&nbsp;A Belgian shopping centre was evacuated on Saturday after three masked robbers, armed with at least one Kalashnikov rifle, burst into a jewellery store in Chatelineau, 50 km (35 miles) south of Brussels, police said.

Police escorted dozens of shoppers out of the Cora mall, some of whom confused the sound of glass jewellery display cases being smashed with that of gunfire, police commissioner Eric De Brabander said.

No shots were fired and no one was injured in the heist, he added. The robbers escaped.

Earlier, Mayor Daniel Vanderlick told the local RTL News that gunshots had been fired with a Kalashnikov.

There was no suggestion from police that the incident had Islamist militant links. Suicide attacks claimed by Islamic State killed 32 people in Brussels in March.

&nbsp;

(Reuters)

The men were robbing a jewellery store; no one was injured

A Belgian shopping centre was evacuated on Saturday after three masked robbers, armed with at least one Kalashnikov rifle, burst into a jewellery store in Chatelineau, 50 km (35 miles) south of Brussels, police said. Police escorted dozens of shoppers out of the Cora mall, some of whom confused the sound of glass jewellery display cases being smashed with that of gunfire, police commissioner Eric De Brabander said. No shots were fired and no one was injured in the heist, he added. The robbers escaped. Earlier, Mayor Daniel Vanderlick told the local RTL News that gunshots had been fired with a Kalashnikov. There was no suggestion from police that the incident had Islamist militant links. Suicide attacks claimed by Islamic State killed 32 people in Brussels in March. (Reuters)

Shopping mall in Belgium evacuated after three masked men enter with Kalashnikov

A machete-wielding man shouting &quot;Allahu akbar&quot; (God is the greatest) wounded two policewomen in southern Belgium today before being shot dead by police, with Europe on edge after a wave of jihadist attacks. 
 
The attack outside the main police station in the city of Charleroi, around 60 kilometres (40 miles) south of Brussels left one of the policewomen with &quot;deep wounds to the face&quot; while the other was slightly injured, Belga news agency said. 
 
Charleroi police said the attacker was shot and killed, while the two victims were out of danger. 
 
Belgium has been on high security alert for months since suicide bombers struck Brussels airport and a subway station near the European Union&#39;s institutions on March 22, killing 32 people. 
 
The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, which controls large areas of territory in Iraq and Syria and has claimed numerous terror attacks in Europe in the last year. 
 
Belgian Interior Minister Jean Jambon condemned a &quot;disgusting act in Charleroi&quot; on his Twitter account and said the country&#39;s terror threat level, currently at level three on a scale of four &nbsp;would be examined. 
 
Belgian police have carried out dozens of anti-terror raids since the November 2015 attacks in Paris, planned in Belgium and involving Belgian extremists, which left 130 people dead. 
 
Last month they arrested and charged a 33-year-old man, identified as Nourredine H., with attempting to commit &quot;terrorist murder&quot; and &quot;taking part in the activities of a terrorist organisation&quot;. 
 
Prosecutors said there was for now no link to the Brussels suicide bombings. 
 
Belgium is the main source per head of population of jihadist recruits going from European Union countries to fight with IS in Syria, causing deep concern that they will return home battle-hardened and even more radicalised. 
 
The interior ministry said 457 Belgian men and women had gone or tried to join jihadists in the Middle East, including 90 who are missing or dead. 
 
Belgium launched its first attacks against IS in Iraq in late 2014 as part of a US-led coalition. It joined a similar anti-IS operation in Syria this year. 
 
Several of those involved in the Brussels bloodshed in March were directly linked to the November 13 bomb and gun attacks in Paris. 
 
In June Belgian authorities charged two men with terrorist offences amid reports of a planned attack on a Euro 2016 fanzone in central Brussels. 
 
Belgium then beefed up security for its July 21 national day celebrations after a truck attack that killed 85 people in the French city of Nice on Bastille Day, July 14. 
 
(AFP)

Charleroi police said the attacker was shot dead, while the two victims were out of danger

A machete-wielding man shouting "Allahu akbar" (God is the greatest) wounded two policewomen in southern Belgium today before being shot dead by police, with Europe on edge after a wave of jihadist attacks. The attack outside the main police station in the city of Charleroi, around 60 kilometres (40 miles) south of Brussels left one of the policewomen with "deep wounds to the face" while the other was slightly injured, Belga news agency said. Charleroi police said the attacker was shot and killed, while the two victims were out of danger. Belgium has been on high security alert for months since suicide bombers struck Brussels airport and a subway station near the European Union's institutions on March 22, killing 32 people. The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, which controls large areas of territory in Iraq and Syria and has claimed numerous terror attacks in Europe in the last year. Belgian Interior Minister Jean Jambon condemned a "disgusting act in Charleroi" on his Twitter account and said the country's terror threat level, currently at level three on a scale of four would be examined. Belgian police have carried out dozens of anti-terror raids since the November 2015 attacks in Paris, planned in Belgium and involving Belgian extremists, which left 130 people dead. Last month they arrested and charged a 33-year-old man, identified as Nourredine H., with attempting to commit "terrorist murder" and "taking part in the activities of a terrorist organisation". Prosecutors said there was for now no link to the Brussels suicide bombings. Belgium is the main source per head of population of jihadist recruits going from European Union countries to fight with IS in Syria, causing deep concern that they will return home battle-hardened and even more radicalised. The interior ministry said 457 Belgian men and women had gone or tried to join jihadists in the Middle East, including 90 who are missing or dead. Belgium launched its first attacks against IS in Iraq in late 2014 as part of a US-led coalition. It joined a similar anti-IS operation in Syria this year. Several of those involved in the Brussels bloodshed in March were directly linked to the November 13 bomb and gun attacks in Paris. In June Belgian authorities charged two men with terrorist offences amid reports of a planned attack on a Euro 2016 fanzone in central Brussels. Belgium then beefed up security for its July 21 national day celebrations after a truck attack that killed 85 people in the French city of Nice on Bastille Day, July 14. (AFP)

Machete-wielding assailant shouting 'Allahu akbar' attacks, wounds two Belgian policewomen

The Euro 2016 draw has opened up for Belgium, but Marc Wilmots&#39; side are still to confirm their title credentials before their round of 16 match against undefeated Hungary on Sunday. 
 
Belgium finished second in Group E after an opening defeat by Italy, but Wilmots refuses to see it as a blessing in disguise, even if the draw means they will avoid Spain, Germany, France, England and the Italians until the final. 
 
Concerned about the pressure on his team, the coach hinted that he would rather face one of the heavyweights. 
 
&quot;These are games in which you have nothing to lose,&quot; he told reporters. &quot;Matches like we played against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup are nicer.&nbsp;In this Euro there are no easy games, no small teams,&quot; he added. &quot;They criticised us for losing to Wales (during qualification) and look where they are now.&quot; 
 
Belgium&#39;s prospects have improved with the draw - bookmaker William Hill has slash their championship odds from 11/1 to 11/2 - but Wilmots is yet to prove he can make the most of his talented squad. 
 
They were outworked and outthought against Italy, but romped to victory against Ireland in perhaps the best performance yet by this collection of talented players. 
 
Despite Wilmots&#39; bullish response to critics after this match, hopes Belgium had turned the corner were deflated when they again lacked fluency against Sweden. 
 
Wilmots insisted Belgium had grown since their opener, but conceded that there was still much to improve. 
 
Euro 2016 joint top scorers Hungary may have a taste for blood after giving Portugal an almighty scare in a 3-3 draw on Wednesday, but they will face a sterner test from a Belgium defence eyeing a third straight clean sheet. 
 
That thrilling game also exposed Hungary&#39;s defensive deficiencies and they should provide Belgium with ample opportunity to rediscover the attacking coherency they demonstrated against Ireland. 
 
For that match, the introduction of Mousa Dembele was decisive in providing midfield mobility that had previously been lacking, although an ankle knock picked up in that match may mean Radja Nainggolan again partners Axel Witsel. 
 
Hungary coach Bernd Storck has demonstrated an admirable tactical flexibility, giving all of his 20 outfield players some action, and has hinted at more changes for Sunday&#39;s match. 
 
Adam Lang will likely continue at right back with Attila Fiola injured and attacking midfielder Zoltan Gera should return after being injured against Portugal. 
 
(Reuters)

Marc Wilmots insisted Belgium had grown since their opener, but conceded there was still much to improve

The Euro 2016 draw has opened up for Belgium, but Marc Wilmots' side are still to confirm their title credentials before their round of 16 match against undefeated Hungary on Sunday. Belgium finished second in Group E after an opening defeat by Italy, but Wilmots refuses to see it as a blessing in disguise, even if the draw means they will avoid Spain, Germany, France, England and the Italians until the final. Concerned about the pressure on his team, the coach hinted that he would rather face one of the heavyweights. "These are games in which you have nothing to lose," he told reporters. "Matches like we played against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup are nicer. In this Euro there are no easy games, no small teams," he added. "They criticised us for losing to Wales (during qualification) and look where they are now." Belgium's prospects have improved with the draw - bookmaker William Hill has slash their championship odds from 11/1 to 11/2 - but Wilmots is yet to prove he can make the most of his talented squad. They were outworked and outthought against Italy, but romped to victory against Ireland in perhaps the best performance yet by this collection of talented players. Despite Wilmots' bullish response to critics after this match, hopes Belgium had turned the corner were deflated when they again lacked fluency against Sweden. Wilmots insisted Belgium had grown since their opener, but conceded that there was still much to improve. Euro 2016 joint top scorers Hungary may have a taste for blood after giving Portugal an almighty scare in a 3-3 draw on Wednesday, but they will face a sterner test from a Belgium defence eyeing a third straight clean sheet. That thrilling game also exposed Hungary's defensive deficiencies and they should provide Belgium with ample opportunity to rediscover the attacking coherency they demonstrated against Ireland. For that match, the introduction of Mousa Dembele was decisive in providing midfield mobility that had previously been lacking, although an ankle knock picked up in that match may mean Radja Nainggolan again partners Axel Witsel. Hungary coach Bernd Storck has demonstrated an admirable tactical flexibility, giving all of his 20 outfield players some action, and has hinted at more changes for Sunday's match. Adam Lang will likely continue at right back with Attila Fiola injured and attacking midfielder Zoltan Gera should return after being injured against Portugal. (Reuters)

Belgium yet to prove themselves as Hungary awaits

Bordeaux: Belgium rediscovered their most blistering form to batter group E rivals Ireland 3-0 thanks to a brace from Romelu Lukaku and an Axel Witsel header on Saturday. 
 
The victory of the world&#39;s second-ranked team was in stark contrast to their limp defeat in their opening Euro 2016 match against Italy. 
 
Despite dominating the opening half, it still took until the opening minutes of the second period for Belgium to take the lead when Lukaku finished a counter-attack by rifling a shot into the far corner. 
 
Ireland had a brief positive spell but Witsel made it two for Belgium with a pinpoint header after 61 minutes, and Lukaku completed the rout with a simple finish after another counter-attack nine minutes later. 
 
With Italy having beaten both the Belgians and Sweden to win the group, the victory puts Belgium in second place on three points with the Irish and Sweden stuck on a point apiece. 
 
