Advertisement
Berguet C. (2'), Decubber J. (11'), Remue M. (68'), Jadot M. (79')
Tries
Dell'Acqua M. (35'), Rosetti Y. (48'), Moreno L. (73')
Remue M. (3', 12')
Conversions
Oviedo T. (36'), Tranquez L. (49', 74')
Remue M. (58', 62')
Penalties
Oviedo T. (42'), Tranquez L. (65')
The Scene
Taking place in Dubai as part of the 2027 World Cup Final Qualification Tournament, Belgium faced Brazil in a high-stakes encounter. Both teams entered under pressure: Belgium after a pretty comfortable win over Namibia, Brazil looking to reset after a heavy loss to Samoa. The match offered a crucial stepping-stone for either side’s World Cup hopes.
First Half – Belgium Get the Upper Hand
Belgium started quickly, leveraging strong set-piece work and an effective territorial kicking game to keep Brazil on the back foot. They pressed early, disrupted Brazil’s rhythm, and converted pressure into points. The first 20 minutes was all Begium and could have been a larger lead. Brazil could not make anything stick!
Brazil then managed to get a foothold in the game and back in favour with the officials. Belgium were on the back foot and looked like Brazil did in the first 20. Brazil managed to get the try they needed with 5 minutes to go of the half, then almost added another one when the clock was in the red. However, they opted for a scrum when a tap and go penalty would like have been a better option.
Second Half – Belgium Control The Game, Brazil Fight Back Late
In the second half Belgium continued with the ill discipline and on the wrong side of the officials. And early penalty allowed Brazil to close the gap again. Then a yellow was finally brandished to Belgium with Deceuninck going for 10 minutes, when he was landing on players after multiple warnings against Belgium for the same offence in the lineout. Brazil then made Belgium pay with a driving maul, grounded just short but Rosetti kept it alive and lept for the line.
Then Belgium completely capitulated, when Berguet got a straight red card for a kick to the face while on the floor! Absolute disgraceful action from Berguet and hopefully will be banned for a very long time!
Belgium managed to steady the ship through M Remue off the tee and then with a try scored after an audacious reverse pass. Brazil then managed to get back ahead under the posts in the 73rd minute after sustained pick and go pressure. But heartbreak for Brazil came with a minute left to go, when Belgium made metres with a driving maul in the corner. Jadot wheeled off into space and reached over the line to take Belgium to 30 - 27.
Key Takeaways
Belgium
They showed grit to get back from a complete self destruction.
Their defensive structure held up well under threat, and they converted phases into scoreboard advantage.
Discipline still requires attention (as Belgium themselves flagged in post-match remarks).
Brazil
Talent and attacking instincts were clear: they created opportunities, showed pace and never stopped trying.
The key vulnerabilities: inconsistency in the set-piece, turnovers in key moments and conceding territory.
This match underlined the gap they still have in converting promise into controlling the game.
What This Means Going Forward
For Belgium: This win reinforces their credentials and gives real momentum in their World Cup qualification pathway. They now can build confidence, but must maintain performance and tighten discipline.
For Brazil: The result is a setback but a valuable lesson. They have to revisit fundamentals (set-piece, territorial control, reducing errors) if they are to close the gap and push for qualification.
Man of the Match
I think it has to go to Matias Remue again, he is a real talent and helped control the ship.
Final Word
This was a meaningful win for Belgium — a performance where they tried to self sabotage. For Brazil, despite the effort and flashes of attacking adventure, the result shows there is still work ahead if they are to compete regularly at this level. For fans of Tier 2/3 international rugby, this match offered exactly the kind of contest that counts: high stakes, tangible consequences, and room for growth.
