UEFA Nations League 2022/23 – Wales 1-1 Belgium: Substitute Brennan Johnson struck late on to get Wales off the mark in the Nations League with their first point of the campaign in a deserved 1-1 draw against Belgium. The Red Devils have often struggled against Wales in recent times, namely at Euro 2016 when losing at the quarter-final stage, and they were again frustrated on Saturday. Follow Nations League Live updates with InsideSport.IN
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UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Brennan Johnson’s first international goal rescues a point for Wales in a 1-1 draw against the Belgian Red Devils, Watch Wales vs Belgium HIGHLIGHTS
📰 REPORT: Brennan Johnson’s first international goal rescued a point for Wales 🤩#NationsLeague
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UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Brennan Johnson scores first international goal for Wales
Ampadu thought he had put Wales ahead inside five minutes through his first international goal – a powerful drive that flashed past Koen Casteels – only for VAR to intervene.
After a long check, the officials adjudged Joe Rodon was in an offside position in the build-up to Ampadu firing a loose ball in the box from a corner into the back of the net.
UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Brennan Johnson’s first international goal rescues a point for Wales in a 1-1 draw against the Belgian Red Devils, Watch Wales vs Belgium HIGHLIGHTS, CARDIFF, WALES – JUNE 11: Brennan Johnson of Wales celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match between Wales and Belgium at Cardiff City Stadium on June 11, 2022 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Gareth Bale and Connor Roberts failed to test Casteels from close range, while an even better chance went begging for Leandro Trossard when turning wide with the goal gaping.
UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Wales rack up first Nations League point
Belgium took just five minutes of the second half to find a way through, however, as Tielemans linked up with Michy Batshuayi and found the bottom-right corner from 18 yards.
Wales’ hopes of snatching a leveller appeared to be dented when Bale was taken off in the 73rd minute, but replacement Johnson proved an inspired change.
UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Brennan Johnson’s first international goal rescues a point for Wales in a 1-1 draw against the Belgian Red Devils, Watch Wales vs Belgium HIGHLIGHTS, Belgium’s Eden Hazard, (right) runs at Wales’ Aaron Ramsey, (left) during the UEFA Nations League match at Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. Picture date: Saturday June 11, 2022. (Photo by David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)The Nottingham Forest winger tucked home after being played in by fellow substitute Aaron Ramsey, the goal allowed to stand after another VAR check for offside.
What does it mean? Belgium miss chance to close gap on Netherlands
Wales have made a habit of frustrating Belgium over the past decade, the Dragons now losing just one of their past eight encounters.
The draw was well deserved on the basis of the game’s chances, too, as Wales finished with an expected goals (xG) value of 1.57, compared to 1.09 for their opponents.
Belgium remain three points behind Group A4 leaders Netherlands, who were held 2-2 by Poland, while Wales stay bottom and are three points adrift of the latter.
UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Brennan Johnson’s first international goal rescues a point for Wales in a 1-1 draw against the Belgian Red Devils, Watch Wales vs Belgium HIGHLIGHTS, Belgium’s midfielder Youri Tielemans celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Nations League, league A group 4 football match between Wales and Belgium at Cardiff City stadium in Cardiff, south Wales on June 11, 2022. (Photo by Geoff Caddick / AFP) (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)What’s next?
Buoyed by their late revival today, Wales will complete a hectic summer schedule on Tuesday, as they visit the Netherlands – leaders of Group 4 – while Belgium, who have now won just two of their eight away games against the Welsh, next face Poland.
UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Brennan Johnson’s first international goal rescues a point for Wales in a 1-1 draw against the Belgian Red Devils, Watch Wales vs Belgium HIGHLIGHTS
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