&quot;We were under pressure before today,&quot; Belgium&#39;s Kevin De Bruyne, the game&#39;s outstanding player, said. &quot;And we came out with the right reponse.&quot; 
 
Coach Marc Wilmots made three changes to the Belgium line-up that struggled against Italy, and they immediately appeared more vibrant and cohesive. 
 
Their speed and fluidity improved, with the introduction of Thomas Meunier and Yannick Carrasco giving them a menace out wide which had been missing in their opener. 
 
De Bruyne kept his place despite a subdued showing against Italy and, vastly improved, he set the tone with a searing 13th-minute corner which Toby Alderweireld headed wide, before finding his range with a free kick. 
 
Ireland were not without their own threat, as Meunier&#39;s adventures down the right flank left space for Shane Long to exploit, although Martin O&#39;Neill&#39;s side ultimately failed to register a single shot on target during the entire 90 minutes. 
 
Belgium began to dominate, with De Bruyne&#39;s teasing delivery forcing a diving header from John O&#39;Shea on 20 minutes, which inadvertently set up Eden Hazard to fire over. 
 
Wes Hoolahan then cleared off the line as Alderweireld headed another fine De Bruyne corner goalwards. 
 
As Irish resolve strengthened, Wilmots was again left pondering how to forge an effective attacking unit from the Golden Generation&#39;s wealth of striking talent. 
 
It took only three second-half minutes for an answer to emerge, as De Bruyne tore down the right before crossing for Lukaku, who opened his body and sent a curling left-foot effort into the corner of the net. 
 
The goal seemed to release the pressure on Belgium, who celebrated furiously with Wilmots in the corner while their supporters threw flares onto the pitch. 
 
Yet Ireland were justifiably left seething as Alderweireld&#39;s penalty-box high foot on Long in the build-up went unpunished. 
 
Witsel put the contest beyond the Irish 13 minutes later, arriving in the box to head the impressive Meunier&#39;s cross beyond Randolph, whose outstretched hand could not quite divert the thumping effort wide. 
 
In the 70th minute, Belgium added a third in a delicious move that encapsulated the invention and panache that has long been expected from this talented squad. 
 
Meunier, again influential, dispossessed McClean and sent a long ball forward for Hazard down the right. 
 
The attacker, outrageously lapping the linesman on the outside, raced to meet the pass before crossing for Lukaku who swept home with aplomb as Belgium secured their biggest winning scoreline at a major international tournament in 46 years. 
 
&quot;As a team, we had to give a response to everybody who watched the game against Italy,&quot; Hazard said. &quot;The way we responded was good and we really deserved this victory.&quot; 
 
For Ireland, though, there was nothing but disappointment as their winless run at the European Championships was extended to seven games. 
 
&quot;When you&#39;re attacking you&#39;re at your most vulnerable,&quot; O&#39;Shea said. &quot;So we&#39;ll have to work on that.&quot; 
 
This was an emphatic response from Belgium to their critics. 
 
With their first clean sheet in nine matches and a dazzling second-half performance, they had finally realised their potential in a high-profile fixture, reaffirming their title credentials with clinical precision and real style. 
(Reuters)

Team were a changed side from their opening defeat to Italy

Bordeaux: Belgium rediscovered their most blistering form to batter group E rivals Ireland 3-0 thanks to a brace from Romelu Lukaku and an Axel Witsel header on Saturday. The victory of the world's second-ranked team was in stark contrast to their limp defeat in their opening Euro 2016 match against Italy. Despite dominating the opening half, it still took until the opening minutes of the second period for Belgium to take the lead when Lukaku finished a counter-attack by rifling a shot into the far corner. Ireland had a brief positive spell but Witsel made it two for Belgium with a pinpoint header after 61 minutes, and Lukaku completed the rout with a simple finish after another counter-attack nine minutes later. With Italy having beaten both the Belgians and Sweden to win the group, the victory puts Belgium in second place on three points with the Irish and Sweden stuck on a point apiece. "We were under pressure before today," Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, the game's outstanding player, said. "And we came out with the right reponse." Coach Marc Wilmots made three changes to the Belgium line-up that struggled against Italy, and they immediately appeared more vibrant and cohesive. Their speed and fluidity improved, with the introduction of Thomas Meunier and Yannick Carrasco giving them a menace out wide which had been missing in their opener. De Bruyne kept his place despite a subdued showing against Italy and, vastly improved, he set the tone with a searing 13th-minute corner which Toby Alderweireld headed wide, before finding his range with a free kick. Ireland were not without their own threat, as Meunier's adventures down the right flank left space for Shane Long to exploit, although Martin O'Neill's side ultimately failed to register a single shot on target during the entire 90 minutes. Belgium began to dominate, with De Bruyne's teasing delivery forcing a diving header from John O'Shea on 20 minutes, which inadvertently set up Eden Hazard to fire over. Wes Hoolahan then cleared off the line as Alderweireld headed another fine De Bruyne corner goalwards. As Irish resolve strengthened, Wilmots was again left pondering how to forge an effective attacking unit from the Golden Generation's wealth of striking talent. It took only three second-half minutes for an answer to emerge, as De Bruyne tore down the right before crossing for Lukaku, who opened his body and sent a curling left-foot effort into the corner of the net. The goal seemed to release the pressure on Belgium, who celebrated furiously with Wilmots in the corner while their supporters threw flares onto the pitch. Yet Ireland were justifiably left seething as Alderweireld's penalty-box high foot on Long in the build-up went unpunished. Witsel put the contest beyond the Irish 13 minutes later, arriving in the box to head the impressive Meunier's cross beyond Randolph, whose outstretched hand could not quite divert the thumping effort wide. In the 70th minute, Belgium added a third in a delicious move that encapsulated the invention and panache that has long been expected from this talented squad. Meunier, again influential, dispossessed McClean and sent a long ball forward for Hazard down the right. The attacker, outrageously lapping the linesman on the outside, raced to meet the pass before crossing for Lukaku who swept home with aplomb as Belgium secured their biggest winning scoreline at a major international tournament in 46 years. "As a team, we had to give a response to everybody who watched the game against Italy," Hazard said. "The way we responded was good and we really deserved this victory." For Ireland, though, there was nothing but disappointment as their winless run at the European Championships was extended to seven games. "When you're attacking you're at your most vulnerable," O'Shea said. "So we'll have to work on that." This was an emphatic response from Belgium to their critics. With their first clean sheet in nine matches and a dazzling second-half performance, they had finally realised their potential in a high-profile fixture, reaffirming their title credentials with clinical precision and real style. (Reuters)

Belgium batter Ireland, Lukaku scores twice

Italy coach Antonio Conte said before Euro 2016 that his side would have to make up for their lack of talent with tactical cunning, and they did exactly that to sink Belgium 2-0 on Monday. 
 
In terms of pure footballing ability, Italy&#39;s current team is regarded as one of the country&#39;s weakest in years. Yet, they were still too streetwise for a Belgium team that once again failed to live up to expectations. 
 
The Azzurri&#39;s shortage of talent is such that 38-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is seen as their standout performer while Daniele De Rossi, once a purely destructive presence, has been recalled to dictate the passing in midfield. 
 
Riccardo Montolivo, Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, who might have added some class, are injured while maverick forward Mario Balotelli&#39;s career has gone so far off the rails that his exclusion from the squad went almost unnoticed. 
 
Monday&#39;s opening Group E performance was typical of Conte who won three successive Serie A titles in as many years at Juventus. 
 
In the last few months he has talked about understanding the importance of &quot;wearing the shirt&quot;, to the exclusion of almost anything else, and the players seem to have got the message. 
 
Italy appeared to line up with a 3-5-2 formation but this quickly reverted to a back line of five when the opposition had the ball and changed to an attacking four when they went forward. 
 
It required extraordinary work from the players and Italy were wilting by the end. 
 
The defence, featuring Juventus trio Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, was outstanding but this was by no means the sort of negative or cynical performance that has marred Italy&#39;s reputation in the past. 
 
Conte&#39;s men looked to attack in numbers when they had the chance and, for all of Belgium&#39;s possession, Thibaut Courtois was the busier goalkeeper. 
 
There was some gamesmanship to start with, but it didn&#39;t last. Having cleverly avoided any yellow cards in the first hour, Italy picked up four in the last third of the match as they stopped counter-attacks at all cost. 
 
Two excellent goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle capped Italy&#39;s display. Giaccherini&#39;s goal was his first in internationals since the Confederations Cup three years ago. 
 
In the meantime he has gone from a fringe player at Juventus to struggling for a place at Sunderland and finally to unglamorous Bologna, an example of how workmenlike players have replaced Italian artists such as Andrea Pirlo.

Conte's Azzuri battled from start to finish in the win

Italy coach Antonio Conte said before Euro 2016 that his side would have to make up for their lack of talent with tactical cunning, and they did exactly that to sink Belgium 2-0 on Monday. In terms of pure footballing ability, Italy's current team is regarded as one of the country's weakest in years. Yet, they were still too streetwise for a Belgium team that once again failed to live up to expectations. The Azzurri's shortage of talent is such that 38-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is seen as their standout performer while Daniele De Rossi, once a purely destructive presence, has been recalled to dictate the passing in midfield. Riccardo Montolivo, Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, who might have added some class, are injured while maverick forward Mario Balotelli's career has gone so far off the rails that his exclusion from the squad went almost unnoticed. Monday's opening Group E performance was typical of Conte who won three successive Serie A titles in as many years at Juventus. In the last few months he has talked about understanding the importance of "wearing the shirt", to the exclusion of almost anything else, and the players seem to have got the message. Italy appeared to line up with a 3-5-2 formation but this quickly reverted to a back line of five when the opposition had the ball and changed to an attacking four when they went forward. It required extraordinary work from the players and Italy were wilting by the end. The defence, featuring Juventus trio Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, was outstanding but this was by no means the sort of negative or cynical performance that has marred Italy's reputation in the past. Conte's men looked to attack in numbers when they had the chance and, for all of Belgium's possession, Thibaut Courtois was the busier goalkeeper. There was some gamesmanship to start with, but it didn't last. Having cleverly avoided any yellow cards in the first hour, Italy picked up four in the last third of the match as they stopped counter-attacks at all cost. Two excellent goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle capped Italy's display. Giaccherini's goal was his first in internationals since the Confederations Cup three years ago. In the meantime he has gone from a fringe player at Juventus to struggling for a place at Sunderland and finally to unglamorous Bologna, an example of how workmenlike players have replaced Italian artists such as Andrea Pirlo.

Scrappy Italy take Belgium down

Italy are wary of the threat that Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic poses, but they can win Friday&#39;s Euro 2016 match in the same way they defeated Belgium, said midfielder Daniele De Rossi. 
 
The 34-year-old Ibrahimovic, who has scored 62 goals for Sweden, failed to make an impact in his team&#39;s 1-1 draw with Ireland. 
 
De Rossi compared the former Paris St Germain striker to Dutch great Marco van Basten. 
 
&quot;Maybe they have less talent than Belgium so they will probably wait in their half and try to play counterattack with long balls,&quot; De Rossi told reporters in France. 
 
&quot;Ibrahimovic is the best forward since the time of Van Basten, except for Ronaldo, but they are different players. 
 
&quot;We are a little bit scared of his power and his talent but we can beat them the same way that we can beat Belgium with organisation and by working hard on the training pitch.&quot; 
 
Italy, who began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Belgium to top Group E, face Ireland in their final group stage match. 
 
