BELGIUM IN CONTENTION FOR FINAL PHASE

The Red Devils of Belgium are still in contention for the final phase of the UEFA Nations League this season after their win over Wales in Group A4. Belgium are ranked second on the FIFA Ranking and they are in the same group as the Netherlands,  Poland and Wales.

Manager Roberto Martinez and his coaching staff members including Thomas Vermaelen watched on from the sidelines as Belgium beat Wales 2-1 at home to remain in contention for a place in the final phase of the Nations League scheduled to take place next summer. Former Arsenal, AS Roma and Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen is now part of the Belgium national team coaching crew after his retirement as a professional footballer. The assistant manager role for Thomas Vermaelen was confirmed by Belgium earlier this year.

Belgium came into the Wales game mentioned above with seven points from their first four games in Group A4 and needing to win to put pressure on leaders Netherlands who had three more points than the Red Devils ahead of the fifth set of games in the group. The Belgians were able to secure the win needed thanks to the brilliance of Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. The former VFL Wolfsburg midfielder scored the first goal of the match before he provided the assist for the second goal of the match from new Fenerbahce striker MichyBatshuayi. Bournemouth attacker Kiefer Moore pulled one back for Wales, but the Belgians held on to take the three points on offer.

The Red Devils of Belgium move to 10 points from five games in Group A4 after the win over Wales as they maintain the pressure on the Netherlands whom they would meet in their final group game on Sunday. The Netherlands have three more points than the Belgians after five group games. A draw or a moderate defeat would be enough to see the Netherlands qualify for the final phase ahead of Belgium.