By Frank Ulom
BRUSSELS (CONVERSEER) – Belgium and Wales went into their last group game in the European qualifying series knowing that a win would guarantee them an automatic place in the FIFA World Cup next summer, and both sides took advantage and scored seven each.
Belgium scored 7-0 against Liechtenstein in Liège while Wales scored 7-1 against North Macedonia in Cardiff on Tuesday.
Despite the huge scoreline, only Belgium progressed automatically to the 2026 World Cup in Group J, while Wales will go through the playoffs and might join the former if they scale through.
Belgium’s demolition of Liechtenstein at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne was largely thanks to goals from Hans Vanaken in the 3rd minute, Jeremy Doku in the 34th and 41st minutes, Brandon Mechele in the 52nd minute, Alexis Saelemaekers in the 55th minute and Charles De Ketelaere in the 57th and 59th minutes, respectively.
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Meanwhile, Wales ran riot at North Macedonia at the Cardiff City Stadium, thanks to a hat-trick from Harry Wilson (18, 75 and 81 minutes), a 21st-minute goal from David Brooks, a 37th-minute goal from Brennan Johnson, a 57th-minute goal from Dan James, and an 88th-minute goal from Nathan Broadhead.
North Macedonia, on the other hand only managed a consolation goal from Bojan Miovski in the 23rd minute against a strong Welsh team.
