CARDIFF — Kevin De Bruyne scored a pair of penalties as Belgium boosted their bid to qualify for the World Cup with a crucial 4-2 win against Wales on Monday.
Rudi Garcia’s side trailed to Joe Rodon’s early opener at the Cardiff City Stadium.
But De Bruyne levelled from the penalty spot and Thomas Meunier fired Belgium ahead before half-time.
De Bruyne converted another penalty in the closing stages before Nathan Broadhead got one back for the hosts.
Leandro Trossard extinguished Wales’ hopes of a dramatic finish as Belgium moved to the top of Group J.Belgium are one point clear of second-placed North Macedonia, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan on Monday.
They will be guaranteed to qualify if they win either of their remaining games against Kazakhstan or Liechtenstein in November.
The Red Devils haven’t lost a qualifier for the World Cup or European Championship in 46 games since Gareth Bale sealed Wales’ shock victory against them in 2015.
Wales sit in third place after squandering a chance to move a step closer to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Craig Bellamy’s team are four points behind Belgium, with both sides having two games to play, while North Macedonia have one match remaining.
Belgium were held 0-0 at home by North Macedonia on Friday, a result that had put Wales’ World Cup destiny in their own hands.
Wales knew three wins from their last three matches would clinch a World Cup place.
But now they face a potential play-off route if they cannot overhaul Belgium, with a trip to Liechtenstein before a home game against North Macedonia.
“We knew we needed to win. We had momentum but the penalty gave them a lift and even the crowd died down,” Bellamy said.
“I have no complaints about the second penalty. But the first… what are we supposed to do with our hands? This is not sour grapes.
“We didn’t deserve it at that time. We had to react but they reacted better in that period. It’s no consolation but let’s get the next six points.”
Wales were beaten 4-3 by Belgium in Brussels in June, with De Bruyne bagging the late winner.
Once again the Napoli midfielder proved their nemesis.
