It was a case of sweet revenge in Leuven on Tuesday evening as Belgium’s national women’s football team the Red Flames beat England by 3 goals to 2. The win comes just a week after the Belgians were on the receiving end of a 5-0 thrashing by the English, who are the reigning European champions.
The Red Flames got off to a furious start and were 3-0 up after half an hour of play. In contrast to last week in England, top scorer Tessa Wullaert was in Belgium’s starting line-up. The injection of quality Wullaert’s presence brought with it was all too evident from the outset. The Inter Milan striker put Belgium 1-0 on 5 minutes.
A Wullaert free kick was instrumental in Belgium’s second goal. Justine Vanhaevermaet headed home Wullaert’s free kick to put Belgium 2-0 ahead on 15 minutes.
The English were shell-shocked and although they were abler to gain possession of the ball they created little in their way of real chances.
The Red Flames were strong on the counterattack and were deadly efficient. This was all to evident on the half hour when Philtjens sent the perfect cross in Wullaert’s direction, and she made it 3-0 to Belgium.
England pulled one back before half time through a Mead penalty after a foul by Philtjens inside the box.
However, 10 minutes from time Michelle Agyemang made it 3-2, making for an exciting conclusion to the game. Belgium hung on though and after 4 games took the first points of their Nation’s League.