Wales 2–4 Belgium: Six-goal thriller in Cardiff sees Red Devils go top of Group J | OneFootball

Belgium moved top of Group J with a 4–2 win over Wales in an entertaining World Cup qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium on Monday night.

Joe Rodon’s early opener wasn’t enough for Wales, as Thomas Meunier’s strike and two Kevin De Bruyne penalties turned the game around.

Nathan Broadhead pulled one back late on, but Leandro Trossard’s goal moments later sealed victory for Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium.

As it happened

The home side made a bright start and nearly went ahead early on when Neco Williams won the ball high up the pitch and crossed for Mark Harris, whose close-range effort was deflected narrowly wide. Moments later, Sorba Thomas’ corner was met by Rodon, who powered a header into the net to give the hosts the lead.

Rodon’s night quickly soured as he received a yellow card for a late challenge on Arthur Theate, ruling him out of Wales’ next fixture.

Belgium drew level soon after when Charles De Ketelaere’s shot struck Ethan Ampadu on the arm. Following a VAR review, De Bruyne made no mistake from the penalty spot, firing down the middle to equalise after 18 minutes.

Karl Darlow denied De Ketelaere moments later with a fine save, but Belgium’s pressure soon told. Trossard picked out Jérémy Doku down the right, who kept the ball in play and crossed for Meunier to rifle home and give the visitors the lead.

The Red Devils remained on top as De Bruyne and Maxime De Cuyper both fired over, while Jordan James forced a smart save from Thibaut Courtois at the other end before half-time.

Early in the second half, Doku and De Ketelaere both went close to extending Belgium’s lead. Meunier was later booked for time-wasting, ruling him out of the next match.

Belgium were awarded a second penalty when Jordan James handled inside the box, and De Bruyne converted again in the 76th minute to make it 3–1.

Wales responded late as substitute Broadhead capitalised on a Trossard mistake to pull one back in the 89th minute, but Belgium restored their two-goal cushion almost instantly. A swift counterattack saw Timothy Castagne square for Trossard, who slotted home to seal the win.

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