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The qualifiers for the Euro 2016 showpiece in France is set to resume this week and the first match-up itself, serves for a really enticing prospect as world No.2 Belgium fly down to the city of Cardiff to take on an inspired Welsh side, who are on an encouraging run of results.
World Cup quarter-finalists Les Diables Rouges are fresh from their impressive 4-3 friendly victory over France and will be buoyed on being ranked as the second best team in the latest FIFA rankings. Conversely, Chris Coleman’s Wales side, who are level on points with Belgium in the group, are gunning for their first appearance in a major competition since 1958.
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One of the most anticipated clashes, sparks are set to fly in this crucial encounter. However, the outcome of the game depends on certain facets and factors.
Here are the 5 such key points that may decide the result as the teams go mano-a-mano.
The might of Eden Hazard
The ‘PFA Player of the Year’ was a vital cog in the Chelsea juggernaut that romped to the league and Premier League titles and will certainly be looking to emulate his heroics for his national side. With captain Vincent Kompany serving his suspension, Hazard inherited the armband in the game against the French at Saint-Denis and seemed to have thrived in his added responsibility of captaincy. Against Wales, he’ll once again be entrusted with the job.
Hazard lit up Paris with a fantastic showing which also saw him convert a penalty and is arguably, his side's biggest goal threat. One of the most decisive tasks for Wales in getting the better of Belgium is trying to keep the Chelsea superstar quiet.
Wales skipper Ashley Williams, who’ll be going head-to-head with Hazard, is going to have a long evening on Friday.
Notable absentees for Belgium
Having some of your key players ruled out for a crunch clash is always going to heighten the tensions of a team. A similar miasma can be felt surrounding the Belgians.
The visitors will be without their talismanic skipper Vincent Kompany, who is suspended for the fixture having picked up a red card in the game against Israel. The experience and expertise that he brings to his side will be missed as will be replaced by a 19-year old defender, Jason Denayor, who just earned his maiden international cap this week against France.
Further up the pitch, Belgium will also be without the services of their goalscoring maestro Marouane Fellaini, who sustained a pelvic injury in training. The Manchester United star has been their main poacher in the recent games, having accrued 5 goals in the last 3 games for Belgium.
His absence is set put more attacking responsibility on the shoulders of Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens.
Gareth Bale’s imperious form for Wales
He may have been booed and jeered for his putrid showings with Real Madrid in the recently concluded season, but has been a knight in the shining armour for his national side throughout the qualifying campaign.
Gareth Bale, when in national colours, seems to conjure his fierceful best and thanks to his rich vein of form, Wales are second to Belgium only on goal difference. The Madrid superstar has struck the onion bag 5 times in the last 6 outings and is certainly the man whom The Dragons will turn towards for goals.
Wales haven't participated in any major tournament in the last 57 years and the expectation of over 30 lakh masses is riding on him to break the jinx.
Will exhaustion have an impact on Belgium?
Though missing pivotal players is one thing, notable absentees coupled with some other players totally sapped of energy ahead of a key fixture is a completely different proposition.
After returning from the Brazilian showpiece last summer, the Belgian players have had very little time to catch some Zs. The likes of Vertonghen, Hazard, Courtois, Chadli and Mousa Dembele, after a gruelling season in EPL, immediately jetted off to Australia for the post-season tour.
After winding it up, were forced to fulfill their international commitments as they were drafted in the line up for the game against France just 3 days ago.
One can only imagine the height of physical and mental stress these players have been enduring. Players have worn to a frazzle after a congested list of games and are staring the down the barrel of its side effects in this game against Wales.
Wales running high on confidence
A run of 6 unbeaten games has left Wales gushing with confidence and it is indeed turning out to be the season to remember. The nation, ranked 22nd in the world, can feel the Panglossian atmosphere engulfing them again and also considering the fact that teams like Brazil, Germany, Italy and Belgium themselves, have been beaten here in Cardiff, the Dragons must have had fire lit up in its belly.
After a string of impressive performances, there is a genuine belief that this Wales side can make it big this time and this optimism may give them the mental edge heading into the game.
