Star striker Robert Lewandowski, who is currently desperately trying to knock Bayern Munich out of the summer, shocked the hosts in the 28th minute. The 33-year-old took the ball after Szymanski’s preliminary work and hit it into the corner from six meters in front of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. However, the Belgians responded before the end of the first half. After a deliberate pass from Castagne in the backcourt, Axel Witsel scored from 17 metres (42).
After the second half, the homeowners took matters into their own hands, created a clear advantage over their chances and were rewarded. After many big chances, it was Kevin De Bruyne who sealed the first Belgian lead after a dangerous pass (59). “Joker” Leandro Trossard explained everything with a double shot, completed from the pentagon to the near post (73′) and scored from the side of the penalty area, bypassing goalkeeper Bartholomew Dragowski to the corner (80′). After that, Leander Dendoncker also succeeded with a long shot from over 20 meters (83) and Lois Openda (93).
The Dutch were allowed to celebrate for the first time after a goal by Teun Koopmeiners (50th place) in Cardiff. In added time it got really turbulent. Rhys Norrington-Davies (92) let the Welshman dream of a point win, but Wout Weghorst (94) hit back on the spot. Belgium will host Wales on Friday, and the next day Poland will play the Netherlands away from home.
In League B, Ukraine won 1-0 in Ireland after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
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