‘Superstar Bale must be stopped’

EDEN Hazard is wary of the threat Wales “superstar” Gareth Bale poses to Belgium’s Euro 2016 hopes.

Tonight’s i ntriguingly-poised quarter-final in Lille will be the countries’ fifth meeting in less than four years.

Chris Coleman’s men edged the last encounter between the nations in Cardiff a year ago, when Belgium were unable to turn domination into goals as they went down 1-0.

Hazard knows they need to display a more ruthless side at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy this time, as well as shackle Real Madrid star man Bale.

“We didn’t create too many chances against Wales in recent times,” the Belgium captain said.

“We struggled to score goals. They’ve got a large defensive block, they play with five at the back, they’re difficult to displace.

“They’ve got top players in the middle of the park and a real superstar up front. I hope this match will be different to the last one we played against them.

“I hope we can create a lot of chances and score goals”

Belgium approach the quarter-final buoyed by an impressive 4-0 last-16 win against Hungary, with Hazard deservedly being named Man of the Match in Toulouse.

The attacking midfielder accepts he “didn’t have the best season” at Chelsea but is feeling good ahead of a match which a thigh complaint had made him a doubt for.

“My injury is OK, I was able to train yesterday,” Hazard said. “I didn’t feel too much pain.”

The trip to French Flanders is a special one for Hazard, having made his first steps into professional football with Lille.

“It’s always nice to come back to Lille,” Hazard said of the club he joined aged 14 and won the Ligue 1 title with five years ago.

“This is where I experienced my first emotions as a footballer.

“It feels great and this is my first time in this stadium. I hope I experience something similar to the previous stadium in Lille.”

Wales manager Chris Coleman has promised Belgium “a hell of a game” this evening.