2 years ago
Wales earned their first point in the Nations League with a deserved 1-1 draw against Belgium thanks to substitute Brennan Johnson's late goal.
The Red Devils have battled against Wales in recent years, most notably at Euro 2016, when they were eliminated in the quarter-finals, and they were frustrated once again on Saturday.
Belgium, who were without the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku in Cardiff, seemed as if Youri Tielemans' 50th-minute strike would be enough.
Wales, who had an early Ethan Ampadu goal controversially ruled out by VAR, leveled in the 86th minute with Johnson's effort, leaving the visitors dissatisfied.
Ampadu thought he had put Wales ahead after only five minutes with his first international goal, a thunderous drive past Koen Casteels, but VAR intervened.
After a thorough investigation, the officials determined that Joe Rodon was in an offside position in the build-up to Ampadu's goal, which came from a loose ball in the area from a corner.
Gareth Bale and Connor Roberts both failed to test Casteels from close range, while Leandro Trossard missed an even better chance when he turned wide with the goal gaping.
However, it took only five minutes of the second half for Belgium to break through, as Tielemans teamed up with Michy Batshuayi and scored from 18 yards.
When Bale was substituted in the 73rd minute, Wales' hopes of grabbing a point appeared to be dashed, but Johnson proved to be an inspired replacement.
When another VAR assessment for offside, the goal was allowed to stand after the Nottingham Forest winger tucked home after being sent in by fellow replacement Aaron Ramsey.
What does this imply? Belgium squanders a chance to reduce the gap on the Netherlands.
Over the last decade, Wales has established a practice of frustrating Belgium, with the Dragons losing just one of their last eight meetings.
Wales concluded with an expected goals (xG) rating of 1.57, compared to 1.09 for their opponents, therefore the draw was well earned.
Belgium is three points behind Group A4 leaders Netherlands, who were defeated to a 2-2 draw by Poland, while Wales is three points behind the latter.
Brennan has come to the rescue.
Due to Rob Page's deft management of star man Bale's minutes during this international window, Johnson was given a chance to shine for the final 20 minutes or so.
He exceeded expectations by scoring on one of Wales' 14 attempts at the Cardiff City Stadium — six more than Belgium.
Michy leaves his imprint.
Belgium had already grabbed the lead with a well-taken goal by Tielemans, and Batshuayi deserves credit for his role in the build-up.
With this assist, the Chelsea striker has now assisted on seven goals for Belgium in the Nations League, trailing only Lukaku (11) and Kevin De Bruyne (8).
What comes next?
On Tuesday, Wales will face the Netherlands in Rotterdam, while Belgium will be in Poland on the same day.
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