Belgium fails to overcome defensive problems against Wales

LILLE, France (AP) Belgium knew that replacing two seasoned defenders was never going to be easy in its European Championship quarterfinal against Wales.

However, it turned out to be impossible on Friday.

In a game that highlighted its defensive problems, Belgium lost 3-1, and thus the chance to reach its first semifinal of a major competition since the 1986 World Cup.

Coach Marc Wilmots went into Euro 2016 without injured regulars Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Lombaerts. For the Wales game, he also had to do without Thomas Vermaelen, who was suspended for a second booking.

And as if things couldn't get any worse, Wilmots then had to strike a fourth experienced defender off his list when Jan…