Craig Bellamy’s hopes of a famous Cardiff night were dashed as Kevin De Bruyne scored twice from the penalty spot to lead Belgium to a 4–2 comeback win that leaves Wales’ World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
Wales made a dream start when Joe Rodon headed home a Sorba Thomas corner after just eight minutes, sending the Cardiff City Stadium into raptures. But Belgium soon hit back as VAR spotted a handball by Ethan Ampadu, allowing De Bruyne to equalise from the spot. Minutes later, Thomas Meunier finished off a rapid counterattack to give Belgium the lead.
Despite flashes of promise before half-time, Wales struggled to contain Jérémy Doku, who repeatedly tore through their defence. A second penalty for Belgium arrived in the 75th minute after Jordan James handled inside the box, with De Bruyne again converting coolly.
Substitute Nathan Broadhead briefly gave Wales hope with an 89th-minute strike, only for Leandro Trossard to restore Belgium’s two-goal cushion almost immediately.
The defeat leaves Wales’ automatic qualification hopes all but over, with Bellamy’s side now likely needing the playoffs to reach next summer’s World Cup.