(Reuters)

The 34-year-old Ibrahimovic, who has scored 62 goals for Sweden, failed to make an impact in his team's 1-1 draw with Ireland

Italy are wary of the threat that Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic poses, but they can win Friday's Euro 2016 match in the same way they defeated Belgium, said midfielder Daniele De Rossi. The 34-year-old Ibrahimovic, who has scored 62 goals for Sweden, failed to make an impact in his team's 1-1 draw with Ireland. De Rossi compared the former Paris St Germain striker to Dutch great Marco van Basten. "Maybe they have less talent than Belgium so they will probably wait in their half and try to play counterattack with long balls," De Rossi told reporters in France. "Ibrahimovic is the best forward since the time of Van Basten, except for Ronaldo, but they are different players. "We are a little bit scared of his power and his talent but we can beat them the same way that we can beat Belgium with organisation and by working hard on the training pitch." Italy, who began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Belgium to top Group E, face Ireland in their final group stage match. (Reuters)

Italy can overcome Ibrahimovic threat to beat Sweden - De Rossi

Julen Lopetegui, who led Spain&#39;s youth teams to international success, was tasked today with breathing new life into La Roja after they crashed out of the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. 
 
The Spanish football federation announced the 49-year-old former goalkeeper would take over from Vicente del Bosque as manager of the national team, weeks after the latter resigned following Spain&#39;s defeat to Italy in the last 16 of Euro 2016. 
 
Del Bosque had led Spain to the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 titles, after taking over from Euro 2008-winning coach Luis Aragones. 
 
But the second half of his stint was disappointing, with the 2-0 defeat to Italy following a shock group-stage exit from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and he was criticised for not having given the newer generation a chance. 
 
Thanks to his success with Spain&#39;s under-19s and under-21s, Lopetegui has long been a favourite of Spanish FA head Angel Maria Villar, who made the appointment before concentrating on his bid to replace Michel Platini as UEFA chief. 
 
He is reported to have overcome stiff competition from veteran former Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros for the post. 
 
Today Vicente del Bosque wished Lopetegui well. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s a man with experience, well trained and with huge enthusiasm and lots of energy,&quot; he told Radio Marca. 
 
&quot;He will know how to manage (the team) like he has done brilliantly in the younger age categories.&quot; 
 
Lopetegui has over his career achieved varying degrees of success on the pitch and as a coach. 
 
His spells as a goalkeeper at Real Madrid and Barcelona saw him spend much of his time on the bench. But he was highly successful at smaller club Logrones from 1991 to 1994 at a time when the team was in the country&#39;s first division. 
 
Retiring from professional football in 2002, he became coach of Madrid-based Rayo Vallecano, a team in Spain&#39;s second tier, where he had last played before retiring. 
 
He then moved on to Real Madrid where he coached the club&#39;s Castilla reserve team, the same post that Zinedine Zidane held before moving on to managing the first team. 
 
But Lopetegui, who hails from the northern Basque country, really made his name when he coached the national team&#39;s under-19s, under-20s and under-21s from 2010 to 2014. 
 
He led his teams to victory in the 2012 European Under-19 Championship and a year later in the Under-21 European Championship which featured David de Gea, Thiago Alcantara and Alvaro Morata, all of whom were at Euro 2016. 
 
Fresh from that success, he took over Porto in 2014 and led them to the quarter-finals of the 2014/15 Champions League. 
 
A famous 3-1 win over Pep Guardiola&#39;s Bayern Munich in the first leg of the quarter-final was quickly forgotten as Bayern bounced back to thrash Lopetegui&#39;s men 6-1 in the second leg, to progress to the last four. 
 
Porto also finished runners-up to rivals Benfica in the Portuguese league in his first season in charge. 
 
Lopetegui signed Iker Casillas from Real Madrid in July 2015, but that did little to help and he was sacked in January with Porto languishing in third behind Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, having been knocked out at the group stages of the Champions League. 
 
Still, influential sports daily Marca said his intimate knowledge of the workings of the national team was &quot;ideal&quot; as Spain seek to re-emerge from a dark patch after failures in Brazil and France. 
 
&quot;Lopetegui has a nice challenge ahead,&quot; it wrote. 
 
&quot;His adventure starts in September with the friendly between La Roja and Belgium.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Lopetegui is reported to have overcome stiff competition from veteran former Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros for the post

Julen Lopetegui, who led Spain's youth teams to international success, was tasked today with breathing new life into La Roja after they crashed out of the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. The Spanish football federation announced the 49-year-old former goalkeeper would take over from Vicente del Bosque as manager of the national team, weeks after the latter resigned following Spain's defeat to Italy in the last 16 of Euro 2016. Del Bosque had led Spain to the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 titles, after taking over from Euro 2008-winning coach Luis Aragones. But the second half of his stint was disappointing, with the 2-0 defeat to Italy following a shock group-stage exit from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and he was criticised for not having given the newer generation a chance. Thanks to his success with Spain's under-19s and under-21s, Lopetegui has long been a favourite of Spanish FA head Angel Maria Villar, who made the appointment before concentrating on his bid to replace Michel Platini as UEFA chief. He is reported to have overcome stiff competition from veteran former Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros for the post. Today Vicente del Bosque wished Lopetegui well. "He's a man with experience, well trained and with huge enthusiasm and lots of energy," he told Radio Marca. "He will know how to manage (the team) like he has done brilliantly in the younger age categories." Lopetegui has over his career achieved varying degrees of success on the pitch and as a coach. His spells as a goalkeeper at Real Madrid and Barcelona saw him spend much of his time on the bench. But he was highly successful at smaller club Logrones from 1991 to 1994 at a time when the team was in the country's first division. Retiring from professional football in 2002, he became coach of Madrid-based Rayo Vallecano, a team in Spain's second tier, where he had last played before retiring. He then moved on to Real Madrid where he coached the club's Castilla reserve team, the same post that Zinedine Zidane held before moving on to managing the first team. But Lopetegui, who hails from the northern Basque country, really made his name when he coached the national team's under-19s, under-20s and under-21s from 2010 to 2014. He led his teams to victory in the 2012 European Under-19 Championship and a year later in the Under-21 European Championship which featured David de Gea, Thiago Alcantara and Alvaro Morata, all of whom were at Euro 2016. Fresh from that success, he took over Porto in 2014 and led them to the quarter-finals of the 2014/15 Champions League. A famous 3-1 win over Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich in the first leg of the quarter-final was quickly forgotten as Bayern bounced back to thrash Lopetegui's men 6-1 in the second leg, to progress to the last four. Porto also finished runners-up to rivals Benfica in the Portuguese league in his first season in charge. Lopetegui signed Iker Casillas from Real Madrid in July 2015, but that did little to help and he was sacked in January with Porto languishing in third behind Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, having been knocked out at the group stages of the Champions League. Still, influential sports daily Marca said his intimate knowledge of the workings of the national team was "ideal" as Spain seek to re-emerge from a dark patch after failures in Brazil and France. "Lopetegui has a nice challenge ahead," it wrote. "His adventure starts in September with the friendly between La Roja and Belgium." (AFP)

Julen Lopetegui named as Spain's new coach

Louis van Gaal was a contender to take over as Belgium&#39;s coach but in the end made himself unavailable, Belgian newspapers reported today two days after Roberto Martinez was handed the post. 
 
Van Gaal, dismissed by Manchester United despite winning the FA Cup in May, had a discussion about the job with Belgian football association vice president Bert Verhaeghe, according to Het Nieuwsblad. 
 
He decided not to pursue discussions, saying he would keep a promise to his wife to take a year away from the game, but a future role was not ruled out, reports added. 
 
The Belgians named former Everton manager Martinez as coach on Wednesday but had also discussed the post, which fell vacant when Marc Wilmots was sacked after the European Championship, with Dick Advocaat, Rolf Rangnick and Rudi Garcia. 
 
Martinez had been out of work since being sacked by Everton in May after a frustrating season when they finished 11th in the Premier League amid considerable supporter unrest at Goodison Park. 
 
His first match in charge will be against his native Spain on Sept. 1. 
 
Belgium boast a number of high-profile, talented players such as Chelsea&#39;s Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois and Manchester City&#39;s Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne. 
 
They have climbed to second in FIFA&#39;s world rankings but failed to live up to their potential under Wilmots, falling short of expectations at the 2014 World Cup and at Euro 2016, where they lost to Wales in the quarter-finals. 
 
(Reuters)

The Belgians named former Everton manager Roberto Martinez as coach on Wednesday

Louis van Gaal was a contender to take over as Belgium's coach but in the end made himself unavailable, Belgian newspapers reported today two days after Roberto Martinez was handed the post. Van Gaal, dismissed by Manchester United despite winning the FA Cup in May, had a discussion about the job with Belgian football association vice president Bert Verhaeghe, according to Het Nieuwsblad. He decided not to pursue discussions, saying he would keep a promise to his wife to take a year away from the game, but a future role was not ruled out, reports added. The Belgians named former Everton manager Martinez as coach on Wednesday but had also discussed the post, which fell vacant when Marc Wilmots was sacked after the European Championship, with Dick Advocaat, Rolf Rangnick and Rudi Garcia. Martinez had been out of work since being sacked by Everton in May after a frustrating season when they finished 11th in the Premier League amid considerable supporter unrest at Goodison Park. His first match in charge will be against his native Spain on Sept. 1. Belgium boast a number of high-profile, talented players such as Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois and Manchester City's Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne. They have climbed to second in FIFA's world rankings but failed to live up to their potential under Wilmots, falling short of expectations at the 2014 World Cup and at Euro 2016, where they lost to Wales in the quarter-finals. (Reuters)

Van Gaal was contender for Belgium job: Media reports

A late goal by Premier League target Radja Nainggolan earned Belgium a last-16 berth with a 1-0 win over Sweden ending superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic&#39;s international career with a defeat. 
 
The Roma midfielder, reportedly wanted by Chelsea, controlled a cross from Eden Hazard outside the area and powered it into the net in the 82nd minute. 
 
After a poor display against Italy in their group opener, Belgium now take on Hungary in Toulouse on June 26 with the momentum of two wins behind them. 
 
&quot;We have got better since the Italy game, kept two clean sheets in a row,&quot; said Marc Wilmots, Belgium&#39;s coach. 
 
&quot;It will be a complicated game, we watched the last minutes of their game against Portugal, Hungary leave 200 per cent on the field,&quot; said Belgium skipper Eden Hazard who was awarded man-of-the-match. 
 
There was to be no salvation for Sweden, nor one more game for Ibrahimovic. 
 
He battled to the end, almost snatching a late equaliser with a half volley on the turn, but the dying minutes were instead marked by the Belgian fans raucously chanting &quot;Bye Bye Ibrahimovic!&quot; 
 
&quot;It&#39;s heavy, it&#39;s disappointing, but at the same time I enjoyed it, we got the possibility to play at &nbsp;the Euros, and represent Sweden,&quot; said Ibrahimovic. 
 
&quot;At the same time I am proud, this was my last game in the national team, I have many fantastic memories.&quot; 
 
Sweden coach Erik Hamren said Ibrahimovic was a &quot;unique&quot; talent that cannot be replaced. 
 
&quot;I hope we can find another player, not a Zlatan as I don&#39;t think in a small country like Sweden you can find someone like that, he&#39;s really unique,&quot; said Hamren. 
 
