Wales’ unbeaten streak under coach Craig Bellamy came to an end after 10 games, but they fought hard in a thrilling World Cup qualifier against Belgium. The match ended 4-3 to Belgium, with Wales coming back from being 3-0 down.
From the start, Belgium was very strong and dominated the game. They scored the first goal in the 15th minute with a penalty after a handball by Brennan Johnson. Romelu Lukaku calmly scored the penalty, beating the goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Belgium didn’t stop there. Four minutes later, Kevin De Bruyne helped set up Maxim De Cuyper, who passed to Youri Tielemans to score Belgium’s second goal. Wales had a chance to score, but Ben Davies’ long shot was saved by Belgium’s goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Belgium scored again soon after when Jérémy Doku fired a powerful shot into the corner. Then, just before halftime, Wales got a break. Belgium’s keeper Sels fouled Chris Mepham during a corner, and Wales got a penalty. Harry Wilson scored, making it 3-1 at halftime.
After the break, Belgium looked to finish the game. Dodi Lukebakio missed a big chance by shooting over the bar when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Wales quickly fought back though. Sorba Thomas scored after a great team move, making it 3-2.
Wales kept pushing and, with about 20 minutes left, they scored again. Harry Wilson set up Brennan Johnson with a perfect header, and Johnson scored to tie the game 3-3.
The game was very close, but Belgium managed to score the winning goal near the end, with Kevin De Bruyne finishing a cross from Tielemans.
Even though Wales lost, they showed they can compete and have a good chance to qualify for their second straight World Cup. Belgium remains strong at home, winning 12 of their last 15 World Cup qualifiers there, but they will need to keep playing well to stay on top of Group J.
