Made in Reading, toasted in Wales: Hal Robson-Kanu and the goal that shocked Belgium's ‘Golden Generation'
Wales and Belgium face each other on Monday night in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Wales have started their campaign well, while the Red Devils had a stuttering start against North Macedonia. In the last four meetings between the sides, Wales have yet to beat Belgium. The Red Devils have won two of the previous four games, both at home. However, the fifth game is arguably the most famous between the sides. On Friday, July the 1st 2016, the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille witnessed one of the biggest shocks in recent Euro's history. Belgium's so called Golden Generation were humbled by Chris Coleman's Wales.
The hero of that night was Reading FC winger Hal Robson-Kanu. In his final season for Reading, the forward had scored five goals and provided seven assists in 35 games. His contract was up, and in many ways the tournament came at the perfect time. The goal he scored certainly raised his profile within Europe. I can still remember where I was when he turned into Johan Cruyff. Sat in a bar in Poznan, Poland, I was sure that Belgium would see off this plucky Welsh side. When Radja Nainggolan scored early on, it felt like the Red Devils would cruise to victory.
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However, with around 15 minutes to go to half-time, Coleman's side hit back. Ashley Williams grabbed an equaliser and the sides went into the break all square. 10 minutes after the break, the goal that defined the game was scored. During his time at Reading, Robson-Kanu had always been a player that relied on his technical ability rather than any blistering pace. That technical ability was on full display. Wales hit Belgium on the counter attack, with an inch perfect pass from Joe Allen finding Aaron Ramsey's forward run. His ball in was controlled by Robson-Kanu with his back to goal. Three defenders were surrounding the Reading man, but rather than lay it back his audacious turn in the box fooled everyone as he fired past Thibaut Courtois.
It was rightly nominated for the Puskas award for the year 2016, yet was beaten to that title by Malaysian footballer Mohd Faiz Subri for a goal against Pahang during the Malaysian Super League season. Robson-Kanu would only score five goals for the Welsh national team, yet it is unlikely that anyone can remember any of the other four. Robson-Kanu was substituted in the 80th minute, with his replacement Sam Vokes completing the shock and sending the much fancied Belgian side home.
It is certainly a sliding doors moment for that Belgian side. Wales went on to lose out to eventual winners Portugal in the semi-finals, who beat hosts France in the final. Could Belgium have won that tournament? They certainly had the talent, but that night it just wasn't meant to be for the Red Devils. Memories of that night will certainly be recalled ahead of the clash between the two sides on Monday. Even in Belgium, that game is remembered but rather not talked about. When Coleman joined OH Leuven he was asked about that game, such is its position in the minds of the Belgian football fan.
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For Robson-Kanu, one could argue that his career peaked in that very moment. He went on to join West Brom and play Premier League football, but never enjoyed a moment as defining as that goal in Lille. Yet, how many of us would dream of achieving what Robson-Kanu did that evening. Many a player would trade in scoring for their clubs to be remembered for one moment of brilliance on the international stage. It is not an exaggeration to say that the goal Robson-Kanu scored that night as immortalised him in footballing history.
Wales have not had the same success either since 2016. Yet, a win on Monday against Belgium would stand them in good stead to qualify for back to back World Cups. For Belgium, they need to win to ensure they don't put themselves under early pressure in the qualification campaign.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
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