Sweden finished bottom of the group and will look back with regret on a flat performance in their opener against Ireland. 
 
&quot;Our two last games were not bad, but we couldn&#39;t finish our chances in either,&quot; added Hamren. &quot;Against Ireland we weren&#39;t very good, maybe in attack we could have been better against Italy. But I can&#39;t ask more from my players, I&#39;m proud of them, even though we lost the game,&quot; he said. 
 
Facing elimination if defeated, both teams pushed forward to attack which produced a pulsating first half hour in balmy Nice. 
 
Chances came thick and fast, Sweden almost grabbing a dream start three minutes in when a goalmouth half-volley by Marcus Berg, in for John Giudetti as strike partner to Ibrahimovic, was batted out by Thibaut Courtois. 
 
Belgium launched regular raids with Kevin De Bruyne through the middle and Hazard, roving from wing to wing, at the heart of the danger. 
 
Midway through the half, a backheel from Hazard let the Man City star fire a shot straight at the Isaksson. 
 
At the other end, Ibrahimovic had little joy, bar the occasional half-chance snapshot or attempt at a spectacular volley. 
 
But none came to anything on an ultimately frustrating night for the Swedish legend who announced his international retirement after Euro 2016 on Tuesday. 
 
It was Belgium who nearly entered the break in front, when Meurier headed an inch-perfect De Bruyne cross just wide of Andreas Isaksson&#39;s post. 
 
As the clock ran down in the second half the temperature began rising again as Belgium wasted a host of chances to kill of Swedish hopes. 
 
Isaksson dived at full length to keep out a De Bruyne drive before a powerful Romelu Lukaku break was foiled by Isakksson who spread his body well to block the shot. 
 
A minute later, an identical run by the Everton striker, this time with a neat finish, was ruled offside. 
 
Time was running out on Ibrahimovic when he went close with a free-kick turned away by Courtois with a quarter hour to go before De Bruyne cleared off the line. 
 
But Nainggolan secured a richly-talented Belgian side&#39;s place on the favourable half of the draw with a rasping drive into the far corner. 
 
(AFP)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored 62 goals in 116 international matches, ends his international career in defeat as Sweden fails to qualify

A late goal by Premier League target Radja Nainggolan earned Belgium a last-16 berth with a 1-0 win over Sweden ending superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic's international career with a defeat. The Roma midfielder, reportedly wanted by Chelsea, controlled a cross from Eden Hazard outside the area and powered it into the net in the 82nd minute. After a poor display against Italy in their group opener, Belgium now take on Hungary in Toulouse on June 26 with the momentum of two wins behind them. "We have got better since the Italy game, kept two clean sheets in a row," said Marc Wilmots, Belgium's coach. "It will be a complicated game, we watched the last minutes of their game against Portugal, Hungary leave 200 per cent on the field," said Belgium skipper Eden Hazard who was awarded man-of-the-match. There was to be no salvation for Sweden, nor one more game for Ibrahimovic. He battled to the end, almost snatching a late equaliser with a half volley on the turn, but the dying minutes were instead marked by the Belgian fans raucously chanting "Bye Bye Ibrahimovic!" "It's heavy, it's disappointing, but at the same time I enjoyed it, we got the possibility to play at the Euros, and represent Sweden," said Ibrahimovic. "At the same time I am proud, this was my last game in the national team, I have many fantastic memories." Sweden coach Erik Hamren said Ibrahimovic was a "unique" talent that cannot be replaced. "I hope we can find another player, not a Zlatan as I don't think in a small country like Sweden you can find someone like that, he's really unique," said Hamren. Sweden finished bottom of the group and will look back with regret on a flat performance in their opener against Ireland. "Our two last games were not bad, but we couldn't finish our chances in either," added Hamren. "Against Ireland we weren't very good, maybe in attack we could have been better against Italy. But I can't ask more from my players, I'm proud of them, even though we lost the game," he said. Facing elimination if defeated, both teams pushed forward to attack which produced a pulsating first half hour in balmy Nice. Chances came thick and fast, Sweden almost grabbing a dream start three minutes in when a goalmouth half-volley by Marcus Berg, in for John Giudetti as strike partner to Ibrahimovic, was batted out by Thibaut Courtois. Belgium launched regular raids with Kevin De Bruyne through the middle and Hazard, roving from wing to wing, at the heart of the danger. Midway through the half, a backheel from Hazard let the Man City star fire a shot straight at the Isaksson. At the other end, Ibrahimovic had little joy, bar the occasional half-chance snapshot or attempt at a spectacular volley. But none came to anything on an ultimately frustrating night for the Swedish legend who announced his international retirement after Euro 2016 on Tuesday. It was Belgium who nearly entered the break in front, when Meurier headed an inch-perfect De Bruyne cross just wide of Andreas Isaksson's post. As the clock ran down in the second half the temperature began rising again as Belgium wasted a host of chances to kill of Swedish hopes. Isaksson dived at full length to keep out a De Bruyne drive before a powerful Romelu Lukaku break was foiled by Isakksson who spread his body well to block the shot. A minute later, an identical run by the Everton striker, this time with a neat finish, was ruled offside. Time was running out on Ibrahimovic when he went close with a free-kick turned away by Courtois with a quarter hour to go before De Bruyne cleared off the line. But Nainggolan secured a richly-talented Belgian side's place on the favourable half of the draw with a rasping drive into the far corner. (AFP)

Belgium seal last-16 berth with 1-0 win over Sweden,  Ibrahimovic bows out

Belgium captain Eden Hazard produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at Euro 2016 on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales. 
 
Hazard, who has finally burst into life at the tournament after a disappointing club season with Chelsea, set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco completed a comfortable victory. 
 
&quot;If he&#39;s feeling good, he&#39;s the best in the world,&quot; Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said of Hazard. &quot; The only thing we might have done better was kill the match off earlier.&quot; 
 
Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box where centre back Alderweireld rose at the far post to power a header past keeper Gabor Kiraly. 
 
Substitute Batshuayi tapped home Hazard&#39;s low cross with 12 minutes remaining shortly after coming on before the Belgium skipper cut inside Hungary&#39;s box and rifled home a superb low strike for the third, with Carrasco grabbing a late fourth. 
 
Hungary, shorn of influential midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler who was injured in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a one-sided half. 
 
De Bruyne has improved significantly after being criticised by coach Marc Wilmots and was again at the heart of much that was good about Belgium&#39;s play. 
 
He lofted an early shot over the bar and teed up striker Romelu Lukaku to force a sharp save from veteran Kiraly, before testing the keeper himself from the edge of the box. 
 
Predictably, it was De Bruyne who forged the opening to cap off an excellent opening spell. 
 
After provoking a foul on the left, the 24-year-old curled in the resulting free kick and, while his delivery evaded Lukaku, Alderweireld arrived behind his team mate to head home. 
 
It was De Bruyne&#39;s 11th goal or assist in his last 12 internationals, and represented another decisive contribution for one of the Euro&#39;s leading lights. 
 
Hungary were largely reduced to pot shots from distance, with Gergo Lovrencsics and Balazs Dzsudzsak both hoping in vain for a repeat of the latter&#39;s belter against Portugal. 
 
De Bruyne fired a free kick against the bar in the 34th, while the overworked Kiraly denied Dries Mertens and Hazard from close range as Belgium threatened to extend their lead. 
 
Hungary improved after the break as Dzsudzsak got more of the ball and he fashioned an excellent chance for Adam Szalai, while Adam Pinter&#39;s deflected strike drew a fine save from Courtois and Roland Juhasz sent a low drive just wide. 
 
With Belgium failing to kill off the game, Wilmots turned to Batshuayi, so far unused at the finals, after 76 minutes. 
 
The switch paid off almost immediately as the highly regarded forward scored with his first touch, a simple finish following a sublime cross from Hazard in the 78th. 
 
Just as De Bruyne had imposed himself during the opening stages of the match, so Hazard shone at the finale. 
 
Ninety-four seconds later, the forward killed the game with a magnificent solo effort, cutting in from the left, evading two challenges and thumping the ball home from the edge of the area. 
 
Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Carrasco combined at the death to add a breakaway fourth as Belgium secured a quarter-final date with Wales in Lille on Friday. 
 
(Reuters)

Belgium captain Eden Hazard produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at Euro 2016 on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales. Hazard, who has finally burst into life at the tournament after a disappointing club season with Chelsea, set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco completed a comfortable victory. "If he's feeling good, he's the best in the world," Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said of Hazard. " The only thing we might have done better was kill the match off earlier." Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box where centre back Alderweireld rose at the far post to power a header past keeper Gabor Kiraly. Substitute Batshuayi tapped home Hazard's low cross with 12 minutes remaining shortly after coming on before the Belgium skipper cut inside Hungary's box and rifled home a superb low strike for the third, with Carrasco grabbing a late fourth. Hungary, shorn of influential midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler who was injured in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a one-sided half. De Bruyne has improved significantly after being criticised by coach Marc Wilmots and was again at the heart of much that was good about Belgium's play. He lofted an early shot over the bar and teed up striker Romelu Lukaku to force a sharp save from veteran Kiraly, before testing the keeper himself from the edge of the box. Predictably, it was De Bruyne who forged the opening to cap off an excellent opening spell. After provoking a foul on the left, the 24-year-old curled in the resulting free kick and, while his delivery evaded Lukaku, Alderweireld arrived behind his team mate to head home. It was De Bruyne's 11th goal or assist in his last 12 internationals, and represented another decisive contribution for one of the Euro's leading lights. Hungary were largely reduced to pot shots from distance, with Gergo Lovrencsics and Balazs Dzsudzsak both hoping in vain for a repeat of the latter's belter against Portugal. De Bruyne fired a free kick against the bar in the 34th, while the overworked Kiraly denied Dries Mertens and Hazard from close range as Belgium threatened to extend their lead. Hungary improved after the break as Dzsudzsak got more of the ball and he fashioned an excellent chance for Adam Szalai, while Adam Pinter's deflected strike drew a fine save from Courtois and Roland Juhasz sent a low drive just wide. With Belgium failing to kill off the game, Wilmots turned to Batshuayi, so far unused at the finals, after 76 minutes. The switch paid off almost immediately as the highly regarded forward scored with his first touch, a simple finish following a sublime cross from Hazard in the 78th. Just as De Bruyne had imposed himself during the opening stages of the match, so Hazard shone at the finale. Ninety-four seconds later, the forward killed the game with a magnificent solo effort, cutting in from the left, evading two challenges and thumping the ball home from the edge of the area. Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Carrasco combined at the death to add a breakaway fourth as Belgium secured a quarter-final date with Wales in Lille on Friday. (Reuters)

Belgium overwhelm Hungary 4-0

Ireland manager Martin O&#39;Neill has warned his side to be prepared for a backlash when they take on a smarting Belgium in their European Championship match in Bordeaux on Saturday. 
 
Belgium, who were at number one in the FIFA rankings for the first three months of 2016 and second since then, suffered a 2-0 loss to Italy and slipped to the bottom of Group E. 
 
In contrast, a spirited Ireland side opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Sweden. 
 
&quot;Belgium are a really fine side, really fine,&quot; O&#39;Neill told reporters in France. 
 
