One week before my master’s program started, I had a great football trip planned. The Red Devils, my Belgian national team, were taking on Wales in the qualification campaign for the world cup. I try to attend a Red Devils match every year and had already traveled to Amsterdam, Rome, and Stuttgart to see Belgium in action. Yet it seems I don’t bring much luck: I had never seen my country win an away match. Together with two very good friends, Ruben and Fabio, we decided to give it another try. It was crucial for Belgium to win this match with the World Cup in mind, but Wales had always proven to be a tough opponent for the Devils, so tension was guaranteed.
We flew to Manchester and on match day took the train to Cardiff. After three hours on the train, we were fully in the mood. Around a thousand Belgian fans gathered in a pub, we had the perfect chance to meet other devoted supporters. Even the Red Devils mascot, a Viking who shows up at every match, was there. About an hour and a half before kickoff, we walked together to the stadium. The atmosphere was already building before the game had even started.
A dramatic start
Around the sixth minute, it seemed like the World Cup dream was far, far away. Belgium started the match disastrously. Within just a few minutes, Wales had already created three big chances, and Rodon was left completely alone to head one in. The worst-case scenario for the Devils, who had started with De Ketelaere, Onana, and Meunier. A World Cup without Belgium… it was almost unthinkable.
The turning point: A Welsh handball
Around the fifteen-minute mark, the inevitable turning point occurred. Leeds defender Ethan Ampadu accidentally handled a cross from Charles De Ketelaere. The referee initially let it go, but VAR intervened decisively: penalty. A decision by the letter of the law, but heartbreaking for football romantics. For once, Belgium didn’t mind as De Bruyne converted the spot-kick with authority. 1-1, and the Devils were alive again.
That lucky equalizer completely changed the game. Belgium went from fearful to inspired, and under the brilliance of Doku, they took control. Just ten minutes later came the lead: Trossard sent an excellent long ball to Doku, who kept his composure and perfectly set up Meunier. The right-back smashed the ball into the corner. 1-2. A step closer to the World Cup.
Half-time and second half
Before the break, Theate, Trossard, and De Bruyne all had chances to extend the lead. That didn’t happen, but luckily Wilson missed a big chance to equalize. The second half was relatively calm, which was good news as Belgium maintained control and protected their lead. Meanwhile, important news came from Skopje: Kazakhstan held North Macedonia in check, meaning a win against Liechtenstein later would be enough to secure World Cup qualification.
Final tension and closing act
Twenty minutes before the end, another right arm from Wales played a key role. Jordan James made an inexplicable movement in his own box, and again De Bruyne took the penalty with thanks. 1-3. Later, Trossard erased his own mistake with a late goal to make it 2-4.
With that 2-4 victory, the 2026 World Cup is now really within reach. It was a top-class match, but above all, an unforgettable trip with two very good friends. Red Devils, Ruben, and Fabio, thank you for this fantastic experience!
