Belgium vs Wales
UEFA Nations League
Group A4
King Baudouin Stadium
The hosts made a deep run in the previous edition of the World Cup. However, the side has been written off by many from this edition. The side needed to build up momentum in the lead up to Qatar.
That is exactly what they did. The side scored twice in the first half as De Bruyne and Batshuayi got on the scoresheet.
The second half began with Wales pulling back one for themselves. Both sides pushed for the fourth goal of the contest. However, no further goals were scored. Thus, the fixture ended 2-1 in favour of Belgium
Belgium vs Wales: Match report
Belgium: Courtois (GK), Alderweireld, Debast, Vertonghen, Witsel, De Bruyne (De Ketelaere 90+1), Tielemans (Vanaken – 75), E.Hazard (c) (Trossard – 65), Carrasco (Mertens – 65), Meunier, Batshuayi (Openda – 65).
Subs: Mignolet (GK), Casteels (GK), Theate, Onana, Dendoncker, Castagne, Saelemaekers.
Manager: Roberto Martínez.
Goals: De Bruyne (11), Batshuayi (38).
Wales: Hennessey (GK)(c), N.Williams, Mepham, Rodon, Smith (Morrell – 64), Johnson, Moore (Bale – 64), C.Roberts, Ampadu, Norrington-Davies (T. Roberts -84), James.
Subs: Ward (GK), King (GK), Gunter, Cabango, Levitt, J. Williams, Harris, Thomas, Harris.
Manager: Rob Page.
Goals: Moore (50).
Bookings: Mepham (49), Ampadu (59), Bale (78).
Referee: Ali Palabıyık (Turkey).
Assistant referees: Serkan Olguncan (Turkey), Erdinç Sezertam (Turkey).
Fourth official: Hüseyin Göçek (Turkey).
VAR: Mete Kalkavan (Turkey).
Assistant VAR: Abdulkadir Bitigen (Turkey).
Post match reactions
Robert Page, head coach of Wales: “It’s a great lesson for us. We were without 5 players today who would have made us stronger.
“We could not press high. Every time we pressed, they managed to play through us. We changed that at half-time and dropped deep, changing the shape.
“The lesson is learnt here to take into the World Cup. I said to them in the changing room, we had asked for this. By qualifying for the tournament, we’re asking to compete against teams like Belgium, like Holland. And we have been in games until the end. This speaks volumes about that group of players.
Eden Hazard: “I think I am happy when I play. And it was nice to play for the supporters again.
“I know what I can do, I want to get in shape for the World Cup. We’ll see what the coach decides. But I am happiest when I play.
“When I play, I give my all. It’s a delicate situation at Real Madrid. I feel like playing more, but I can’t do more.
“I’ve always said the old Eden Hazard will come back when he plays. I just need to get back into the rhythm.”
