Kevin De Bruyne saved two penalties as Belgium came back from an early goal against Wales to beat Wales 4-2 in Monday’s World Cup qualifier, moving closer to a place in next year’s final.
Joe Rodon had the home side ahead at the Cardiff City Stadium in the eighth minute but a De Bruyne penalty brought Belgium level inside ten minutes before veteran full-back Thomas Meunier put the lead ahead for a 2–1 half-time lead.
De Bruyne saved a second penalty in the 76th minute to extend the lead, but Wales looked to be back in the game when Nathan Broadhead came off the bench to score with two minutes remaining.
However, it took just 60 seconds for an unmarked Leandro Trossard to restore the two-goal advantage in the final minute to put Belgium top of Group J with 14 points, one ahead of North Macedonia, who were held to a 1–1 draw at home by Kazakhstan.
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Germany beats Northern Ireland
Nick Woltemade’s first international goal was enough to give Germany a 1-0 win against brave Northern Ireland in Belfast and keep his side top of World Cup qualifying Group A.
Northern Ireland had an early goal disallowed for offside before Woltemade scored from a corner, the ball going in off his shoulder to give Germany a 31st minute lead.
The hosts really tried in the second half, with German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann denying Shea Charles, Ethan Galbraith and Callum Marshall, but the visitor held on under pressure for a third successive win.
Germany is nine points ahead of Slovakia, which defeated Luxembourg 2-0, on goal difference. Northern Ireland is third with six points.
France held on 2-2 against Iceland
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates goal. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates goal. | Photo credit: REUTERS
France’s perfect record in its World Cup qualifying campaign ended when they were held to a 2-2 draw with Iceland in Group D.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal for Les Bleus to make it 2-1 ahead after his second cap after Christopher Nkunku had equalized for the visitor following Victor Palsson’s opener, but Kristian Hlynsson rescued a point for Iceland.
France remains the leader with ten points from four games, three ahead of Ukraine, which defeated Azerbaijan 2-1.
Les Bleus will play Ukraine in Paris on November 13 in what could prove to be a decisive match in the race to qualify.
Published on October 14, 2025
