Heartbreak for Wales in Belgium
Belgium 4 - 3 Wales
Wales produced a stirring fightback in Brussels, recovering from three goals down to draw level with Belgium, only for Kevin De Bruyne to strike late and hand Craig Bellamy his first defeat as manager
Author | Mark Milward
Stadium | Stade Roi Baudouin
Belgium raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening half-hour, with Romelu Lukaku converting from the penalty spot before Youri Tielemans capped a sweeping move and Jeremy Doku added a dazzling third, cutting inside and drilling into the bottom corner.
For Wales, it threatened to be a repeat of the 4-0 defeat by Slovakia a year ago that brought an end to Rob Page’s tenure.
But this team, under Bellamy, has shown greater resolve. A penalty from Harry Wilson shortly before the break gave them a foothold, and the comeback gathered pace in the second half.
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Wilson turned provider to set up Sorba Thomas, who finished coolly for his first international goal. Moments later, Brennan Johnson headed in an equaliser that sent the away end into raptures and revived memories of that unforgettable Euro 2016 victory over the Belgians.
There was further drama when Lukaku thought he had restored Belgium’s lead, only for VAR to intervene. But Wales’ hopes were dashed when De Bruyne ghosted in at the far post to convert and restore Belgium’s advantage.
Post match reaction
The full-time whistle sparked wild celebrations from the home fans, their relief evident after a game that threatened to slip away. For Wales, the result was a cruel blow after a monumental effort. They drop to second in Group J, overtaken by North Macedonia, who won earlier in the day in Kazakhstan.
One Wales fan told us: "So very proud of that second-half performance. That being said, I think I would have rather lost 5-0. Losing like that is the absolute worst feeling."