&quot;Individually they are as talented as any side in the competition. They are very dangerous anyway, but even more so now they are a bit of a wounded animal.&quot; 
 
&quot;They will cause us problems so we have to show the same spirit and determination again and try and play as strongly with the ball as we did the other night.&quot; 
 
&quot;I think overall they have the players (to hurt us). If they are disappointed themselves with not playing well against Italy, they will feel they can rectify it.&quot; 
 
Ireland will conclude their group stage campaign against Italy on June 22. 
(Reuters)

Belgium, who were number one in the FIFA rankings for a few months of 2016, suffered a 2-0 loss to Italy and slipped to the bottom of Group

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has warned his side to be prepared for a backlash when they take on a smarting Belgium in their European Championship match in Bordeaux on Saturday. Belgium, who were at number one in the FIFA rankings for the first three months of 2016 and second since then, suffered a 2-0 loss to Italy and slipped to the bottom of Group E. In contrast, a spirited Ireland side opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Sweden. "Belgium are a really fine side, really fine," O'Neill told reporters in France. "Individually they are as talented as any side in the competition. They are very dangerous anyway, but even more so now they are a bit of a wounded animal." "They will cause us problems so we have to show the same spirit and determination again and try and play as strongly with the ball as we did the other night." "I think overall they have the players (to hurt us). If they are disappointed themselves with not playing well against Italy, they will feel they can rectify it." Ireland will conclude their group stage campaign against Italy on June 22. (Reuters)

O'Neill warns Ireland against 'wounded animal' Belgium

Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi is set to join Chelsea from Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille, French sports daily L&#39;Equipe reported today. 
 
The 22-year-old Batshuayi is expected to sign a five-year contract for the Premier League side for a transfer fee of some 40 million euros ($44.30 million), the newspaper said without citing sources. 
 
Marseille had reached a deal with another Premier League club, Crystal Palace, earlier this week but Batshuayi turned down the offer, L&#39;Equipe wrote. 
 
Batshuayi had to pass a medical in Bordeaux, France, where Belgium are based for the European Championship finals, and Chelsea could announce the deal later today, according to the French newspaper. 
 
Batshuayi who joined Marseille from Belgian side Standard Liege in 2014, scored 23 goals in all competitions this season. 
 
Belgium face Wales on Friday in Lille for a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016. 
 
(Reuters)

Michy Batshuayi who joined Marseille from Belgian side Standard Liege in 2014, scored 23 goals in all competitions this season

Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi is set to join Chelsea from Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille, French sports daily L'Equipe reported today. The 22-year-old Batshuayi is expected to sign a five-year contract for the Premier League side for a transfer fee of some 40 million euros ($44.30 million), the newspaper said without citing sources. Marseille had reached a deal with another Premier League club, Crystal Palace, earlier this week but Batshuayi turned down the offer, L'Equipe wrote. Batshuayi had to pass a medical in Bordeaux, France, where Belgium are based for the European Championship finals, and Chelsea could announce the deal later today, according to the French newspaper. Batshuayi who joined Marseille from Belgian side Standard Liege in 2014, scored 23 goals in all competitions this season. Belgium face Wales on Friday in Lille for a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016. (Reuters)

Batshuayi to join Chelsea, L'Equipe reports

UEFA began disciplinary proceedings today against Portugal, Hungary and Belgium for incidents in their Euro 2016 matches the previous day. 
 
Portugal is charged with allowing a pitch invasion, Hungary for allowing crowd disturbances and other offences and Belgium for its fans setting off fireworks and throwing objects. 
 
A fan ran on to the pitch in Portugal&#39;s 0-0 draw with Austria at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday and posed for a selfie with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. 
 
In Marseille, Hungarian fans clashed with stewards in the Stade Velodrome as they tried to climb a fence to join up with another group of Hungarians before the 1-1 draw with Iceland. 
 
Hungary is also accused of allowing its fans to set off fireworks and throwing objects. 
 
The punishment in that case will be announced on Tuesday. 
 
Belgium also faces charges that its supporters threw fireworks and other objects during the 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux. 
 
UEFA said it was yet to decide a date for its disciplinary committee to meet on the cases of Belgium and Portugal. 
(AFP)

A fan ran on to the pitch after Portugal's 0-0 draw with Austria in Paris and posed for a selfie with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo

UEFA began disciplinary proceedings today against Portugal, Hungary and Belgium for incidents in their Euro 2016 matches the previous day. Portugal is charged with allowing a pitch invasion, Hungary for allowing crowd disturbances and other offences and Belgium for its fans setting off fireworks and throwing objects. A fan ran on to the pitch in Portugal's 0-0 draw with Austria at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday and posed for a selfie with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. In Marseille, Hungarian fans clashed with stewards in the Stade Velodrome as they tried to climb a fence to join up with another group of Hungarians before the 1-1 draw with Iceland. Hungary is also accused of allowing its fans to set off fireworks and throwing objects. The punishment in that case will be announced on Tuesday. Belgium also faces charges that its supporters threw fireworks and other objects during the 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux. UEFA said it was yet to decide a date for its disciplinary committee to meet on the cases of Belgium and Portugal. (AFP)

UEFA opens disciplinary probes against Portugal, Hungary and Belgium

Belgium is ready to take on Britain&#39;s rotating six-month EU presidency in 2017 after London announced it would drop out to focus on its Brexit negotiations, a Belgian official said Wednesday. 
 
&quot;Belgium is ready to take over this presidency if we are asked,&quot; foreign ministry spokesman Didier Vanderhasselt told AFP. 
 
A spokeswoman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said earlier Britain would no longer assume the EU presidency as planned in the second half of next year, as the government will &quot;be prioritising the negotiations to leave the European Union.&quot; 
 
The decision, reached in a phone call between May and EU Council President Donald Tusk on Tuesday evening, reflects the scale of the task facing Britain as it seeks to negotiate a new relationship with the EU after a June 23 public vote to leave. 
 
&quot;The Prime Minister suggested that the UK should relinquish the rotating Presidency of the Council, currently scheduled for the second half of 2017, noting that we would be prioritising the negotiations to leave the European Union,&quot; the spokeswoman said. 
 
A spokesman for Tusk said there had been no decision yet on who would take up the vacant slot, and that discussions on the issue would begin immediately between ambassadors. 
 
Belgium is among the EU nations that have been pushing strongest for Britain to trigger article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, which would set in motion the negotiations for the Brexit divorce proceedings. 
 
The presidency of the European Council -- the gathering of national ministers from the EU&#39;s 28 member states -- rotates among members every six months. 
 
Slovakia currently has the presidency, until December 31, to be followed by Malta. Britain was due to take it from July 1 until December 31, 2017. 
 
(AFP, Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Britain to give up its planned presidency of the European Council, due to start in July 2017, to focus on Brexit negotiations

Belgium is ready to take on Britain's rotating six-month EU presidency in 2017 after London announced it would drop out to focus on its Brexit negotiations, a Belgian official said Wednesday. "Belgium is ready to take over this presidency if we are asked," foreign ministry spokesman Didier Vanderhasselt told AFP. A spokeswoman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said earlier Britain would no longer assume the EU presidency as planned in the second half of next year, as the government will "be prioritising the negotiations to leave the European Union." The decision, reached in a phone call between May and EU Council President Donald Tusk on Tuesday evening, reflects the scale of the task facing Britain as it seeks to negotiate a new relationship with the EU after a June 23 public vote to leave. "The Prime Minister suggested that the UK should relinquish the rotating Presidency of the Council, currently scheduled for the second half of 2017, noting that we would be prioritising the negotiations to leave the European Union," the spokeswoman said. A spokesman for Tusk said there had been no decision yet on who would take up the vacant slot, and that discussions on the issue would begin immediately between ambassadors. Belgium is among the EU nations that have been pushing strongest for Britain to trigger article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, which would set in motion the negotiations for the Brexit divorce proceedings. The presidency of the European Council -- the gathering of national ministers from the EU's 28 member states -- rotates among members every six months. Slovakia currently has the presidency, until December 31, to be followed by Malta. Britain was due to take it from July 1 until December 31, 2017. (AFP, Reuters)

UK relinquishes planned presidency of European Council, Belgium ready to take over

The swift rounding up of judges and others after a failed coup in Turkey indicated the government had prepared a list beforehand, the EU commissioner dealing with Turkey&#39;s membership bid, Johannes Hahn, said today.&nbsp; 
 
Following a failed coup attempt on Saturday, Turkish authorities on Sunday rounded up nearly 3,000 suspected military plotters, ranging from top commanders to foot soldiers, and the same number of judges and prosecutors. 
 
&quot;It looks at least as if something has been prepared. The lists are available, which indicates it was prepared and to be used at a certain stage,&quot; Hahn said. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m very concerned. It is exactly what we feared,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
&#39;Rule of law has to be protected&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Monday that&nbsp;Turkey must protect the rule of law as it cracks down after the failed coup. 
 
&quot;We are the ones saying today rule of law has to be protected in the country. There is no excuse for any steps that take the country away from that,&quot; Mogherini said as European Union foreign ministers met in Brussels. 
 
&quot;As we have been the first ones to say that in that tragic night (of Friday&#39;s coup attempt), the democratic and legislative institutions needed to be protected,&quot; she told reporters. 
 
&quot;Today we will say together with ministers that obviously doesn&#39;t mean that rule of law and the system of checks and balances in the country does not count. On the contrary, it needs to be protected for the sake of the country. 
 
&quot;So we will send a strong message on that.&quot; 
 
Turkey&#39;s attempts to join EU hobbled in recent years&nbsp; 
 
Would-be EU member Turkey carried out fresh raids today as the EU ministers were meeting, prompting growing international concern over the scale of the crackdown. 
 
Judges and military commanders are among 6,000 people who were arrested over the weekend as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vows to stamp out the &quot;virus&quot; of the coup plotters. 
 
Turkey&#39;s attempts to join the 28-nation European Union have been hobbled in recent years by concern over the increasingly authoritarian Erdogan&#39;s record on human rights and press freedom. 
 
But the EU agreed to speed up its membership bid and give visa-free travel to Turks as part of a migrant crisis deal in which Ankara agreed to take back people landing in the Greek islands. 
 
France, Belgium urge restraint&nbsp; 
 
French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault also insisted &quot;the rule of law must prevail&quot;. 
 
