Red Flames await Dublin, preparing to face Ireland after win in Poland

While the ticket for the second round in Dublin is still not booked, the Red Flames have already secured an option thanks to their 1‑0 win in Poland, where they held out against an opposing side led by Seweryn. This double situation exposes on one hand logistical uncertainty, on the other hand concrete progress in the World Cup qualifiers.

Victory in Poland and immediate prospects

On Tuesday, the Red Flames beat Poland (1‑0) thanks to a goal from Elena Dhont in the 45+3 minute. Goalkeeper Lowiese Seynhaeve saved the penalty from Ewa Pajor in the second half, reinforcing the Belgian defensive solidity. Despite only one goal, the team created at least four major chances in the first quarter‑hour, showing a level of commitment rarely seen.

The match report shows that Poland dominated the first half, but the Belgian defence held firm, preventing any goal before the final whistle. Yellow cards went to Zieniewicz, Dudek, Kees and Cayman. The referee was Emanuela Rusta (Albania).

The future in Dublin and the Irish challenge

The next opponent in the second round will be Ireland, which “shone” against Kazakhstan. Although the ticket for Dublin is not yet confirmed, the Belgian federation can already exercise an option to book the slot, according to statements from Nathalie Dumont, sports director in the Mons‑Borinage‑Centre region.

Red Flames set sights on Poland for World Cup qualification

The text notes that the group has overcome recent controversies, notably the Deschacht case and an article in the Flemish magazine Humo about the Icelandic coach. Elena Dhont celebrated the goal by sprinting to the bench for a hug, a gesture shared by captain Elisabet Gunnarsdóttir.

In addition to the match, the text mentions Tessa Wullaert, who missed a penalty, and Justine Vanhaevermaet, who recently welcomed a child. The Belgian lineup featured Seynhaeve, Janssens, Kees, Tysiak, Mertens, Janssen, Cayman, Detruyer, Toloba, Dhont and Wullaert.

The contrast between the uncertainty of the trip to Dublin and the certainty of a place in the second round shows that the Red Flames, despite logistical challenges, remain focused on qualification. The next encounter with Ireland will determine whether Belgium can continue its path toward the World Cup.