Craig Bellamy cited Nostradamus in the buildup to this contest, advising to expect the unexpected given the 4‑3 thriller that unfolded the last time these nations met. But while Wales gave Belgium an early fright, two Kevin De Bruyne penalties and a Thomas Meunier strike paved the way to a comeback victory that surely ends the hosts’ hopes of qualifying automatically for the World Cup.
Nathan Broadhead, on as a substitute, pulled a goal back in the 89th minute but almost immediately Leandro Trossard converted from close range to cap the victory, this time featuring just the six goals. Joe Rodon headed in to give Wales a welcome leg‑up but Belgium stirred to maintain their pristine qualifying record; their last defeat in a qualifier coming here in June 2015, when Gareth Bale scored to propel Wales towards Euro 2016. Wales will likely have to do it the hard way if they are to reach North America next summer.
Bellamy demanded an intensity from his side to match the inevitable electricity in the stands. “We cannot be a ploddy team,” he said on the eve of the match. This stadium played the hits, pre-match: Yma o Hyd, Zombie Nation, a light show to boot. The players emerged from the tunnel to a giant banner strewn across the bottom of the Canton Stand: “Tan Yn Eu Gwaed” (Fire in their Blood), Welshmen will not yield.” There was a typically rousing anthem, too, for which the captain, Ben Davies –with this his 100th cap – had his eldest son by his side and his youngest resting over his left shoulder. Davies applied his game face, though his eyes appeared watery. Who could blame him?
