MANAGER Chris Coleman believes Wales are on the verge of achieving ‘something special’ as they prepare to take on Belgium in a top of the table Euro 2016 qualifying clash tomorrow night.
At the halfway point of the campaign Coleman’s men are level on points with their visitors, who arrive at the Cardiff City Stadium ranked as the second best team in the world.
The Wales boss says his players should have no fear as they take on world stars like Eden Hazard, Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku, insisting that they have proved they belong in such company.
And so strong is Coleman’s belief in his squad that he is confident that they can qualify for a first major tournament since the World Cup in Sweden 57 years ago.
“We haven’t done it since 1958 and we’ve got to prove to ourselves that we’re good enough,” he said.
“We haven’t always played well but we’ve always been difficult to beat.
“And we haven’t just got the talent on the pitch, we’ve got the mentality off it and that’s why I believe this group will do something special.
“After this game there are another 12 points to play for and if we win it doesn’t guarantee us anything but we’ll be in a great position.
“And if we’re going to qualify then we need to beat quality teams and Belgium are one of the best in the world.”
Key to Wales’ hopes tomorrow night will be the support from a sell-out 33,000 crowd in the capital and Coleman is delighted that the Welsh public are backing his side once again after years of dwindling attendances.
“It’s huge,” he said. “I was in Paris at the weekend and the support for Belgium was fantastic. You walk onto the pitch with a big support home and away and it is a big advantage.
“When you’re tired the crowd can get you over the line, they can help you find some energy from somewhere and inspire you.
“We’ve had to earn that support because a few years ago we didn’t have that,” he added.
“It’s what we’ve always wanted. The only difference in this camp is the interest from outside.
“We’ve said we want to be playing in front of full houses and we hope it gets bigger and bigger and it will with every result we get.
“This is where we want to be and we’re embracing it. The squad is maturing and getting better with the big games and the pressure “They are embracing playing for Wales and being part of a team that has created a belief and an expectation.
“A big crowd against a great team like Belgium – they shouldn’t fear that, they look forward to it.”
Coleman will be without Paul Dummett due to injury. The Newcastle United man is the third defender to be ruled out after Newport’s James Collins and Spurs youngster Ben Davies.
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