Wales v Belgium player ratings: Huge VAR drama as Cymru suffer heartbreaking 4-3 loss

Wales endured a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat away to Belgium in their FIFA World Cup qualifier, battling back from three goals down in a match marred by VAR controversy.

First-half goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans, and Jérémy Doku gave the hosts a commanding lead, but a late penalty from Harry Wilson just before the break offered Craig Bellamy’s side a glimmer of hope.

Sorba Thomas slotted home his first goal for Wales in the 51st minute, before turning provider for Brennan Johnson to complete a remarkable comeback just before the 70th minute.

It looked as though Bellamy’s side would snatch a point and extend his nine-game unbeaten run as manager, but a late goal from Kevin De Bruyne shattered the hopes of the watching Red Wall.

The result sees Bellamy’s side drop to second in the group, with North Macedonia moving top after a 1-0 away win against Kazakhstan.

Wales player ratings v Belgium

Karl Darlow – 4

It was a tough night in goal for Darlow, he couldn’t do much about the home side’s first two goals, but it did feel like he could have done better with the third.

Connor Roberts – 4

Struggled at times against Belgium’s attacking threat, with much of the home side’s success coming down Wales’ right-hand side.

Ben Davies (C) – 5

A difficult night for the skipper, who struggled at times against the attacking brilliance of Jérémy Doku, affording him too much space to cut inside for his goal.

Joe Rodon – 7

Despite being part of a defensive unit that conceded three goals, Rodon was the away side’s best-performing defender, winning several key duels and making important clearances.

Chris Mepham – 5

Brought into the side as a replacement for the injured Neco Williams, he struggled against his attacking counterparts on a difficult night.

Sorba Thomas – 7

A well-taken finish to score his first goal and give Bellamy’s side hope. He put in a tireless shift on both sides of the ball and showed great composure in a crucial moment to set up the equaliser.

Ethan Ampadu – 5

The Leeds United man struggled to make a major impact against Belgium’s talented midfield, but he showed composure on the ball and did well to recycle possession, helping Wales apply some pressure.

Jordan James – 5

A difficult night for the youngster against a Belgian midfield stacked with Premier League talent. He worked hard off the ball but had limited impact in possession.

Harry Wilson – 7

A goal from the penalty spot followed by a fantastic assist to set up the second and drag Wales back into the game. He’s beginning to look like the main attacking threat in this new-look Welsh side.

David Brooks – 6

A quiet night for Brooks, who struggled to make an impact going forward before being substituted just after the hour mark.

Brennan Johnson – 7

Johnson was harshly penalised for handball in the lead-up to Belgium’s opening goal, but responded with one of his best performances in a Welsh shirt—working tirelessly defensively and scoring a crucial equaliser.

Liam Cullen – 5

Introduced in the second half as Wales looked to get back into the game, he was another example of the hard-working mentality that’s been instilled in this side out of possession.

Mark Harris – 5

A second-half substitute for Wales, he worked hard in pressing the Belgian defence and had a half-chance from a cross, but ultimately offered little goal threat.

Rabbi Matondo – 5

A late change for Wales as they pushed for an equaliser.