UEFA World Cup qualifiers: Wales vs Belgium live
Preview
Wales play Belgium at home in the final group stage match of their World Cup qualifiers campaign. The match kicks off at 7:45 pm(GMT) with Portuguese referee Artur Soares Dias set to officiate proceedings. Regardless of the outcome of this game, Belgium will play in Qatar 2022, securing qualification with a game in hand. A win or draw will be automatic qualification into the playoff round for Wales.
Wales sit second in group E, five points behind group leaders Belgium. With 14 points after five games the Welsh will be proud of their performances so far in the World Cup qualifiers. In their last five competitive games, Wales have won three and drawn two, scoring eleven in the process. With qualification for the World Cup on the line, the Welsh will be happy to avoid defeat in this game.
Belgium have secured a spot in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The world No.1 side are yet to taste defeat in the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers. In their last five competitive games however, Roberto Martinez’ side have won three and lost two, with both defeats coming in the UEFA Nations League finals. After beating Estonia 3-1 at home in their last game to secure qualification, Belgium are expected to field a much weaker side in their game against Wales.
Head-to-head
In the last five competitive head-to-head between these two sides, Wales have won two, drawn two and Belgium winning the other game. The last game between these two sides was in the reverse fixture of this World Cup qualifiers game, where Belgium beat Wales 3-1 in Heverlee, with goals from Thorgan Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Harry Wilson was the scorer of the lone goal for Wales on that day.
Prediction
Wales need to avoid defeat in this game to qualify for the playoff round of qualification. With qualification for Belgium already secured, Wales are expected to at least record a point in this game. A win or draw for Wales in the most probable outcome.
Lineup
Wales XI: Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies, Williams; C Roberts, Ramsey, Allen, Morrell; James, Moore
Belgium XI: Casteels; Castagne, Boyata, Theate; Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, T Hazard; Ketelaere, Origi, Vanaken
