Robson-Kanu beauty sees Wales stun Belgium, earn historic semi-final berth

The European Championship: where fringe players become heroes.

Just ask Wales striker Hal Robson-Kanu, the unassuming hero in Friday's shocking 3-1 victory over Belgium in Lille, whose country has advanced to the last four of a major tournament for the first time in its footballing history.

Without a club since his decade-long tenure with second-tier Reading ended during the summer, the forward displayed sheer brilliance in duping Marouane Fellaini, Thomas Meunier, and a clueless Jason Denayer to deposit a world-class finish in the 55th minute.

Related - Watch: Robson-Kanu's Cruyff turn leaves Belgians stranded for Welsh lead

The goal, his second of the tournament, gave the underdogs a second-half advantage, and Wales was full value for the lead. Aaron Ramsey bossed the midfield while Gareth Bale provided a constant threat, and the back three of Ashley Williams, Ben Davies, and James Chester thwarted all but one Belgian attack.

Sam Vokes would add a third for Wales five minutes from time with a towering header that got the better of Toby Alderweireld.

If Wales is to top Portugal in the semis, however, it will do so without the talismanic Ramsey, who picked up his second yellow in five matches and will miss out.

From the opening whistle, the clash in Lille was an end-to-end affair rife with chances for both sides.

If Robson-Kanu's goal was the epitome of pinpoint control in close spaces, Belgium's opener was a tutorial in all things robust.

Roma star Radja Nainggolan handed Belgium a 13th-minute advantage courtesy of one of the goals of the tournament. The finish, Nainggolan's second of the tournament, was also his second from outside of the box.

Related - Watch: Nainggolan rocket hands Belgium lead over Wales

Nainggolan can consider himself among exclusive company, as only he and Pele have scored against Wales in a major tournament knockout stage.

It was a tough beginning for Wales shot-stopper Wayne Hennessey, who could do little about the Belgian's rocket just hours after learning he'd lost Crystal Palace first-team duties to former Marseille star Steve Mandanda.

Down a goal, Wales continued to show glimpses of brilliance in attack in an even opening stanza, and Chris Coleman's side was rewarded for its efforts when captain Williams headed home a Ramsey corner to level the score in the 30th minute.

Related - Watch: Williams nods equaliser following dozy Belgian defending

Both goals were bookended by countless chances, as Hennessey and Neil Taylor combined to thwart the Red Devils' advances during a furious melee in the area minutes before Thibaut Courtois parried an effort from the Swansea City full-back.

With the loss, Belgium heads home wondering if it's wasted a golden generation, having been bounced in the quarter-final stage of two successive major tournaments despite having one of the continent's most talented sides. Marc Wilmots will face questions about his tactics and team sheets after the Red Devils entered the tournament as Europe's highest seed.

Despite Belgium's futility, though, the story Friday is all about Wales and the Red Dragons' historic semi-final berth.