Kevin De Bruyne was the star of the show in Cardiff, netting two coolly taken penalties to guide Belgium to a 4-2 victory over Wales ,a result that ended the Dragons’ hopes of automatic World Cup qualification and spoiled captain Ben Davies’s 100th international appearance.
The Red Devils’ win also moves them to the top of Group J, maintaining the sharp focus that Thibaut Courtois demanded before the match, when he stated that Belgium’s players mentality is strong but will be put to test in this qualifying campaign.
Wales came into this clash knowing three straight wins would seal their World Cup ticket, but those dreams quickly unraveled despite a spirited start. Backed by a passionate Cardiff City Stadium crowd, the hosts struck first in the eighth minute when Leeds United defender Joe Rodon powered home Sorba Thomas’s precise corner.
However, the early euphoria faded fast. A harsh handball call on Ethan Ampadu gifted Belgium an equaliser, with De Bruyne calmly converting from the spot. Just six minutes later, Thomas Meunier silenced the home fans, latching onto Jérémy Doku’s low cross to smash Belgium into the lead. Wales nearly pulled level before halftime, but Jordan James saw his driven effort pushed wide by Courtois in what proved a pivotal moment.
Craig Bellamy’s men enjoyed bright spells after the break and tried to build on their attacking promise, even after watching Doku threaten again with a curling strike. Injuries forced the Wales boss to introduce Brennan Johnson and Nathan Broadhead, the latter replacing Davies.
Yet, any hopes of a comeback were dashed when another handball, this time by James handed De Bruyne a second penalty, and the Manchester City star made no mistake. Broadhead offered a glimmer of hope with a crisp finish past Courtois late on, but Leandro Trossard restored Belgium’s two-goal cushion with a composed strike in the dying minutes to seal the win.
During the game ,Wales via its official X handle, posted an exclusive video of its opening goal, watch video below;
For Wales, this defeat coming just days after a humbling 3-0 friendly loss to England, extends their woes and leaves them four points off top spot, with qualification hopes fading fast. For Belgium, meanwhile, Courtois’s call for focus appears to have been heard loud and clear, as the Red Devils’ blend of discipline and clinical finishing once again proved too much to handle.
