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Fellaini scores winner, Kompany sent off as Belgium beat Israel 1-0

Vincent Kompany sees red for Belgium
Image: Vincent Kompany sees red for Belgium

Marouane Fellaini scored the winner as Belgium beat Israel 1-0 in their European Qualifier - but skipper Vincent Kompany was sent off.

Belgium’s win moved them back to the top of Group B, ahead of their crunch clash with Wales - and Manchester City captain Kompany will not be able to play in that match following his red card.

Belgium scored the only goal of the game after nine minutes in Jerusalem and showed their quality with free-flowing moves and constant pressure, particularly in the first half. 

The only goal of the game had an element of fortune to it. Former Chelsea star Kevin de Bruyne sliced at attempted volley but the ball landed fortuitously at the feet of Kompany on the edge of the box. His cross-shot fell into the path of Manchester United's Fellaini who could no mistake from close range.

Kompany’s displays in the Premier League have come under fire and it was more of the same at international level.

However, Belgium could have had the game wrapped up well before Kompany’s sending off, which came after he picked up his second yellow card on 64 minutes.

Thibaut Courtois was not forced to make a single save in the first half and de Bruyne showed once again why he is receiving admiring glances from plenty of Premier League suitors.

And Wales will take plenty of heart from Israel’s rally towards the end and they can face Belgium - minus Kompany - on June 12, with some confidence.

The match was the only European Qualifier on Tuesday night. It had been scheduled to be played last September but had to be postponed because of violence in the region.

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