Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois fail to quell fears as Belgium crash out of Euro 2016

Belgium crashed out of Euro 2016 as Wales progressed into the semi-finals. Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois failed to reassure fans during the contest.

Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois endured a difficult 2015/16 campaign. It was hoped that they would boost their confidence with some decent displays at Euro 2016, but after appearing to get back on track, they came crashing back down to Earth. Wales defeated Belgium 3-1 to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

Eden Hazard, in particular, has been impressive throughout the last few weeks with his display against Hungary being a particular highlight. However, he was unable to take control of the contest on Friday night as the underdogs sent the talented Belgium side packing.

Matters started brightly for Marc Wilmots’ team, as they dominated the first 20 minutes. They were rewarded with a goal in the 13th minute as supposed Chelsea transfer target, Radja Nainggolan, unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box.

Wales had their moments in the first half, most notably a Neil Taylor effort that drew a spectacular save out of Thibaut Courtois. From little more than 10 yards out, Taylor’s strike was parried away by the Chelsea goalkeeper, who quickly dived to his right.

However, Chris Coleman’s men were able to equalise before the half-time whistle. Corners were likely to be Wales’ best chance to score with Belgium missing a host of defenders. Great decoys in the box left Ashley Williams free and he made no mistake in diverting the ball into the back of the net.

As the second half began, a victory was still in Wales’ wildest dreams. Nevertheless, they hang in the game and took it to the Belgians. Hal Robson-Kanu, a player currently not signed to a club, produced a moment of magic in the 55th minute to give the home nation the lead.

Descriptions of his goal as one of the greatest Euro goals ever were initially dismissed as an overreaction. Upon reflection, his Cruyff turn to take out three Belgian defenders was truly special.

Wales were in front and 2016 was about to champion the underdog once again.

Eden Hazard, meanwhile, had gone missing. You can talk all you want about what he may have been doing, but the fact of the matter is that he failed to take charge of the situation. As captain of the Belgium side, he was inundated with responsibility he failed to cope with.

After some encouraging performances, this is not the way in which Chelsea fans want to see their star man heading into the summer.

Courtois, meanwhile, conceded three goals. They were fairly unstoppable, but it continues a worrying trend for Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Wales sealed the win in the 86th minute when Sam Vokes hit the back of the net with a fantastic header from a tight angle.

The win put a number of things in perspective. Gareth Bale did not have much of an impact on the game, but his teammates were able to step up to the plate and deliver. They also showed that you don’t need to be filled with superstars to go far in an international tournament. Belgium, meanwhile, proved that they are still 11 individuals incapable of performing as a unit.

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And England.

My good god. Let’s not even get started on that.