The UEFA Euro 2016 boot battle: Day 18
The home nation’s last representative, Wales, were looking to create history by beating Belgium to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals. They had to face Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, and furthermore keep them quiet. But they have a not-so-secret weapon… Bale, Gareth Bale.
It was a great match from the start, and a definite challenger for game of the tournament; not a true contender after that 3-3 Hungary v Portugal match.
Yannick Carrasco’s early shot produced a good save from Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey. The rebound was blocked by the Welsh defence before Hazard fired another effort at goal that only went out for a corner.
After 13 minutes, though, Hazard passed the ball to Radja Nainggolan. The Belgian then proceeded to fire the ball venomously at the goal. Hennessey could only get fingertips to the missile, as it flew into the net.
Neil Taylor had Wales’ first chance, and it was a great one. Some good work on the wing resulted in the ball being crossed into the box, and Taylor met it with a powerful effort. He couldn’t divert it into the corner, though, as Thibaut Courtois saved well in the middle of the goal.
In the 31st minute, Wales did equalise, at a time when it seemed Belgium may extend their lead. A corner came across by Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, and it was met by a towering Ashley Williams, who headed it into the corner of the net unchallenged.
Lukaku missed a free header just before the break, putting it just wide when really he should have done better, but an encapsulating half ended 1-1.
Hal Robson-Kanu then guaranteed free drinks for life anywhere in Wales in the 55th minute. He received the ball in the box, and wonderfully turned on a sixpence, sending three defenders for an absolute hotdog. The turn gave him space and facing the goal with only Courtois to beat. He calmly finished into the net to give his side the lead.
Marouane Fellaini had an opportunity, when he rose for a header. However, he despicably put it well wide when you’d put your daughter’s trust fund on it finding the net.
Belgium heavily pressed, as the Welsh were being forced well back. Out of nothing, though, a cross found Sam Vokes. The striker met the ball with an excellently-placed header which went into the corner of the net and out of the reach of a helpless Courtois. Wales unbelievably held out to win 3-1 and setup a semi against Portugal.
De Bruyne gets no points for a desperate Nike team, however Bale did the business for Adidas and gained a point for a good performance.
Adidas
Bale +1
Nike
De Bruyne 0
Vermaelen 0
Overall score
Adidas 26-10 Nike
Tomorrow’s Euro 2016 match
Germany v Italy
Player’s involved
Adidas: Neuer, Hummels, Howedes, Ozil, Muller
Nike: Gotze
Another awful day for Nike as only five more matches remain in the Euro 2016 and this boot battle. Not only do they fall further behind, but also De Bruyne is out and Bale is through. Tomorrow also features five players for Adidas and just one for themselves. They can only hope that Germany lose, concede goals but also Gotze has a blinder.
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