Belgium has stuck at a 1-1 in the ever difficult move to Wales. The Red Devils got off to a good start when Ethan Ampadu’s quick opening goal was disallowed for offside, eventually thanks to a goal from Youri Tielemans at the start of the second half they seemed to win by the smallest margin in Cardiff, until Johnson after a VAR check equalized for the Welshmen.
When Youri Tielemans appeared at the press conference earlier this international break, he mainly received questions about his allegedly poor performance with the Red Devils in recent months. Tielemans himself thought that was a bit exaggerated. Against Wales, he emphasized that amazement: he was at the appointment and shortly after the break made the 0-1 with a dry bang. It was his first goal as an international since November 18, 2020, when against Denmark.
Tielemans could have or even should have scored in the first half, just like Carrasco and Trossard, but his sights were not yet sharp. There was also a little lack of fire in the first minutes, as could be seen in a scrimmage in the sixteen. Wales fought for the ball, which got stuck, Ethan Ampadu put his foot against it: 1-0. Fortunately for the Red Devils, there had been offside before, the VAR indicated.
Roberto Martinez opted for an experimental defence, with Dendoncker, Boyata and Theate. Those guys initially had a hard time with the agile Welsh attackers. There were also some chances before the break for Bale and teammates, but it is not the case that Koen Casteels (a real ice rabbit under the bar) had to make miracle saves.
After the 0-1, it was not the most sparkling game for the neutral spectator: the pace was not blisteringly high, there was some waste on both sides and the opportunities did not follow each other in quick succession, especially after the break. The Red Devils had control, but did not go looking for the reassuring 0-2. And they would still complain.
Because everyone knows the old football wisdom: with one goal bonus, the opponent always gets that one opportunity to equalize. And so it was in Cardiff. Rodon headed over first, substitute Brennan Johnson managed to beat Casteels after a great assist from Ramsey. The stadium exploded, Wales fans really know how to create atmosphere.
And so the Red Devils are 4 out of 9 in this Nations League: too little for a team with so many qualities. A win against Poland on Tuesday is a must to stay in the running for a spot in the Final Four.
Photo: ISOPIX
