Wales vs Belgium

An intriguing UEFA Nations League encounter pits Wales against Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium,

Wales have experienced an underwhelming start to the 2022/23 Nations League season, losing both Group A4 fixtures by an identical 2-1 scoreline. But more importantly, Rob Page’s side ended the nation’s 64-year wait for their first appearance at the World Cup finals, courtesy of a narrow 1-0 home triumph over Ukraine in the play-off final. Interestingly, each of Wales’ six Nations League goals scored/conceded this season have come beyond half-time, highlighting the potential for an action-packed second half. The ‘Dragons’ head into proceedings as underdogs, following a 2-1 home defeat to the Netherlands last time out. Yet, they will be happy to know that reverse halted a decent six-game unbeaten streak on home turf (W3, D3) and was the first time they conceded more than once in that seven-match sequence.

As for Belgium, they came from behind to hammer Poland 6-1 at home last time out, bouncing back from a disheartening 4-1 thumping to the Netherlands on Matchday 1. Despite picking up just three victories across their last eight internationals (D2, L3), ‘De Rode Duivels’ will feel confident about finding the back of the net. Roberto Martinez’s men have scored in the nation’s longest-ever run of 46 consecutive outings. That very much explains why they were top of FIFA’s rankings for years before surrendering the throne to Brazil two months ago. However, Belgium’s trophyless ‘Golden Generation’ are winless in their last five meetings with FIFA’s top-20 teams (D1, L4). That solitary draw came against Wales of all sides.