Belgium have beaten Wales five times in their 12 meetings to date.
Wales are happy to cast themselves as underdogs in their Euro 2016 quarter-final against Belgium on Friday but such modesty belies their proven ability to bite hard.
The Belgians, who finally came together as a team to demolish Hungary 4-0 in their last-16 match, will start as favourites. Both sides, though, are fully aware that Wales have proved their mettle against Belgium, beating them 1-0 in Cardiff and drawing in Brussels in the tournament's qualifying stage.
Belgium, playing before what will be virtually a home crowd in the northern French town of Lille, are under huge pressure for their much-vaunted golden generation to fulfil their promise and finally challenge for a major trophy. Wales could also claim to have developed a golden generation, spearheaded by Gareth Bale, even if they have fewer illustrious players than the side ranked number two in the world.
"We're good normally in that situation when we're right up against it," Wales defender Chris Gunter said. "Belgium will be the fancied team and they are right on their own doorstep but it's something we can use as an advantage."
All eyes will be on the form of Bale and Eden Hazard. Bale, the world's most expensive player, has scored three goals and fired in the cross that led to Northern Ireland's own goal in Wales's 1-0 last-16 victory. His ability to seize the moment, not least at free kicks, could be pivotal. Hazard came to life against Hungary — as did the whole team after a stuttering start to the campaign. He set up the second goal for Michy Batshuayi and scored with a dashing solo effort two minutes later to crush Hungary's hopes in what he said was his best-ever game for his country.
The Belgium captain has missed two days of training with a thigh injury, but should he be declared fit to play, he will be returning to the city where he made a name for himself. The Welsh are playing in their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, when they lost in the quarter-finals to eventual champions Brazil.
Hazard said the Belgians would need to be wary of the Welsh. "They are a tricky side to play against. They have a very compact unit and they have a great player up front (Bale)." The winners will reckon to have a fair chance of reaching the final as the semi-finals would pit them against Portugal, avoiding the powers of France, Italy and Germany.
Neither side will go gentle into that good night on Friday. Belgium have beaten Wales five times in their 12 meetings to date. They've lost four and drawn three. This is the first time these teams will meet in the finals of a major tournament.
Bale has scored 11 number of goals in qualifying for Euro 2016. He also provided two assists, meaning he scored or set up 82% of his side's goals. This is the first time a Welsh side — club or national — will play a game in Lille.
Match timing: 12.30 am, July 2
Where to watch: Sony Six, Sony ESPN and livestreaming.
Stat attack
Six of Belgium’s eight goals at Euro 2016 have been scored in the final 30 minutes.
Wales have matched their greatest international success by reaching the last eight; they were also quarterfinalists at their only FIFA World Cup in 1958, losing out 1-0 to eventual winners Brazil.
Belgium's biggest achievement to date was reaching the final of this tournament in 1980, when they lost 2-1 to West Germany in Rome. Belgium's 4-0 win against Hungary in the round of 16 was the most emphatic victory recorded this tournament and their biggest margin of victory at any major final tournament.
Did you know?
Wales have never before reached a European Championship final. Their previous best performance came in 1976, when they lost to Yugoslavia 3-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals, losing the first leg 2-0 in Zagreb before a 1-1 draw in Cardiff.
Deadly duel
Ashley Williams
Age: 31
Position: Defender
Caps: 62
Goals: 1
Kevin De Bruyne
Age:21
Position: Winger
Caps: 45
Goals: 12
De Bruyne provided three assists for Belgium in the tournament so far. Though he struggled a bit against Italy, he still showed that he is capable of big things. Marking him will be defender Williams, whom Bale described as 'priceless, he's the rock, the captain.' Though he had an injury to his left shoulder last match, coach Coleman won't rest him unless he has no choice.
Predicted IX
Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Taylor, Davies, Chester, Williams, Allen, Ledley, Bale, Ramsey, Robson-Kanu
Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen, Witsel, Nainggolan, Mertens, De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku
Manager talk
Marc Wilmots, Belgium
"Wales are a very strong side, and not just with Gareth Bale; they have other good players," cautioned Belgian coach Marc Wilmots. "Belgium, however, have greater depth. Wilmots has pointed to playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who has been a tireless and influential figure. Romelu Lukaku scored 27 goals in 52 appearances for Everton this season and always looks threatening.
"We are now in the quarter-finals – the Hungary game is in the past and we need to focus on this game against Wales. I think we have to keep doing what we've done well so far. Nobody knows what sort of team will be put out, so I really need everyone to stay on their toes," said Wilmots.
Wilmots realises that Wales is a tough team that has good players with pace. He added, "They are a side who defend really well and who have real talent on the counterattack. Now the stakes are different, this is no longer a qualification game for points."
Chris Coleman, Wales
Wales manager Chris Coleman looks confident. He said, "They have players on the pitch and the bench that would grace any international team. But in the last four years we've had four meetings and won one and drawn two, so there's nothing to be afraid of. We've got to go and do all the things that have got us in this position in the first place."
"Belgium are recognised as one of the best teams in international football and we've played them four times in the last two campaigns. But it's all about us and our preparation. Just because it's Belgium, there's been no dramas in our camp," added Coleman.
Coleman assured that Ashley injury has been taken care of by the medical team and he would be playing in the quarterfinal.
Team news
Belgium's Vermaelen is suspended and Vertonghen is out due to ankle ligaments injury. Their key player Hazard is doubtful to play as he had even missed training due to quadriceps pain.
With inputs from Reuters, UEFA.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Wales vs Belgium")
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}