A defining night for Wales awaits
Wales v Belgium preview
Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Belgium on Monday was always likely to feel significant. Now, it has the potential to be decisive.
Author | Stephen Chad
Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium
Their fate is once again in their own hands after Belgium were held to a goalless draw by North Macedonia on Friday.
If Craig Bellamy’s side win their final three matches, they will secure a place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
That remains a sizeable challenge. The most daunting obstacle comes next.
This may not be the same Belgium that finished third at the 2018 World Cup or topped the world rankings three years ago, but they still possess a wealth of talent, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku among their array of attacking options.
Not that Wales are likely to be overawed, particularly under a head coach as determined and optimistic as Bellamy.
The current state of the play in the group
North Macedonia lead the group on 12 points, one ahead of Belgium and two clear of Wales, though they have played a game more than both.
The team that finishes top of Group J will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the runners-up will enter the 16-team play-off for the final four places.
It was through that route that Wales reached the 2022 World Cup, their first appearance at the finals in 64 years, but all three sides will be keen to avoid relying on that path again in March.
Learning the lessons from England defeat
Wales’ preparations for this fixture included a 3-0 friendly defeat to England on Thursday, a one-sided contest at Wembley that threatened to become embarrassing after the hosts struck three times in the opening 20 minutes.
Bellamy had chosen England as opponents for the mandatory friendly to give his players a taste of world-class opposition, with the Belgium match and future tournaments in mind.
Some Wales supporters questioned the decision, wary of the potential impact on both the team’s world ranking and morale so close to a crucial qualifier.
Yet Bellamy insists the experience at Wembley provided valuable lessons, leaving him with reasons for optimism.
