The Diablotins hold out against the Welsh thanks to an early goal

The U21 Diablotins beat Wales 1‑0 at the Kuipje in Westerlo, thanks to a goal from Norman Bassette in the seventh minute, the Welsh reduced to ten from the fortieth minute.

First half and decisive goal

Norman Bassette opened the scoring in the seventh minute. After a pass from Lucas Noubi, Romeo Vermant delivered a low cross for the Westerlo striker, who finished with a precise strike.

The Welsh were reduced to ten men in the fortieth minute, which limited their attacking attempts. This numerical superiority allowed the Diablotins to maintain the lead until the break.

Second half and qualification

In the second period, Belgium did not find an additional breakthrough, but held firm to keep its sole goal. The result, though modest, remains crucial for the U21 Euro race.

After the victory, the Diablotins retain the provisional lead of Group I, after Bassette's decisive penalty against Belarus that had freed the Belgian U21s. Denmark, which beat Belarus thanks to a brace from Conrad Harder, tops the group with thirteen points before facing Belgium.

Bassette's early strike puts Belgium U21 top of group ahead of Denmark clash

Next Tuesday at 18:30, Belgium will travel to Denmark for a decisive match, before trying to secure its ticket to the Euro on October 6 in Vejle. A win against the Scandinavians would guarantee direct qualification.

The starting eleven consisted of Lucca Brughmans, Matthias Pieklak, Argus Vanden Driessche between the posts, followed by a defence including Denzel De Roeve, Josue Kongolo, Amando Lapage, Lucas Noubi, Richie Sagrado, Matte Smets and Renzo Tytens. In midfield, Nathan De Cat, Tibe De Vlieger, Arthur Piedfort, Arthur Vermeeren, Kamiel Van De Perre, Noah Fernandez and Joseph Nonge provided the transition, while the attack brought together Jesse Bisiwu, Chris Lokesa, Samuel Mbangula, Robin Mirisola, Norman Bassette and Romeo Vermant, with Lucas Stassin unavailable.

Kamiel Van De Perre received a yellow card in the final seconds of the match against Belarus and will be suspended for the fixture against Denmark.

Red Devils U21 near Euro ticket, Wales remains a hurdle

"Such a result looks very impressive, but at the time, all match conditions were in our favour. We must stay focused and not assume it will happen again so easily," said coach Gill Swerts at the press conference.