Star striker Robert Lewandowski, who is currently vehemently trying to get Bayern Munich out of the summer, shocked the hosts in the 28th minute. The 33-year-old took the ball down following Szymanski’s preliminary work and shot it into the corner from six meters in front of goalie Simon Mignolet. However, the Belgians struck back before the break. After a considered Castagne pass in the backcourt, Axel Witsel scored from 17 meters (42nd).
After the restart, the hosts took matters into their own hands, created a clear advantage over their chances and were rewarded. After several top chances, it was Kevin de Bruyne who sealed the first Belgian lead following a hazard pass (59th). “Joker” Leandro Trossard made everything clear with a double strike, completed from the pentagon into the near post (73′) and scored from the side of the penalty area, past goalie Bartlomiej Dragowski into the corner (80′). Then Leander Dendoncker with a long shot from more than 20 meters (83rd) and Lois Openda (93rd) were also successful.
The Dutch were able to celebrate for the first time following a goal by Teun Koopmeiners (50th) in Cardiff. In injury time it got really turbulent. Rhys Norrington-Davies (92′) let the Welshman dream of winning a point, but Wout Weghorst (94′) struck back immediately. Belgium is a guest in Wales on Friday, and the next day Poland will play the Netherlands away from home.
In League B, Ukraine won 1-0 in Ireland following failing to qualify for the World Cup.