&quot;France has condemned the coup, you can&#39;t accept the military taking power,&quot; he said. &quot;At the same time we have to be vigilant that the Turkish authorities don&#39;t put in place a system which turns back democracy.&quot; 
 
Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders also urged restraint, saying: &quot;It&#39;s normal to punish those involved in the coup, but it&#39;s normal to ask for respect for the rule of law.&quot; 
 
(Agencies)&nbsp;

The union urges restraint as the country cracks down heavily on people suspected of plotting the failed coup

The swift rounding up of judges and others after a failed coup in Turkey indicated the government had prepared a list beforehand, the EU commissioner dealing with Turkey's membership bid, Johannes Hahn, said today. Following a failed coup attempt on Saturday, Turkish authorities on Sunday rounded up nearly 3,000 suspected military plotters, ranging from top commanders to foot soldiers, and the same number of judges and prosecutors. "It looks at least as if something has been prepared. The lists are available, which indicates it was prepared and to be used at a certain stage," Hahn said. "I'm very concerned. It is exactly what we feared," he added. 'Rule of law has to be protected' Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Monday that Turkey must protect the rule of law as it cracks down after the failed coup. "We are the ones saying today rule of law has to be protected in the country. There is no excuse for any steps that take the country away from that," Mogherini said as European Union foreign ministers met in Brussels. "As we have been the first ones to say that in that tragic night (of Friday's coup attempt), the democratic and legislative institutions needed to be protected," she told reporters. "Today we will say together with ministers that obviously doesn't mean that rule of law and the system of checks and balances in the country does not count. On the contrary, it needs to be protected for the sake of the country. "So we will send a strong message on that." Turkey's attempts to join EU hobbled in recent years Would-be EU member Turkey carried out fresh raids today as the EU ministers were meeting, prompting growing international concern over the scale of the crackdown. Judges and military commanders are among 6,000 people who were arrested over the weekend as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vows to stamp out the "virus" of the coup plotters. Turkey's attempts to join the 28-nation European Union have been hobbled in recent years by concern over the increasingly authoritarian Erdogan's record on human rights and press freedom. But the EU agreed to speed up its membership bid and give visa-free travel to Turks as part of a migrant crisis deal in which Ankara agreed to take back people landing in the Greek islands. France, Belgium urge restraint French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault also insisted "the rule of law must prevail". "France has condemned the coup, you can't accept the military taking power," he said. "At the same time we have to be vigilant that the Turkish authorities don't put in place a system which turns back democracy." Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders also urged restraint, saying: "It's normal to punish those involved in the coup, but it's normal to ask for respect for the rule of law." (Agencies)

Turkey government seemed to have list of arrests prepared: EU's Johannes Hahn

Hal Robson-Kanu put Wales into a major tournament semi-final for the first time in their history with a superb goal on Friday but he has a challenge beyond facing Portugal -- finding a new club. 
 
On the day his contract expired at English second-tier club Reading, the 27-year-old striker got a boost for a CV that a month ago looked like taking him nowhere fast as he battled an ankle injury to even make the Euro 2016 squad. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve been at Reading for 12 years, have given them a lot of service and have been very loyal,&quot; Robson-Kanu, who got Wales&#39; second goal in a shock 3-1 win over Belgium, told reporters of his decision to quit the team that signed him as a schoolboy. 
 
&quot;During the course of the season, I&#39;ve made the decision to run my contract down and take my future into my own hands,&quot; he said, adding that a move would be good for his family&#39;s future. 
 
That future can surely take him to grander surroundings than Reading&#39;s Madejski Stadium. 
 
Robson-Kanu saved the day as he braved early Belgian onslaught&nbsp; 
 
Robson- Kanu was man of the match on Friday for a performance that included a Cruyff-like shimmy with his back to goal that opened up the space for him to give Wales a 2-1 lead in the second half after they had gone behind in an early Belgian onslaught. 
 
&quot;The ball&#39;s coming to my feet,&quot; the matter-of-fact Londoner said of the cross he received from Aaron Ramsey. &quot;I was able to turn in the box and put it in the back of the net,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
Wales coach Chris Coleman had nothing but praise for a player who a month ago looked as if he wasn&#39;t going to make it to France after a late ankle injury put him in doubt. 
 
After a battle to get fit, Robson-Kanu repaid Coleman&#39;s confidence, scoring the late winner in a 2-1 group victory over Slovakia that set the dark horses on their way. 
 
&quot;I was delighted he got the goal because he nearly didn&#39;t make the tournament,&quot; Coleman said and added, &quot;He worked his socks off to get into shape ... Hal was up for everything.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;He was looking for a battle. He&#39;s a defender&#39;s nightmare,&quot; the Wales Coach asserted.&nbsp; 
 
His next stop is a date with Portugal stopper Pepe in Lyon on Wednesday when Robson-Kanu thinks the Welsh can continue their dream run and reach the final in Paris. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp; 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Hal Robson-Kanu's contract with English second-tier club Reading has expired, he is now sans club

Hal Robson-Kanu put Wales into a major tournament semi-final for the first time in their history with a superb goal on Friday but he has a challenge beyond facing Portugal -- finding a new club. On the day his contract expired at English second-tier club Reading, the 27-year-old striker got a boost for a CV that a month ago looked like taking him nowhere fast as he battled an ankle injury to even make the Euro 2016 squad. "I've been at Reading for 12 years, have given them a lot of service and have been very loyal," Robson-Kanu, who got Wales' second goal in a shock 3-1 win over Belgium, told reporters of his decision to quit the team that signed him as a schoolboy. "During the course of the season, I've made the decision to run my contract down and take my future into my own hands," he said, adding that a move would be good for his family's future. That future can surely take him to grander surroundings than Reading's Madejski Stadium. Robson-Kanu saved the day as he braved early Belgian onslaught Robson- Kanu was man of the match on Friday for a performance that included a Cruyff-like shimmy with his back to goal that opened up the space for him to give Wales a 2-1 lead in the second half after they had gone behind in an early Belgian onslaught. "The ball's coming to my feet," the matter-of-fact Londoner said of the cross he received from Aaron Ramsey. "I was able to turn in the box and put it in the back of the net," he added. Wales coach Chris Coleman had nothing but praise for a player who a month ago looked as if he wasn't going to make it to France after a late ankle injury put him in doubt. After a battle to get fit, Robson-Kanu repaid Coleman's confidence, scoring the late winner in a 2-1 group victory over Slovakia that set the dark horses on their way. "I was delighted he got the goal because he nearly didn't make the tournament," Coleman said and added, "He worked his socks off to get into shape ... Hal was up for everything." "He was looking for a battle. He's a defender's nightmare," the Wales Coach asserted. His next stop is a date with Portugal stopper Pepe in Lyon on Wednesday when Robson-Kanu thinks the Welsh can continue their dream run and reach the final in Paris. (Reuters)

Now that he's got the job done, he needs a job

Wales&#39;s Euro 2016 victory over Belgium, officially the second-best team in football, showed again that you can have all the attacking talent in the world -- but you will be found out if you are weak at the back. 
 
Injuries and a suspension forced Belgium coach Marc Wilmots to start Friday&#39;s quarter-final with Jason Denayer at centre-back and the inexperienced 21-year-old had a horror night that is likely to haunt him for the rest of his career. 
 
Belgium had come into the tournament without Manchester City&#39;s injured Vincent Kompany, possibly the most accomplished centre-back in the English Premier League, but then also lost Thomas Vermaelen to suspension and Jan Vertonghen to injury, for the last eight clash. 
 
Belgium has strong attacking and creative talents but even as they dominated the early stages and led through Radja Nainggolan&#39;s long-range strike, Denayer and stand-in left-back Jordan Lukaku looked ill at ease which gave huge encouragement to the Welsh. 
 
Denayer spent last season on loan from Manchester City to Turkey&#39;s Galatasaray, following another loan year at Scotland&#39;s Celtic, but Friday&#39;s performance showed that he would have been better off staying with his parent club and learning from Kompany. 
 
With the four defenders barely on first-name familiarity, it was perhaps no surprise that they were left scattered and confused by Wales&#39;s &#39;conga&#39; approach to a corner as captain Ashley Williams easily escaped Denayer to head in the equaliser. 
 
The Welsh captain should have got a second soon afterwards when they performed the same trick, with the same confused response from their supposed markers. 
 
The low point for Belgium defence, and the moment that ultimately ended their interest in the tournament, came in the 55th minute when Hal Robson-Kanu, a player without a club having just been released by English second-tier side Reading, collected the ball with his back to goal just inside the box. 
 
One clever turn shrugged off the attention of Thomas Meunier and Marouane Fellaini, while Denayer seemed to have spotted the ghost of another player entirely as he inexplicably flew past and far beyond the action, giving Robson-Kanu all the time and space he needed to smash the ball home. 
 
Belgium were still in the game and cranking up the pressure when Denayer&#39;s final blunder, another shocking wander into a defensive no-man&#39;s land allowed Chris Gunter&#39;s cross to sail over his head and straight onto that of substitute Sam Vokes, who powered home for Wales to wrap up a 3-1 win. 
 
&quot;We came up against a very good team and it was very difficult to compensate for the loss of Vermaelen and Vertonghen, really experienced, talented players, it was very hard to do without them,&quot; said Wilmots. 
 
&quot;You sometimes have to take risks and play the youngsters. You learn from tough times so it is not all lost.&quot; 
 
Not all, but this match, and Belgium&#39;s best chance of lifting a major trophy for the first time is lost, certainly with Wales now looking forward to facing Portugal in the semi-finals. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

Belgium's four defenders were left shocked and awed, which was little surprise considering they were just about on a first-name basis

Wales's Euro 2016 victory over Belgium, officially the second-best team in football, showed again that you can have all the attacking talent in the world -- but you will be found out if you are weak at the back. Injuries and a suspension forced Belgium coach Marc Wilmots to start Friday's quarter-final with Jason Denayer at centre-back and the inexperienced 21-year-old had a horror night that is likely to haunt him for the rest of his career. Belgium had come into the tournament without Manchester City's injured Vincent Kompany, possibly the most accomplished centre-back in the English Premier League, but then also lost Thomas Vermaelen to suspension and Jan Vertonghen to injury, for the last eight clash. Belgium has strong attacking and creative talents but even as they dominated the early stages and led through Radja Nainggolan's long-range strike, Denayer and stand-in left-back Jordan Lukaku looked ill at ease which gave huge encouragement to the Welsh. Denayer spent last season on loan from Manchester City to Turkey's Galatasaray, following another loan year at Scotland's Celtic, but Friday's performance showed that he would have been better off staying with his parent club and learning from Kompany. With the four defenders barely on first-name familiarity, it was perhaps no surprise that they were left scattered and confused by Wales's 'conga' approach to a corner as captain Ashley Williams easily escaped Denayer to head in the equaliser. The Welsh captain should have got a second soon afterwards when they performed the same trick, with the same confused response from their supposed markers. The low point for Belgium defence, and the moment that ultimately ended their interest in the tournament, came in the 55th minute when Hal Robson-Kanu, a player without a club having just been released by English second-tier side Reading, collected the ball with his back to goal just inside the box. One clever turn shrugged off the attention of Thomas Meunier and Marouane Fellaini, while Denayer seemed to have spotted the ghost of another player entirely as he inexplicably flew past and far beyond the action, giving Robson-Kanu all the time and space he needed to smash the ball home. Belgium were still in the game and cranking up the pressure when Denayer's final blunder, another shocking wander into a defensive no-man's land allowed Chris Gunter's cross to sail over his head and straight onto that of substitute Sam Vokes, who powered home for Wales to wrap up a 3-1 win. "We came up against a very good team and it was very difficult to compensate for the loss of Vermaelen and Vertonghen, really experienced, talented players, it was very hard to do without them," said Wilmots. "You sometimes have to take risks and play the youngsters. You learn from tough times so it is not all lost." Not all, but this match, and Belgium's best chance of lifting a major trophy for the first time is lost, certainly with Wales now looking forward to facing Portugal in the semi-finals. (Reuters)

Doesn't matter if you're the second-best team in the world, you've still got to defend

Wales produced a stunning upset to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals after Hal Robson-Kanu&#39;s superbly fashioned goal and Sam Vokes&#39;s late header secured a 3-1 comeback win over Belgium on Friday to set up a clash with Portugal. 
 
Robson-Kanu left three Belgium players for dead with a &#39;Cruyff&#39; turn and calmly stroked the ball home to put Wales ahead in the second half, while substitute Vokes&#39;s header ensured they reached their first major tournament semi-final. 
 
