Aaron Ramsey: Wales can beat Portugal without me

Wales secured one of the most famous wins in their history, as they came back from a goal down to beat Belgium 3-1 and book their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Trailing to Radja Nainggolan’s sensational early strike, Wales sealed their passage to a first major tournament semi-final emphatically thanks to goals from Ashley Williams, Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes.

But the world will tune in on Wednesday to see the showdown between two of the best players in the world game.

But then there was Robson-Kanu’s victor against Slovakia in their opening game and Aaron Ramsey’s sterling display in the 3-0 trouncing of an abject Russian Federation, not to mention the collective efforts of their well-drilled defence.

It was a result made all the more impressive by the fact that this was Wales’s first appearance in a leading global event since they were beaten by eventual champions Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

The Belgian Football Association is to hold talks about the future of coach Marc Wilmots after Friday night’s Euro 2016 quarterfinal defeat to Wales.

Although Belgium’s travelling support can rightly feel disappointed that the so-called “golden generation” have failed in their quest for silverware yet again, they should be recognised for their great sportsmanship too.

Nottingham Forest look set to be firmly rebuffed if they approach Wales hero Hal Robson-Kanu, as he is determined to join a Premier League or top European club.

“We know what we are doing, we need to just keep enjoying ourselves and doing what we have been and we can go as far as we want”.

When asked about Messi and Ronaldo he told reporters: “They are both world-class players”. “We have a great team spirit”.

“We can never forget what it’s taken to be here, what our vision is”.

“Portugal would have hoped to get us not Belgium, I think they might be looking at it a bit differently after that”. We kept the ball very well and we felt very comfortable. It’s nice. We’ve been through a lot as a team and we’ve worked ever so hard to get here.

But Acton-born Robson-Kanu, who represented England at U-19 and U-20 level before switching allegiance to Wales due to a Caerphilly-born grandmother, admits it was his decision to leave Reading and take his chances with a move elsewhere.