Belgium Edge Out Wales in Thrilling 3-2 World Cup Qualifier Clash

What a night of football drama it was in Brussels as Belgium narrowly held off a courageous Wales comeback to secure a 3-2 win in their World Cup qualifier. This match had everything — explosive attacks, VAR drama, momentum shifts, and a glimpse of both teams' fighting spirits.

From the very beginning, Belgium were on the front foot. Within just 27 minutes, they found themselves 3-0 up, looking every bit the European powerhouse they’ve long been known to be. Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring early with a confidently taken penalty after a handball in the box. Just four minutes later, Youri Tielemans doubled the lead with a stunning strike from range that left Welsh keeper Danny Ward helpless. And then came Jeremy Doku — the pacey winger darted through and fired in Belgium's third, with Wales seemingly stunned and deflated.

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But if you thought the game was done and dusted, Wales had other ideas. Right before the half-time whistle, they were handed a lifeline. VAR intervened after Matz Sels, Belgium's stand-in goalkeeper, caught a Welsh player in the box. Harry Wilson stepped up, and with a cool finish, made it 3-1 going into the break — a critical psychological boost.

Craig Bellamy, who’s described his first year in charge as “the best of his life,” had clearly motivated his side during the interval. Just six minutes into the second half, Sorba Thomas latched onto a beautifully placed cross-field pass from Wilson and finished calmly beneath Sels. It was Thomas’ first goal for his country, and it gave Wales real hope.

Belgium, however, managed to hold on. Despite their early dominance, they looked shaky under Wales’ relentless pressure in the second half. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio had a chance to bury the game for good but blazed over the bar. That missed opportunity nearly came back to haunt them as Wales pushed forward with renewed belief.

This result ends Wales' unbeaten streak, but they showed heart, resilience, and moments of real quality — especially through Wilson, who has emerged as their standout player in the post-Bale era. For Belgium, it was a reminder that while they remain a top-tier footballing nation, their golden generation might be gone, and victories won’t come as easy anymore.

In the end, it was a classic encounter — full of drama, energy, and emotion. And if these two meet again further down the road, expect another firecracker.

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