It was a crushing blow for heavy favourites Belgium, who had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Radja Nainggolan rifled a shot into the top corner from distance only for Wales captain Ashley Williams to level with a header from a corner. 
 
&quot;I said before we kicked the ball today, we&#39;re not here to enjoy it, we are here to compete,&quot; Wales manager Chris Coleman said. 
 
&quot;Don&#39;t be afraid to have dreams. Four years ago I was as far away from this as you could imagine. I&#39;ve had more failures than successes but I&#39;m not afraid to fail. We deserve this,&quot; he added saying.&nbsp; 
 
World&#39;s two most expensive players pitted against each-other in semi-finals&nbsp; 
 
Wales, playing in their first quarter-final, and major tournament, since losing to Brazil at the 1958 World Cup, next have a match that pits the world&#39;s two most expensive players -- Portugal&#39;s Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team mate Gareth Bale -- against each other in a mouth-watering clash. 
 
Coleman&#39;s side, however, will have to cope without their inspirational midfielder Aaron Ramsey and defender Ben Davies who both picked up bookings that ruled them out of the semi-final in Lyon on Wednesday. 
 
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots was left to rue an injury and suspension in defence that robbed him of the experienced Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen as their younger replacements, Jordan Lukaku and Jason Denayer, were frequently exposed. 
 
The manner of the defeat, however, is likely to increase the scrutiny on Wilmots, who has faced criticism for failing to make the most of what many believe to be a golden generation of Belgium players. 
 
&quot;This Belgian team is a team that demands respect, but we let things go a bit today and we paid for that in cash,&quot; he said, before adding he would take time to consider his future. 
 
A frenetic opening followed a nail-biting match&nbsp; 
 
There was a frenetic opening to Friday&#39;s match, which many had predicted would be a cagey encounter, as Belgium took the early initiative and would have grabbed the lead after seven minutes but for some superb last-ditch Wales defending. 
 
Wayne Hennessey saved superbly from Yannick Carrasco before efforts from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard were blocked by lunging defenders as Wales, looking to talisman Bale for an outlet, sought to stem the early Belgian tide. 
 
The Welsh were undone, however, when Nainggolan&#39;s powerful shot from 25 metres thundered past Hennessey&#39;s outstretched fingers into the top corner to give Belgium the lead. 
 
Strangely, the goal swung the momentum back in Wales&#39;s favour, with Coleman&#39;s side fluffing a chance to level when Neil Taylor sidefooted at keeper Thibaut Courtois from six metres. 
 
The equaliser arrived five minutes later in the 31st minute, though, and was clearly crafted on the training ground. Having won a corner, Wales&#39;s players lined up behind each other, before breaking from the pack as Aaron Ramsey whipped the ball in. 
 
Wales captain Williams, who had recovered from a shoulder injury to make the starting lineup, found himself unmarked to head down and past Courtois for the first goal the Belgium keeper had conceded since their opening defeat by Italy. 
 
While Belgium began the second half stronger, with Romelu Lukaku glancing a header wide and Hazard flashing a shot just past the post, it was not long before Wales struck again with Robson-Kanu producing a sublime piece of individual skill. 
 
Ramsey&#39;s cross found the striker in the area with his back to goal but he sold three Belgium players a dummy with a trademark &#39;Cruyff&#39; turn and then sidefooted the ball powerfully past the helpless Courtois in the 55th minute. 
 
Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser but Wales were resilient and then broke with four minutes remaining as Chris Gunter crossed for Vokes to leap and angle his header across goal into the net, sparking wild Welsh celebrations. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

The Belgians scored first in the thirteenth minute

Wales produced a stunning upset to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals after Hal Robson-Kanu's superbly fashioned goal and Sam Vokes's late header secured a 3-1 comeback win over Belgium on Friday to set up a clash with Portugal. Robson-Kanu left three Belgium players for dead with a 'Cruyff' turn and calmly stroked the ball home to put Wales ahead in the second half, while substitute Vokes's header ensured they reached their first major tournament semi-final. It was a crushing blow for heavy favourites Belgium, who had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Radja Nainggolan rifled a shot into the top corner from distance only for Wales captain Ashley Williams to level with a header from a corner. "I said before we kicked the ball today, we're not here to enjoy it, we are here to compete," Wales manager Chris Coleman said. "Don't be afraid to have dreams. Four years ago I was as far away from this as you could imagine. I've had more failures than successes but I'm not afraid to fail. We deserve this," he added saying. World's two most expensive players pitted against each-other in semi-finals Wales, playing in their first quarter-final, and major tournament, since losing to Brazil at the 1958 World Cup, next have a match that pits the world's two most expensive players -- Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team mate Gareth Bale -- against each other in a mouth-watering clash. Coleman's side, however, will have to cope without their inspirational midfielder Aaron Ramsey and defender Ben Davies who both picked up bookings that ruled them out of the semi-final in Lyon on Wednesday. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots was left to rue an injury and suspension in defence that robbed him of the experienced Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen as their younger replacements, Jordan Lukaku and Jason Denayer, were frequently exposed. The manner of the defeat, however, is likely to increase the scrutiny on Wilmots, who has faced criticism for failing to make the most of what many believe to be a golden generation of Belgium players. "This Belgian team is a team that demands respect, but we let things go a bit today and we paid for that in cash," he said, before adding he would take time to consider his future. A frenetic opening followed a nail-biting match There was a frenetic opening to Friday's match, which many had predicted would be a cagey encounter, as Belgium took the early initiative and would have grabbed the lead after seven minutes but for some superb last-ditch Wales defending. Wayne Hennessey saved superbly from Yannick Carrasco before efforts from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard were blocked by lunging defenders as Wales, looking to talisman Bale for an outlet, sought to stem the early Belgian tide. The Welsh were undone, however, when Nainggolan's powerful shot from 25 metres thundered past Hennessey's outstretched fingers into the top corner to give Belgium the lead. Strangely, the goal swung the momentum back in Wales's favour, with Coleman's side fluffing a chance to level when Neil Taylor sidefooted at keeper Thibaut Courtois from six metres. The equaliser arrived five minutes later in the 31st minute, though, and was clearly crafted on the training ground. Having won a corner, Wales's players lined up behind each other, before breaking from the pack as Aaron Ramsey whipped the ball in. Wales captain Williams, who had recovered from a shoulder injury to make the starting lineup, found himself unmarked to head down and past Courtois for the first goal the Belgium keeper had conceded since their opening defeat by Italy. While Belgium began the second half stronger, with Romelu Lukaku glancing a header wide and Hazard flashing a shot just past the post, it was not long before Wales struck again with Robson-Kanu producing a sublime piece of individual skill. Ramsey's cross found the striker in the area with his back to goal but he sold three Belgium players a dummy with a trademark 'Cruyff' turn and then sidefooted the ball powerfully past the helpless Courtois in the 55th minute. Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser but Wales were resilient and then broke with four minutes remaining as Chris Gunter crossed for Vokes to leap and angle his header across goal into the net, sparking wild Welsh celebrations. (Reuters)

Wales beat favourites Belgium 3-1, will meet Portugal in the semis

Wales are happy to cast themselves as underdogs in their Euro 2016 quarter-final against Belgium on Friday, but such modesty belies their proven ability to bite hard. 
 
The Belgians, who finally came together as a team to demolish Hungary 4-0 in their last-16 match, will start as favourites. 
 
Both sides, though, are fully aware that Wales have proved their mettle against Belgium, beating them 1-0 in Cardiff and drawing in Brussels in the tournament&#39;s qualifying stage. Belgium, playing before what will be virtually a home crowd in the northern French town of Lille, is under huge pressure for their much-vaunted golden generation to fulfil their promise and finally challenge for a major trophy. Wales could also claim to have developed a golden generation, spearheaded by Gareth Bale, even if they have fewer illustrious players than the side ranked number two in the world. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re good normally in that situation when we&#39;re right up against it,&quot; Wales defender Chris Gunter said.&nbsp;&quot;Belgium will be the fancied team and they are right on their own doorstep but it&#39;s something we can use as an advantage.&quot; 
 
All eyes will be on the form of Bale and Eden Hazard. 
 
Bale, the world&rsquo;s most expensive player, has scored three goals and fired in the cross that led to Northern Ireland&#39;s own goal in Wales&#39;s 1-0 last-16 victory. 
 
His ability to seize the moment, not least at free kicks, could be pivotal. 
 
Hazard came to life against Hungary -- as did the whole team after a stuttering start to the campaign. He set up the second goal for Michy Batshuayi and scored with a dashing solo effort two minutes later to crush Hungary&rsquo;s hopes in what he said was his best-ever game for his country. 
 
The Belgium captain has missed two days of training with a thigh injury, but should he be declared fit to play, he will be returning to the city where he made a name for himself. 
 
GREATER DEPTH 
 
The Welsh are playing in their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, when they lost in the quarter-finals to eventual champions Brazil. 
 
&quot;Wales are a very strong side, and not just with Gareth Bale; they have other good players,&quot; cautioned Belgian coach Marc Wilmots. 
 
Belgium, however, have greater depth. Wilmots has pointed to playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who has been a tireless and influential figure. Romelu Lukaku scored 27 goals in 52 appearances for Everton this season and always looks threatening. 
 
&quot;They have players on the pitch and the bench that would grace any international team,&quot; Wales manager Chris Coleman said. 
 
&quot;But in the last four years we&#39;ve had four meetings and won one and drawn two, so there&#39;s nothing to be afraid of.&quot; 
 
Hazard said the Belgians would need to be wary of the Welsh. 
 
&quot;They are a tricky side to play against. They have a very compact unit and they have a great player up front (Bale).&quot; 
 
The winners will reckon to have a fair chance of reaching the final as the semi-finals would pit them against Poland or Portugal, avoiding the powers of France, Italy and Germany. 
 
