5 Things we learned from Wales vs Belgium

Clubless Robson-Kanu shows clueless Lukaku how it’s done

What a moment it was for Hal Robson-Kanu as he produced a turn even the late, great Johan Cruyff would’ve been proud of, and smashed home the goal which gave Wales one foot in the Euro 2016 semi-finals. This is the same Robson-Kanu who has just been released by Reading. What a month it’s been for him!

The goal itself was something special. Every part of it made the following passage of play even better. Gareth Bale’s long ball to Aaron Ramsey was great but that was trumped by the touch and cross from the Arsenal man. There was still a lot for Robson-Kanu to do but his swift turn took out three defenders and his calm finish raised the roof. A wonderful moment.

The only manager worse than Hodgson at Euro 2016 was Wilmots

What a monumental waste of talent. Belgium have a squad that most international managers would dream of having at their disposal and Marc Wlmots has managed to make them extremely ordinary. You can excuse the odd error, as everyone makes mistakes, but Wilmots appeared to be on his own personal sabotage mission.

The continuous inclusion of Lukaku when he’s actively avoiding getting the ball reminds me of Vicente del Bosque’s insistence on playing Diego Costa at the 2014 World Cup. At times, playing someone all the time does more damage than good. His refused to pick Mousa Dembele when his midfield looked overrun and appeared to have no Plan B - just pass it to Eden Hazard and cross his fingers. Or throw on Marouane Fellaini.

Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey run the show for Wales

Gareth Bale deservedly grabs a lot of headlines but the midfield duo behind him are equally worth lauding - they’ve been sensational throughout Euro 2016. Joe Allen feels undervalued at Liverpool and is considering his options this summer but he won’t be short of offers. The Welsh Pirlo makes this Wales team tick, the heartbeat of every attack as well as defensive reorganisation.

Ramsey created a stir with his colourful barnet but he’s also warranted praise for his work in the engine room of the Wales’ midfield. His industry to charge forward, supporting the main striker and giving Bale another outlet, has been crucial to Wales’ play. He gives 100% and it’s a crying shame he’ll miss the semi-final clash with Portugal after picking up just two yellow cards in five matches. A massive loss it has to be said.

Lukaku fails his big audition

It was interesting to see Romelu Lukaku talk about wanting to play for a bigger side ahead of this tournament. You felt he wanted to lay down a marker, show why someone should splash the massive fee it would take to make Everton sell. In the end he should be grateful he’s at a club like Everton because he was anonymous for every game bar one.

Lukaku appeared unable to lead the line correctly and found himself hiding behind the centre backs whenever a attack was in progress. His movement, link-up play and finishing were all way off the mark. Yes, he’s still quite young but he’s also got over 150 Premier League appearances to his name. He can have no excuse for his poor displays and he can forget about an elite side making a bid for him this summer.

Yellow cards should’ve been reset after the group stage

We were blessed with the genius idea of allowing third placed teams to make the Last 16 stage but the yellow card toting up system has been an even bigger failure. It seems mightily unfair that a player who has picked up just two bookings in five matches should be suspended from the semi-finals. Fair play is important but common sense even more so.

Of course, any cut-off point can be viewed as flawed. If someone has a spotless group stage but picks up a yellow in the Last 16 and then the semi-final, he misses out on the final - but at least they’d know the situation ahead of the knockout stages. There needs to be some sort of middle ground that doesn’t punish players from missing important fixtures though. UEFA have over-thought a few things at this tournament.