Wales 1-1 Belgium: Kieffer Moore equalises secures second spot
Kieffer Moore of Wales celebrates scoring his sides first goal. Wales v Belgium in a 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium on the 16th November 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Wales secured second spot in World Cup Qualifying Group E with a commendable 1–1 draw against Belgium at Cardiff City Stadium.
In front of an electric crowd of 32, 343, Kevin De Bruyne’s early strike was cancelled out by Kieffer Moore’s shrewd finish to equalise.
The draw sees Rob Page’s side finish a point above the third-placed Czech Republic, securing a home playoff spot for the hosts.
Page’s side started brightly and looked to give the visitors little time on the ball, with Moore and Dan James leading the intense press.
Belgium found a grip of possession however and took the lead in the 12th minute following a period of sustained pressure.
The ball deflected to Manchester City’s De Bruyne on the edge of the box, who brilliantly curled past Danny Ward, into the bottom corner to give the visitors an early advantage.
Despite Wales’ positive reaction to falling behind, Martinez’s side continued to create chances, as De Bruyne charged towards the hosts’ defence, before blazing over the woodwork.
Page’s men were rewarded for their persistence, as Wales found an equaliser in the 32nd minute.
James did brilliantly to turn the ball across the box from the left, finding Moore, who was on-hand to level the scoring with a clinical left-footed finish.
Belgium went close to regaining the lead just minutes later, as Boyata met a corner with a powerful header, which flew narrowly wide of the post.
On the stroke of half-time, the visitors went close once more, with Hazard set up to volley at goal, which he caught brilliantly, but hit the woodwork.
Wales had a chance of their own before the interval, as Joe Rodon disposed of Divock Origi in midfield, leading to Moore firing over from distance.
In a first half where Wales showed a great deal of character, Page’s men went into the break level.
The hosts started the second period showing a danger on the counter-attack, with James crossing low for Connor Roberts on the edge of the box, who miscued his effort wide.
Wales continued their positive start to the second half with Joe Morrell driving forward and finding space to drive at goal, forcing a save out of Koen Casteels.
Rob Page’s side persisted in pressing intensely, with Moore and James’ tireless work forcing the Belgian back-line into mistakes.
Belgium continued to pose a danger, however, as substitute Alexis Saelemaekers had a drive at goal blocked. From the resulting corner, Boyata rose highest once more, but headed over the woodwork.
Wales had a positive spell of chances with ten minutes to go, as James led a counter-attack and found Neco Williams, whose effort was blocked.
Just minutes later, Moore looked to grab his second of the night, but his effort was denied by Boyata’s intervention.
Page’s men again went close, with the lively Williams cutting inside and forcing a fine save out of Casteels with a brilliant strike.
After a fantastic performance from Wales, second place in Group E and a home play-off are secured.
Wales: Danny Ward, Neco Williams, Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey © (Brennan Johnson 90’), Kieffer Moore, Connor Roberts, Joe Morrell, Daniel James
Goals: Kieffer Moore 32’
Belgium: Koen Casteels, Arthur Theate (Jan Vertonghen 85’), Dedryck Boyata, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne ©, Hans Vanaken, Thorgan Hazard, Thomas Meunier (Leandro Trossard 85’), Divock Origi (Dante Vanzeir 58’), Charles De Ketelaere (Alexis Saelemaekers 58’), Timothy Castagne (Leander Dendoncker 58’)
Goals: Kevin De Bruyne 12’
