Belgium Holds Wales 4-3 in World Cup Qualifier Amid Defence Concerns

Belgium's recent World Cup qualifying matches have exposed significant defensive concerns, prompting coach Rudi Garcia to emphasize trust in his backline despite conceding late goals against North Macedonia and a dramatic comeback by Wales. Belgium narrowly defeated Wales 4-3 after leading 3-0 early, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring the decisive goal, but the team's inability to maintain a strong defense raised questions about their stability. Garcia acknowledged the defensive lapses but ruled out tactical changes, focusing instead on confidence and offensive improvements. The coach also defended his substitutions of key players like De Bruyne and Meunier, citing the need to preserve fitness ahead of upcoming fixtures. Wales, historically a challenging opponent for Belgium, have demonstrated resilience in their rivalry, previously achieving notable wins that have shaped their footballing trajectory. Belgium's next matches against Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan will be critical to solidify their qualification prospects amid ongoing concerns about defensive reliability.