The Belgian women’s national team, the Red Flames, secured a 1-0 victory over Poland in the first leg of their World Cup playoff, advancing with a narrow advantage ahead of the return match in Poland on Tuesday. The match, played in Leuven, saw both teams struggle to create clear chances, with the Belgians relying on goalkeeper Lowiese Seynhaeve to deny Poland’s efforts. Elena Dhondt scored the only goal of the match in the 45+3′ minute, capitalizing on a assist from Tessa Wullaert. Despite their inefficiencies, the Belgians held on to a 1-0 lead, setting up a tense return leg in Poland.
The Red Flames also had opportunities to extend their lead, including a second-half penalty missed by Wullaert and multiple close calls from Elena Dhondt, whose shots were saved by Polish goalkeeper Seweryn. Despite their inefficiencies, the Belgians held on to a 1-0 lead, setting up a tense return leg in Poland.
Missed Chances Define the Match
Belgium’s first-half performance was marked by defensive fragility, allowing Poland to dominate possession. Poland responded with a similar missed penalty in the second half, with Pajor failing to convert after a foul by Kees. Seynhaeve had a near-miss before halftime when a Polish cross slipped through her hands, but the attacker failed to capitalize.
Next Step in the Playoffs
The Red Flames now travel to Poland for the second leg on Tuesday, where they will need to defend their 1-0 advantage against a team that has shown both defensive and offensive vulnerabilities. The outcome of the tie could see Ireland, who defeated Kazakhstan 8-0 on Saturday, as the potential opponent in a possible two-legged final. Belgium’s path to the 2026 World Cup hinges on overcoming this challenge, with their next match in Poland set to determine their fate. The match ended with Seynhaeve making a crucial save in the 90+5′ minute, denying Poland’s free kick after a yellow card to Janice Cayman for a late challenge.
Key Moments and Substitutions
The match featured several critical moments, including a missed opportunity for a second goal in the 84th minute when Dhondt’s shot was saved by Seweryn. In the 86th minute, Jasmien Mathys headed wide after a chaotic attack, while Wullaert’s final effort in the 89th minute was again stopped by Seweryn. The Belgian team also faced pressure in the final minutes, with Poland earning a free kick in stoppage time, but Seynhaeve remained alert to prevent a late equalizer. The Red Flames’ ability to hold their lead despite these challenges highlights their resilience as they prepare for the decisive return leg.
