How De Bruyne Led Belgium to Victory Over Wales
Kevin De Bruyne delivered a clinical performance as Belgium secured a vital 4–2 victory against Wales, strengthening their World Cup qualification hopes. The win at Cardiff City Stadium pushed Belgium to the top of Group J, one point ahead of North Macedonia, who drew 1–1 with Kazakhstan.
Belgium fell behind early when Leeds defender Joe Rodon rose to head in Sorba Thomas’s corner, exposing poor marking in the Belgian defense. Despite Wales’ strong start, Belgium quickly found their rhythm and turned the game around through composure and precision. In the 18th minute, Charles De Ketelaere’s shot struck Ethan Ampadu’s arm inside the box. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty that De Bruyne converted with ease, sending Karl Darlow the wrong way.
Only six minutes later, Belgium’s attacking power came alive again. Jeremy Doku exploited space on the right flank and sent in a low cross that Thomas Meunier met perfectly, guiding it past Darlow for a 2–1 lead. The turnaround silenced the Cardiff crowd and forced Wales into defensive mode as the visitors began to dominate possession.
Craig Bellamy’s side struggled to regain control, with substitute Brennan Johnson unable to inspire a comeback. The match briefly paused when a rat ran onto the pitch, but Wales’ momentum had already faded. Their problems deepened in the 76th minute when Jordan James handled the ball in the area. De Bruyne stepped up once more, showing nerves of steel as he slotted home his second penalty of the night.
What Does This Win Mean for Belgium’s Qualification Hopes?
Nathan Broadhead’s late strike in the 89th minute offered Wales a glimmer of hope, but it was quickly extinguished when Leandro Trossard finished off a Timothy Castagne cross seconds later. The final whistle confirmed Belgium’s dominant win, extending their remarkable unbeaten run in World Cup and European Championship qualifiers to 46 matches.
For Wales, the result was a missed opportunity. Sitting third in the group, Bellamy’s team now faces the possibility of reaching the World Cup through the play-offs unless they win their final two games against Liechtenstein and 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.”
Belgium, meanwhile, can secure qualification by winning either of their remaining matches against Kazakhstan or Liechtenstein in November. For Rudi Garcia’s side, this victory was a statement of intent, powered once again by the brilliance and composure of their captain, Kevin De Bruyne.
By Yockshard Enyendi