Neither side will go gentle into that good night on Friday.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

Wales have proved their mettle against Belgium, beating them 1-0 in Cardiff, but Belgium is almost playing on a home field in nearby France

Wales are happy to cast themselves as underdogs in their Euro 2016 quarter-final against Belgium on Friday, but such modesty belies their proven ability to bite hard. The Belgians, who finally came together as a team to demolish Hungary 4-0 in their last-16 match, will start as favourites. Both sides, though, are fully aware that Wales have proved their mettle against Belgium, beating them 1-0 in Cardiff and drawing in Brussels in the tournament's qualifying stage. Belgium, playing before what will be virtually a home crowd in the northern French town of Lille, is under huge pressure for their much-vaunted golden generation to fulfil their promise and finally challenge for a major trophy. Wales could also claim to have developed a golden generation, spearheaded by Gareth Bale, even if they have fewer illustrious players than the side ranked number two in the world. "We're good normally in that situation when we're right up against it," Wales defender Chris Gunter said. "Belgium will be the fancied team and they are right on their own doorstep but it's something we can use as an advantage." All eyes will be on the form of Bale and Eden Hazard. Bale, the world’s most expensive player, has scored three goals and fired in the cross that led to Northern Ireland's own goal in Wales's 1-0 last-16 victory. His ability to seize the moment, not least at free kicks, could be pivotal. Hazard came to life against Hungary -- as did the whole team after a stuttering start to the campaign. He set up the second goal for Michy Batshuayi and scored with a dashing solo effort two minutes later to crush Hungary’s hopes in what he said was his best-ever game for his country. The Belgium captain has missed two days of training with a thigh injury, but should he be declared fit to play, he will be returning to the city where he made a name for himself. GREATER DEPTH The Welsh are playing in their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, when they lost in the quarter-finals to eventual champions Brazil. "Wales are a very strong side, and not just with Gareth Bale; they have other good players," cautioned Belgian coach Marc Wilmots. Belgium, however, have greater depth. Wilmots has pointed to playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who has been a tireless and influential figure. Romelu Lukaku scored 27 goals in 52 appearances for Everton this season and always looks threatening. "They have players on the pitch and the bench that would grace any international team," Wales manager Chris Coleman said. "But in the last four years we've had four meetings and won one and drawn two, so there's nothing to be afraid of." Hazard said the Belgians would need to be wary of the Welsh. "They are a tricky side to play against. They have a very compact unit and they have a great player up front (Bale)." The winners will reckon to have a fair chance of reaching the final as the semi-finals would pit them against Poland or Portugal, avoiding the powers of France, Italy and Germany. Neither side will go gentle into that good night on Friday. (Reuters)

Rivals Belgium and Wales face off in Euro 2016 quarter finals Friday

Three men have been charged with &quot;attempted terrorist murder&quot; following sweeping nationwide anti-terror raids in&nbsp;Belgium, federal prosecutors said on Saturday.
Named as Samir C., Moustapha B. et Jawad B., the trio were among 12 people detained during the raids.

They have also been charged with &quot;participation in the activities of a terrorist group&quot;, while the nine others were released after questioning, prosecutors added.
Earlier, security for 30 VIPs had been reinforced over fears of an &quot;imminent&quot; attack. 
 
The alert came as thousands of people gathered across the country in fan zones for Belgium&#39;s Euro 2016 match against Ireland. 
 
&quot;Over the coming hours we are going to take additional and updated security measures,&quot; Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said after a national security council meeting called to discuss the threat. 
 
&quot;The different events planned for the next few days will go ahead,&quot; Michel added, urging people however to &quot;respect safety advice&quot;. 
 
Dozens of searches were carried out across Belgium overnight in a case that needed &quot;an immediate intervention&quot;, federal prosecutors said Saturday. 
 
Forty people were initially held and 152 garage boxes searched, they said. 
 
The raids took place in 16 communes in Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia and &quot;passed off without incident,&quot; they said in a statement, adding that &quot;until now no arms or explosives were found.&quot; 
 
Flemish commercial broadcaster VTM reported that it was connected to a threat linked to Belgium&#39;s fixture against Ireland, held Saturday afternoon in Bordeaux, France. No incidents were immediately reported after the match ended with a 3-0 defeat for the Irish. 
 
The channel said the threat was against targets in Belgium, possibly fans watching the game on television in crowded places. 
 
A judge will decide later whether to detain those who have been arrested, none of whom have been named. 
 
Belgium is still reeling from the Islamic State suicide bombings at Brussels airport and on the city&#39;s metro on March 22 which killed 32 people and wounded hundreds more. 
 
They came five months after jihadists, many of them from Brussels, carried out gun and bombing attacks in Paris on November 13, killing 130 people and wounding hundreds more. 
 
The latest raids targeted several areas tied to the attacks of November 13 and March 22. 
 
Officers in Flanders moved on the town of Zaventem close to Brussels National airport while there were raids in the Brussels suburbs of Molenbeek, Schaarbeek and Forest were closely associated with the perpetrators of both attacks. 
 
Molenbeek is notorious for being a hotbed of Islamic extremism where Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving member of the 10-man jihadist team that attacked Paris, hid out for months until his dramatic arrest on March 18. 
 
One of the searches in Wallonia was conducted in the area of Fleurus close to Charleroi airport -- the country&#39;s second international air hub -- and a region that also hosts part of the country&#39;s nuclear industry. 
 
- &#39;Their actions are imminent&#39; - 
France, which is hosting the Euro 2016 football championships, is on maximum alert after an assailant previously convicted for jihadism killed a police officer and his partner on Monday. 
 
The latest raids have raised tensions in Belgium which is already dogged by the threat of terrorism. 
 
Belgian media reported on Wednesday that police had warned that Islamic State group (IS) fighters had recently left Syria to carry out attacks. 
 
&quot;They would separate into two groups, one for Belgium, the other for France, to attack in pairs. According to the information received these people are in possession of the necessary armament and their actions are imminent,&quot; an official document revealed by the La Derniere Heure newspaper stated. 
 
On Saturday, a source close to the Belgian authorities told AFP that several leading Belgian political figures have recently had their security increased. 
 
According to state broadcaster RTBF and daily Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, Prime Minister Charles Michel, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, Interior Minister Jan Jambon and Justice Minister Koen Geens, are among a group of 30 people who, along with their families, have had their personal security stepped up since Friday. 
 
RTBF added that there is no link to the most recent raids. 
 
Despite the disclosures, Belgium&#39;s terror level remains at level three meaning that an attack is considered &quot;possible and probable&quot;. The highest, level four, would mean that the threat is &quot;serious and imminent&quot;. 
(AFP)

Alert that attack is 'imminent' was sounded as thousands of people gathered in fan zones across the country for Euro game against Ireland

Three men have been charged with "attempted terrorist murder" following sweeping nationwide anti-terror raids in Belgium, federal prosecutors said on Saturday. Named as Samir C., Moustapha B. et Jawad B., the trio were among 12 people detained during the raids. They have also been charged with "participation in the activities of a terrorist group", while the nine others were released after questioning, prosecutors added. Earlier, security for 30 VIPs had been reinforced over fears of an "imminent" attack. The alert came as thousands of people gathered across the country in fan zones for Belgium's Euro 2016 match against Ireland. "Over the coming hours we are going to take additional and updated security measures," Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said after a national security council meeting called to discuss the threat. "The different events planned for the next few days will go ahead," Michel added, urging people however to "respect safety advice". Dozens of searches were carried out across Belgium overnight in a case that needed "an immediate intervention", federal prosecutors said Saturday. Forty people were initially held and 152 garage boxes searched, they said. The raids took place in 16 communes in Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia and "passed off without incident," they said in a statement, adding that "until now no arms or explosives were found." Flemish commercial broadcaster VTM reported that it was connected to a threat linked to Belgium's fixture against Ireland, held Saturday afternoon in Bordeaux, France. No incidents were immediately reported after the match ended with a 3-0 defeat for the Irish. The channel said the threat was against targets in Belgium, possibly fans watching the game on television in crowded places. A judge will decide later whether to detain those who have been arrested, none of whom have been named. Belgium is still reeling from the Islamic State suicide bombings at Brussels airport and on the city's metro on March 22 which killed 32 people and wounded hundreds more. They came five months after jihadists, many of them from Brussels, carried out gun and bombing attacks in Paris on November 13, killing 130 people and wounding hundreds more. The latest raids targeted several areas tied to the attacks of November 13 and March 22. Officers in Flanders moved on the town of Zaventem close to Brussels National airport while there were raids in the Brussels suburbs of Molenbeek, Schaarbeek and Forest were closely associated with the perpetrators of both attacks. Molenbeek is notorious for being a hotbed of Islamic extremism where Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving member of the 10-man jihadist team that attacked Paris, hid out for months until his dramatic arrest on March 18. One of the searches in Wallonia was conducted in the area of Fleurus close to Charleroi airport -- the country's second international air hub -- and a region that also hosts part of the country's nuclear industry. - 'Their actions are imminent' - France, which is hosting the Euro 2016 football championships, is on maximum alert after an assailant previously convicted for jihadism killed a police officer and his partner on Monday. The latest raids have raised tensions in Belgium which is already dogged by the threat of terrorism. Belgian media reported on Wednesday that police had warned that Islamic State group (IS) fighters had recently left Syria to carry out attacks. "They would separate into two groups, one for Belgium, the other for France, to attack in pairs. According to the information received these people are in possession of the necessary armament and their actions are imminent," an official document revealed by the La Derniere Heure newspaper stated. On Saturday, a source close to the Belgian authorities told AFP that several leading Belgian political figures have recently had their security increased. According to state broadcaster RTBF and daily Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, Prime Minister Charles Michel, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, Interior Minister Jan Jambon and Justice Minister Koen Geens, are among a group of 30 people who, along with their families, have had their personal security stepped up since Friday. RTBF added that there is no link to the most recent raids. Despite the disclosures, Belgium's terror level remains at level three meaning that an attack is considered "possible and probable". The highest, level four, would mean that the threat is "serious and imminent". (AFP)

After nationwide raids, Belgium charges 3 men with 'attempted terrorist murder'

Australia secured their place in the final of the 36th Hero Champions Trophy with a 2-0 win over Belgium in the preliminary league, while defending champions Germany were out of contention after being held 1-1 by Great Britain. 
Title holders Germany are without a victory from four outings, drawing three and losing one. This puts them out of contention from the title encounter. 
Britain stay in the hunt for the second spot in the final with five points from four matches and need to win the last fixture against Belgium tomorrow to stay in contention. 
World No. 1 Australia boosted their points tally to 10 from four matches to ensure that they would feature in the title showdown irrespective of any result in other matches. 
India are in the second place with seven points, followed by Britain on five and Belgium on four. 
Open play goals from Glenn Turner in the 38th minute and Tristan White in the 49th gave Australia the upper hand against the Belgians, who tried to put up a good contest but suffered from poor shooting. 
Australia, winners of the Champions Trophy for a record 13 times, take on India in their last round-robin league fixture tomorrow. That match is extremely important for India, who are on seven points from four outings. 
Germany today took the lead through a penalty corner goal by Tobias Hauke, who made good use of a rebound from the goalkeeper in the 29th minute. 
Britain shot back through a penalty corner strike of their own through Ashley Jackson to equalise in the 48th minute and split two points with Germany, who had won the title two years ago in Bhubaneswar

Open play goals from Glenn Turner in the 38th minute and Tristan White in the 49th gave Australia the upper hand against the Belgians

Australia secured their place in the final of the 36th Hero Champions Trophy with a 2-0 win over Belgium in the preliminary league, while defending champions Germany were out of contention after being held 1-1 by Great Britain. Title holders Germany are without a victory from four outings, drawing three and losing one. This puts them out of contention from the title encounter. Britain stay in the hunt for the second spot in the final with five points from four matches and need to win the last fixture against Belgium tomorrow to stay in contention. World No. 1 Australia boosted their points tally to 10 from four matches to ensure that they would feature in the title showdown irrespective of any result in other matches. India are in the second place with seven points, followed by Britain on five and Belgium on four. Open play goals from Glenn Turner in the 38th minute and Tristan White in the 49th gave Australia the upper hand against the Belgians, who tried to put up a good contest but suffered from poor shooting. Australia, winners of the Champions Trophy for a record 13 times, take on India in their last round-robin league fixture tomorrow. That match is extremely important for India, who are on seven points from four outings. Germany today took the lead through a penalty corner goal by Tobias Hauke, who made good use of a rebound from the goalkeeper in the 29th minute. Britain shot back through a penalty corner strike of their own through Ashley Jackson to equalise in the 48th minute and split two points with Germany, who had won the title two years ago in Bhubaneswar

Australia enter Hero Champions Trophy final, Germany knocked out

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