- Belgium secured a dramatic 4:3 win over Wales in Group J of the World Cup qualifiers
- Wales fought back from 3:0 down to level the match before conceding a late De Bruyne winner
- Romelu Lukaku scored twice, though one goal was disallowed as Youri Tielemans provided two key assists
Key Takeaways:
Belgium and Wales delivered an incredible thriller in their Group J clash of the World Cup qualifiers. The Red Devils came out on top with a 4:3 victory, with the tension lasting until the final moments.
15'—Belgium 1-0 Wales
19'—Belgium 2-0 Wales
27'—Belgium 3-0 Wales
45+7'—Belgium 3-1 Wales
51'—Belgium 3-2 Wales
70'—Belgium 3-3 Wales
88'—Belgium 4-3 Wales— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 9, 2025
The first half went smoothly for the hosts. They took the lead in the 15th minute when a penalty was awarded for a handball by Brennan Johnson, and Romelu Lukaku scored from the spot. Just four minutes later, the score was doubled. The Red Devils launched a fast-paced attack, Maxime De Cuyper passed to Youri Tielemans inside the box, and he fired directly into the net for 2:0. In the 27th minute, Belgium’s lead became a classic one. Jeremy Doku received the ball on the right flank, burst into the penalty area at speed past several defenders, and shot into the net to make it 3:0. Wales, however, found their first spark of hope in stoppage time of the first half. The visitors earned a penalty after goalkeeper Matz Sels fouled Chris Mepham in an aerial duel. Harry Wilson was precise from the spot for 3:1.
In the 51st minute, the Dragons added another. Wilson advanced down the right wing and played a cross to Sorba Thomas on the opposite side, who calmly scored to make it 3:2. Wales then equalised in the 70th minute. Sorba Thomas received a cross at the far post and headed the ball down to Brennan Johnson, who finished from close range to make it 3:3. Late in the match, Belgium increased the pressure and thought they had a goal from Lukaku in the 81st minute, but it was ruled out. In the 88th minute, Kevin De Bruyne finally secured the win for the Red Devils, finishing from close range after a cross from Youri Tielemans.
Belgium claimed their first win of the campaign and now sits in third place with 4 points. Wales is second with 7 points.