Report by Samuel Brady
Michy Batshuayi’s second half goals secured Belgium’s win in Leuven following Admir Mehmehdi’s first half strike.
It was the 30th meeting in total between the two nations and it was the Swiss who went in front early on when Belgium defender Sebastian Bornauw saw his defensive error punished by forward Admir Mehmedi who slotted home confidently past goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Belgium recovered from their poor first half performance when a Swiss defensive error enabled Youri Tielemans to play in Michy Batshuayi who finished tidily, despite calls for an offside which went un-heard by the referee who was without VAR on the night.
Batshuayi got his second when second half substitute Thomas Foket setup the striker who put the hosts in front with a fine finish with half an hour to go.
Switzerland were unlucky in the game and saw chances from Mehmedi and Stefan Zubar denied in a first half in which they dominated, with Belgium failing to register a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes.
Belgium, currently the world’s highest ranked nation, thoroughly improved in the second half and managed to hang onto their lead whilst keeping intact their unbeaten run in international games, with their last defeat coming against Spain back in 2016.
Belgium take on England next in their Nations League group tie, whist Switzerland entertain Spain in their group.
More to follow.
