Belgium

Newspapers reaction to Wales defeating Belgium in Euro 2016 [PHOTOS]

Wonder in Wales, awe in England, bitterness in Belgium, and shock across the Continent, these were the reactions across Europe after the legendary result in Lille. Let’s take a look at how European papers covered footballing history.

Western Mail Loving it

Wales’ Western Mail leads with a euphoric photo and a headline that perfectly sums up the national mood:

The Times Hal lelujah

Hal Robson-Kanu has a name made for headlines and his Cruyff-ian goal inspired many to play off of his name, starting with The Times:

Daily Mirror

The Mirror did the Times one better by slyly referencing the late Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest:

L Equipe What Madness

The mood was more incredulous across the pond.

France’s L’Equipe spoke for many neutral observers by declaring “What Madness!”

Le Soir - Console Belgium The Devils leave the Euros with their Heads Low

Belgium’s Le Soir, a French language paper, asked for “consolation” as its “Devils leave with their heads hung low.”

Gazet Van Antwerpen - Flop

The Gazet Van Antwerpen, one of Belgium’s Dutch papers, summed up the nation’s mood about its underachievers succinctly with “FLOP!”

Het Laatste Nieuws - and now a real coach

The Het Laatste Nieuws, another Belgian Dutch paper, has seen enough of Marc Wilmots and declares that now is the time for a “real coach”

De Morgen and again we cannot beat wales

De Morgen, a Belgian Dutch language paper, glumly references four prior losses to Wales, including two in Euro qualifying and one in World Cup qualifying with, “again we cannot beat Wales.”

Telegraaf - Wales Rampage Belgium in Tears

Belgium’s neighbors in The Netherlands were equally shocked with De Telegraaf exclaiming “Wales Rampage while Belgium is in Tears!”

Marca Princes of Wales Kings of Football

Spain’s Marca cheekily announces “The Princes of Wales and the Kings of Football!”

O Jogo - The Highest Ranked FIFA Team Beaten by Rookies - Yet Another Miracle for Wales

Finally, O Jogo, of Wales’ semifinals opponent Portugal, has a lot to say. First it expresses shock that Belgium, the highest ranking European side, could lose to “rookies.” Then it announces the result as “another Welsh miracle,” and finally it teases Cristiano Ronaldo/Gareth Bale as the “posterboys for attacking midfielders!”

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