Belgian invasion expected at match

KEVIN de Bruyne wants Belgium’s Euro 2016 quarterfinal clash with Wales to be like a home game -- the Lille stadium is just 100km from the Belgian border.

A huge wave of Belgians is expected to invade the French city to watch their country take on opponents that De Bruyne called “a technically and defensively astute side”.

Belgium are on a high after their 4-0 rout of Hungary on Sunday that saw Chelsea forward Eden Hazard produce an inspirational display as captain.

De Bruyne is counting on the Red Devils to produce more of the same.

“I can’t wait for this match, which will be like a home match for us because it’s right on the Belgian border.

“We’re expecting a lot of fans. We hope we can go all the way in this tournament.”

The performance against Hungary has encouraged Belgian hopes that they can emulate their 1980 feat of reaching the final, when they lost to West Germany.

Against Hungary, De Bruyne swung in a free kick for Toby Alderweireld to give Belgium a 10thminute lead.

Hazard dazzled fans with some mazy runs, dribbles, and sublime passes that carved open the Hungarian defence with stunning regularity. Belgium scored three goals in a purple 12-minute patch to close the game.

The Chelsea star dribbled past two players to set up second-half substitute Michy Batshuayi to score with his first touch of the game on 78 minutes.

Hazard scored his maiden goal of the tournament after running across the edge of the area unchallenged to fire a shot that beat Gabor Kiraliy low at his far post. – AFP