Wales succumb to Belgium in World Cup qualifying opener

Belgium came from behind to beat Wales in the opening game of World Cup qualifying.

Harry Wilson gave Wales an early lead but Kevin De Bruyne and Thorgan Hazard ensured Belgium went in at the break ahead, before Romelu Lukaku’s spot-kick ensured the victory.

Wales opened the scoring with a sensational one-touch team move, finished by Wilson into the bottom left corner after Gareth Bale’s through ball.

Their lead lasted just 12 minutes though, and the Belgian equaliser came through their main man, Kevin De Bruyne.

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The Manchester City midfielder found some space 30 yards from goal before firing the ball low past Danny Ward.

Thorgan Hazard gave Belgium the lead in the 28th minute when he headed in from Thomas Meunier’s cross.

Belgium continued to dominate possession into the second half but it was Wales who came close to a leveller when Manchester United’s Daniel James shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

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De Bruyne could have added his second but his shot went wide of the right post.

Lukaku made sure of the win from the penalty spot after Chris Mepham’s foul.

Wales play Mexico in a friendly on Saturday before hosting Czech Republic next Tuesday.

Cover Photo: FIFA World Cup 2014 by Mariya Butd used under license by CC BY 2.0.

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1 Response

  1. 24/03/2021 22:24

    […] Wales took the lead against Belgium but goals from Thorgan Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku led the world’s top-ranked side to a 3-1 win. […]

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