Manchester City attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has complained about playing against the same opponent. De Bruyne said that he is ‘bored’ facing Wales repeatedly in his international career.
De Bruyne’s Belgium took on Wales for the ninth time in ten years in a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday.
A disenchanted De Bruyne complained bitterly of having to expend over half of his international career facing Wales and coming out with the same result.
He recalled that he had faced the Dragons about 12 times since making his debut for Belgium and had gotten bored of always meeting the country in the UEFA Nations League tournament.
The Premier League and Manchester City also talked down about using the international break to prepare for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which kicks off on November 26, 2022.
De Bruyne’s comments came as Belgium prepared to battle Robert Lage’s team to consolidate on their top spot in the UEFA Nations League Group
Addressing these concerns while speaking with Daily Telegraph, De Bruyne said;
”I think half of my international career has been against Wales.
“I don’t know why. It is a little bit boring. I think it is 12 times I have played them, it is always the same teams.”
De Bruyne also undermines the final lap of the international break before the World Cup, saying that the international break “doesn’t make much of a difference anymore,” as teams, including his country, struggle to clear the two fixtures and prepare for the World Cup.
‘I don’t think it makes that much of a difference any more,’ he said.
‘We have been playing with the same team for years and years. We just try to finish the two games as best as possible and get ready for the World Cup.’
Belgium battled Wales for the ninth time on Thursday, September 22, 2022, as part of the UEFA Nations League double-header before the 2022 World Cup kicks off on November 26, 2022.
Kevin De Bruyne won ninth challenge against Wales
The Manchester City attacking midfielder was perfect, bringing his skills to bear as Belgium stunned a hard-fighting Wales to maintain the top spot while Robert Page’s men teeters on the edges of relegation in the group.
Belgium lavished an avalanche of chances despite taking a deserved 2-0 lead in the first half of the game.
De Bruyne scored the first goal in the 10th minute as he stroked in for the edge of the penalty box. After scoring the opening goal, De Bruyne fed Michy Batshuayi with a cross that counted for the second as the former Chelsea star tapped home.
Belgium dominated the first half keeping the Wales goalkeeper alert and busy throughout. They also had a penalty overturned by the VAR.
Wales attempt second half fight back
Wales’ injury list dealt the team a severe blow with the likes of Wilson, Allen, Ramsey, and Davies ruled out.
As has often been the case in recent matches, Wales was without several influential players due to injury. Gareth Bale was benched in the game.
Despite the wide gulf in quality and experience between both teams, Wales put up a remarkable performance to get their first goal in the second half.
They nearly pulled a late equalizer at the stroke of the final whistle. Thanks to Thibaut Courtois, who tamed Neco William’s last-minute strike to avoid sharing spoils with Robert Page’s men.
Wales will face a tough test on Sunday as they host Poland in Cardiff. The game is a must-win for the team if they want to avoid relegation to the UEFA Nations League second tier
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