Wales saw a defeat from Belgium 1:3 (1:2) in the first round of World Cup qualifying in Group E. The match got off to a great start for the visitors, but in the end, it was the leaders of the FIFA ranking who claimed their first victory in the qualifiers.
Until the 11th minute, we had to wait for the first goal. Harry Wilson took the lead for the guests when he found himself in a position one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, the Belgians did not give up and immediately started to make up for the loss.
De Bruyne’s right-footed shot led to the equalizer after Thorgan Hazard passed a shot to him in the 22nd minute. Six minutes later Thomas Meunier put Hazard ahead. The Belgian struck with his head and led his team to the lead. In the end, the score was 2-1 at the break.
The guests had a chance in the 56th minute, but the ball after a shot by Daniel James flew just outside the post.
Ten minutes later, De Bruyne could have scored a second goal, but he also missed the target. Chris Mepham fouled in his own penalty area in the 72nd minute. Romelu Lukaku stepped up to take the eleven and with a confident shot increased the score.
In the following minutes, the Belgians confidently controlled the course of the meeting and did not allow rivals to make up for losses.
Watch the match video here.
Belgium – Wales 3-1 (2-1)
Goals: Harry Wilson (11), Kevin De Bruyne (22), Thorgan Hazard (28), Romelu Lukaku (73p)
Yellow card: Thorgan Hazard
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois – Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen (46. Jason Denaye), Jan Vertonghen – Thomas Meunier, Kevin De Bruyne, Leander Dendoncker, Youri Tielemans – Dries Mertens (90+2. Leandro Trossard), Thorgan Hazard (83. Timothy Castagne), Romelu Lukaku
Wales: Danny Ward – Joe Rodon, James Lawrence, Chris Mepham – Neco Williams, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Allen (8. Joseff Morrell), Harry Wilson (66. Tyler Roberts), Connor Roberts – Gareth Bale (84. Kieffer Moore), Daniel James
