There was aid for Belgium after scraping by means of a dramatic World Cup qualifier towards Wales on Monday but lots for coach Rudi Garcia to ponder after a slim 4-3 house win.
Belgium had been cruising at 3-0 up inside the first half-hour of the Group J match at the King Baudouin Stadium but Wales fought again to 3-3 with 20 minutes left earlier than Kevin De Bruyne grabbed the winner two minutes from time.
“The most important thing is that we won. Psychologically it is tough to give away a three-goal lead, but we showed our mental strength,” stated Garcia after Belgium’s second sport of their qualifying group for the 2026 finals in North America.
“We saved preventing. It is symbolic that Kevin of all folks scored the profitable purpose.”
De Bruyne had been a key factor throughout, ghosting in at the back post to convert Youri Tielemans’ cross for the winner.
Tielemans, who was captain for the night, said relief was the primary emotion after the game.
“We are pleased with the victory, but we all know that ought to not have occurred to us,” he said of the Welsh comeback.
“I’ve no clarification for how that occurred. But the craziest issues can occur with the nationwide staff.
“We felt we could finish the match earlier, but then we dropped off a bit. Then we conceded a goal and their confidence grew. They were simply the better team at that moment.
“We had to defend together as a team, choose the right moment to react and get back into the match but we didn’t do that well.”
Belgium conceded a late equaliser of their group opener towards North Macedonia on Friday and the defence will come below extra scrutiny after permitting Wales to attain three.
Belgium journey to Liechtenstein on Sept. 4 for their subsequent qualifier earlier than internet hosting Kazakhstan three days later.
Published – June 11, 2025 03:11 am IST
