Gareth Bale and Wales prepare for Belgium as Spanish press clamour for Cristiano Ronaldo showdown
GARETH BALE is being urged to set up an explosive showdown with team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as Wales prepare to face Belgium.
The Real Madrid stars are both aiming to inspire their teams to Euro 2016 glory after winning a second Champions League title with Los Blancos.
Ronaldo toiled against Poland but scored in a shootout win as Portugal became the first country in the semi-finals.
And now all eyes turn to Lille as Bale tries to continue his stunning tournament against star-studded Belgium.
Marca told the talisman that Ronaldo is waiting for him in the semi-finals on their front page and added that it was down to him to fire the Dragons to victory.
Chris Coleman's side are underdogs but Eden Hazard & Co have blown hot and cold so far and are struggling with defensive injuries.
After skipper Vincent Kompany's pre-tournament KO, Jan Vertonghen went down in training this week and Thomas Vermaelen misses tonight's clash through suspension.
Tottenham defender Vertonghen tweeted: "Gutted to say that my Euros is over".
And star man Hazard added: "I am used to playing with Jan on the left, we will have to adapt."
Jordan Lukaku - brother of Everton star Romelu - and untested Manchester City youngster Jason Denayer are likely to come into the back four.
The duo have just 11 caps between them and come up against an injury-free Wales side who have played together for almost a decade.
Ashley Williams has recovered from a dislocated shoulder
In addition, Hazard picked up a knock during his stunning goalscoring performance against Hungary.
But the Chelsea star, who is aiming to shake off a dodgy season in the Premier League trained yesterday and has declared himself fit.
Bale scored in each of the group games against Slovakia, England and Russia before putting in a killer ball which Gareth McAuley turned into his own net in the last 16.
He was also on target as the Dragons beat Belgium 1-0 in Cardiff during qualifying.
And if Marca are going to get their dream showdown, Wales will need their star man to put in another huge shift.
Belgium are the clear favourites with the bookies but few would dare to bet against another Bale special.
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Likely line-ups
WALES (5-3-2): Hennessey; Gunter, Chester, Williams, Davies, Taylor; Allen, Ramsey, Ledley; Bale, Vokes.
BELGIUM: (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Denayer, J Lukaku; Nainggolan, Witsel; Mertens, De Bruyne, Hazard; R Lukaku.
WHERE TO WATCH
Wales v Belgium is live on BBC One at 7:30 this evening (kick-off 8pm)
