Belgium 4-1 Northern Ireland: Red Flames make most of red card to win Euro 2022 warm-up

Northern Ireland lost their only Euro 2022 warm-up 4-1 in Lier, as Belgium capitalized on the red card of Burns.

The lead changed hands before Lauren Wade tied it up.

Burns was sent off for foul play near the area.

The Belgians made the most of their advantage by scoring three goals.

The first major tournament for Northern Ireland will take place in July of next year when they play Norway, Austria and England.

Group D includes Belgium, ranked 19th in the world and some 28 places above Northern Ireland, as well as France and Italy.

• Belgium 1-1 Northern Ireland - as it happened

Burns red card hits NI

After Wade' brilliant left-footed strike, it was a more cautious start to the second half, which turned in the Belgians' favor when Burns was sent off in the 21st minute.

Burns hesitated before rushing out towards Wullaert, who knocked the ball around the goalkeeper before being called for a foul outside the area.

Burns was shown a red card and replaced by Flaherty.

Flaherty was called into action as she reacted well to smother the ball when Wullaert raced through on goal, however she was beaten with eight minutes to play when Van Kerkhoven headed home a cross.

Four minutes later, the captain stroked home an inch-perfect effort from the edge of the area, and NI were punished further when Rafferty put into her own net.

After a solid display with 11 players and their attention will turn to their opener with Norway, it was a harsh end for Northern Ireland.

Wade's wonder strike cancels out Wullaert opener

Prior to the start of the game, Shiels said he wanted to play more than one warm-up match. The visitors started the brighter side under the setting Lier sun as they were pushed away by the home team.

The Belgian captain made no mistake with her next opportunity after the Red Flames grew into the half and her effort bounced off the outside of the post.

The forward made no mistake for her 66th international goal after Tine de Caigny cut open the Northern Ireland defence with a clinical pass.

Northern Ireland pushed for an immediate response with two corners that were dealt with by Evrard, however they had a let-off at the other end when Nelson's half clearance fell to Hannah Eurlings.

Northern Ireland got the goal they deserved when Wade stepped up with a superb effort on the stroke of half-time, after McGuinness had another snap shot.

Wade launched a first-time effort into the top corner, past the diving Evrard, to send Northern Ireland in level at the break.