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Euro 2016: Gareth Bale says Wales are Belgium's bogey team

Wales player Gareth Bale
Image: Gareth Bale believes Wales may have the edge over Belgium

Gareth Bale believes Wales can once again prove they are Belgium's "bogey team" and secure a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Chris Coleman's side are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Belgium and defeated them 1-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Cardiff last June, with Bale scoring the winner. 

Despite possessing a glut of attacking options, Belgium failed to score against Wales in qualifying and Bale believes his side may possess a psychological advantage over Marc Wilmots' men. 

"We're like their bogey team, aren't we?" Bale said ahead of the sides' clash in Lille on Friday. 

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Bale wasn't giving much away when asked about Wales' tactics for their quarter-final match against Belgium

"Hopefully that edge gets into their heads - you never know. We will definitely draw on those qualifiers, it gives us more knowledge on them.

"We know how to play against them and how they play. We know it will be a different game from the qualifiers and it is a more pressurised situation.

Wales player Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA EURO Group B 2016 Qualifier between Wales and
Image: Bale celebrates scoring the winner for Wales against Belgium in qualifying for Euro 2016

"But we understand what they are about, how they work, and we will hone our game plan to try and stop them but help our attack."

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Wales are the last home nation remaining in the tournament after defeating Northern Ireland 1-0 in Paris last Saturday and witnessing the elimination of England at the last-16 stage. 

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Bale, who tasted Champions League success with Real Madrid in May, says Wales are determined to prolong their stay in France and have a real crack at winning the competition. 

"We have done well and the country is proud of us even if we do get knocked out," he added. 

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Bale believes all the credit should go to manager Chris Coleman for Wales' success so far at Euro 2016

"But we want to keep going, we want to keep riding this wave. We want to go as far as we can and try to win the tournament.

"We understand the position we are in and everything else goes to the back of our mind.

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"It is all about trying to beat Belgium and getting to the semis."

Bale has so far scored three times at Euro 2016 and also provided the cross that saw Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley divert the ball into his own net during their last-16 meeting at the Parc des Princes. 

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Following Wales' achievements so far at Euro 2016, Bale now has a burger named after him

The clash against Belgium will see Bale pitted against Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard, but the Wales forward was quick to dismiss the importance of this individual duel. 

"A lot of people will speak about things like that, but I am sure he would think the same as me - this is about Wales versus Belgium, not me up against him," he said.

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Bale is proud of Wales' achievements at Euro 2016, but insists they can still impress

"There are 11 players on the field and it does not matter if he or I score, it is about which team wins.

"One player does not make a team, it will be 11 v 11 and we will be going out to win the game.

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Bale believes Wales' team spirit has been key for the success at Euro 2016 so far

"I don't think everyone is looking to us, we just work hard for the team. If the team plays well then the players are playing well.

"It is a tale of two teams who are very good teams, because you don't get to the quarter-finals by accident."

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