Johnson strikes late to earn Wales draw | Martinez: VAR lines comical

Brennan Johnson came off the bench to grab gritty Wales their first Nations League point in a 1-1 draw with Belgium.

Belgium took the lead after 51 minutes when Leandro Trossard broke down the right and found Youri Tielemans,
who beat Wayne Hennessey with a precise low finish from the edge of the box.

Wales, who had a spectacular Ethan Ampadu half-volley ruled out by VAR inside four minutes after Joe Rodon had just strayed offside in the build-up, were level three minutes from time through Johnson’s first international goal.

Aaron Ramsey did brilliantly to slide the ball through and Johnson, much like he has done all season for Nottingham Forest, finished superbly – the goal standing after a long VAR check.

Wales have now only suffered one defeat in their seven games against Belgium, including a famous quarter-final win at Euro 2016, after losing three in a row against them prior to this run.

Robert Page only has 163 days to prepare until Wales’ opening World Cup game with USA on November 21 with three more Nations League games scheduled between now and then.

Man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

When the Welsh starting XI was announced, the only key player missing from what was almost a full-strength side was Ramsey. A lack of match sharpness meant the midfielder had to make his mark from the bench, perhaps earlier than planned when Joe Allen limped off with a hamstring problem just before the break.

Ramsey may not be the force of old domestically – as his struggles on loan at Rangers showcased – but when he pulls on the red shirt of Wales he returns to his best.

He was full of energy and clever passing from the central midfield area in this encounter, setting the tone for the Welsh comeback after Tielemans opener. His part in the goal was massive. The drive from midfield into the attacking zone caused havoc in the Belgium defence and when there he produced the quality required to flick the ball, with a round the world trick, into the path of Johnson. Like Bale, he remains a crucial go-to when his country needs him.

Opta stats: Home comforts for Wales

Wales have only lost one of their last 21 home games in all competitions (W13 D7), and following their loss to Netherlands earlier this week, have not suffered back-to-back home defeats since November 2018.Belgium have scored at least one goal in each of their last 47 games since a World Cup semi-final defeat to France in 2018 (0-1), netting 127 times in total during this run.Michy Batshuayi has been directly involved in four goals in his last five appearances for Belgium (two goals and two assists), including setting up Youri Tielemans this evening.

What’s Next?

Wales and Belgium resume their Nations League campaigns away in the Netherlands and Poland, respectively, on Tuesday at 7.45pm.

When and where is the 2022 World Cup?

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar kicks off on Monday November 21 at the Al Thumama Stadium when Senegal take onthe Netherlands in Group A followed by hosts Qatar against Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium. Wales’ first game is also on November 21 at 7pm vs USA.