Kevin de Bruyne – Foto: X
The Wales national team faces Belgium at Cardiff City Stadium in the eighth round of the European World Cup qualifiers. At 8 minutes, Joe Rodon opened the scoring for Wales with a header from a corner. At 18 minutes, Kevin de Bruyne equalized for Belgium with a precise penalty kick. The match remains ongoing in the first half, with the score at 1-1.
The game is officiated by referee Daniel Siebert, with VAR in use for key decisions. Both teams are vying for points in Group J, where Belgium leads with 11 points and Wales follows with 10. The match highlights the recent rivalry between the teams, with a balanced head-to-head record.
First half timeline
The first half saw intense moments from the opening whistle, with Wales pressing early. Below are the key moments up to the 21st minute:
- At 1 minute, Wales wins a throw-in in Belgium’s attacking third, starting with high pressure.
- At 4 minutes, a corner for Wales taken by Sorba Thomas nearly results in a goal.
- At 8 minutes, Joe Rodon scores with a header from a corner, making it 1-0 for Wales.
- At 13 minutes, Harry Wilson receives a yellow card for a hard foul in midfield.
- At 18 minutes, Kevin de Bruyne converts a penalty after VAR review, tying the score at 1-1.
Lineups and initial tactics
Craig Bellamy sets up Wales in a 5-4-1 formation, prioritizing a solid defense with players like Joe Rodon and Ben Cabango at the back. Ethan Ampadu anchors the midfield to counter Belgium’s attacks, while Harry Wilson and David Brooks seek quick transitions. The home team exploits set pieces, as seen in the opening goal.
Belgium, led by Rudi Garcia, deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation focusing on possession, driven by Kevin de Bruyne and Leandro Trossard in attack. Amadou Onana and Nicolas Raskin hold the midfield, allowing Jeremy Doku to advance on the wings. Thibaut Courtois guards the goal, crucial for timely saves.
Lineups and initial tactics
Craig Bellamy sets up Wales in a 5-4-1 formation, prioritizing a solid defense with players like Joe Rodon and Ben Cabango at the back. Ethan Ampadu anchors the midfield to counter Belgium’s attacks, while Harry Wilson and David Brooks seek quick transitions. The home team exploits set pieces, as seen in the opening goal.
Belgium, led by Rudi Garcia, deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation focusing on possession, driven by Kevin de Bruyne and Leandro Trossard in attack. Amadou Onana and Nicolas Raskin hold the midfield, allowing Jeremy Doku to advance on the wings. Thibaut Courtois guards the goal, crucial for timely saves.
Partial match statistics
Wales recorded 11 shots in the first half, with one on target, compared to Belgium’s single shot on goal. The Welsh earned three corners, exploiting the left flank with Sorba Thomas. Possession is balanced at around 50% for each side, with two fouls by Wales and three by Belgium.
A yellow card for Harry Wilson marks the discipline, with no red cards so far. Belgium responds with quick counterattacks but faces tight marking. The momentum shifts, with Wales dominating early and Belgium reacting after the penalty.
Recent head-to-head record
In the last five home games against Belgium, Wales won twice, drew twice, and lost once, with a goal difference of 6-5 in their favor. The most common result between the teams is a 1-1 draw, seen in four matches. Across 12 games, Belgium won four times, Wales three, with five draws.
Wales’ recent form shows three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Belgium alternates draws and wins, with three consecutive victories before this game. These figures underscore the competitiveness of the qualifier.
The match remains open, with no substitutions made yet. Both teams maintain intensity, promising more action in the remainder of the first half and the second half.
Partial match statistics
Wales recorded 11 shots in the first half, with one on target, compared to Belgium’s single shot on goal. The Welsh earned three corners, exploiting the left flank with Sorba Thomas. Possession is balanced at around 50% for each side, with two fouls by Wales and three by Belgium.
A yellow card for Harry Wilson marks the discipline, with no red cards so far. Belgium responds with quick counterattacks but faces tight marking. The momentum shifts, with Wales dominating early and Belgium reacting after the penalty.
Recent head-to-head record
In the last five home games against Belgium, Wales won twice, drew twice, and lost once, with a goal difference of 6-5 in their favor. The most common result between the teams is a 1-1 draw, seen in four matches. Across 12 games, Belgium won four times, Wales three, with five draws.
Wales’ recent form shows three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Belgium alternates draws and wins, with three consecutive victories before this game. These figures underscore the competitiveness of the qualifier.
The match remains open, with no substitutions made yet. Both teams maintain intensity, promising more action in the remainder of the first half and the second half.
