: Hennessey; Richards, Gunter, Williams, Chester, Taylor; Allen, Ramsey, Ledley; Robson-Kanu, Bale.

    Belgium XI: Courtois; Alderweireld, Lombaerts, Denayer, Vertonghen; Nainggolan, Witsel; Mertens, De Bruyne, Hazard; Benteke.

  2. Postpublished at 18:48 British Summer Time 12 June 2015

    Wales manager Chris Coleman has pretty much a full complement to pick from tonight with Gareth Bale set to win his 50th cap.

    He opted against a warm-up match ahead of this qualifier, instead going on a reconnaissance mission to Paris to watch Belgium impressively put away France 4-3.

    He will be pleased to know that Marouane Fellaini - scorer of two goals against Les Bleus - is out of tonight's game with a groin injury.

  3. Join the debate at #bbcfootball and 81111 on textpublished at 18:44 British Summer Time 12 June 2015

    Flip up the Delorean's gullwing doors. Fire up the flux capacitor. Set the clock for summer 2016.

    We are after your predictions for the Euro finals. How far will Wales and Belgium get, if they get there?

    Hit us with your best guesses on #bbcfootball,, external 81111 on text and the BBC Sport Facebook, external and Google+ pages., external

  4. Three and easy?published at 18:40 British Summer Time 12 June 2015

    Euro 2016 Group B

    In truth, although the Group B table makes it look like a cliffhanger, this match probably won't decide which of Wales and Belgium get to Euro 2016.

    In the all-new and expanded 24-team Euro 2016, the top two from each group will be going to the finals in France while the third-placed teams head off into a two-legged play-off to qualify.

    There is room for error.

  5. Going for goldpublished at 18:34 British Summer Time 12 June 2015

    Golden generations all.

    And ample evidence that a cohort of talented players, does not necessarily mean glory is close behind.

    Wales v Belgium, in previous years, might have been a relative sideshow. Tonight it is the biggest fixture in world football, illuminated by a galaxy of stars.

    Bale, Hazard, Ramsey, Benteke, Allen, Courtois - all will be hoping to go down as part of their nation's best-ever teams next summer at Euro 2016.

    They have to get there first though.

    Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Axel WitselImage source, Getty Images
  6. Postpublished at 18:22 British Summer Time 12 June 2015

    Yugoslavia in the 80s.

    YugoslaviaImage source, Getty Images

    Ajax in the 90s.

    Ajax win the Champions League 1995Image source, Getty Images

    Dare we say it..? England in the noughties.

    Steven GerrardImage source, Getty Images