Martinez's side Belgium open WCQ campaign with comfortable 3-1 win over Wales

Martinez's side Belgium open WCQ campaign with comfortable 3-1 win over Wales

Harry Wilson gave Wales shock lead; but goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard and Romelu Lukaku sealed Belgium's victory; Belgium win 13th straight competitive match at home; Wales suffer first defeat in five games.

Match Report

In their first meeting with Belgium since beating them 3-1 in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, Wales took an early lead as Harry Wilson, who was played in by Gareth Bale, finished a slick move (10).

However, Belgium roared back as goals from Kevin De Bruyne (22) and Thorgan Hazard (28) turned the game on its head and sent Roberto Martinez's side in at half-time with the lead.

Romelu Lukaku ensured victory for the hosts in the second half, converting from the spot (73) after Chris Mepham brought down Dries Mertens, as Wales suffered their first competitive defeat in 12 matches.

Victory sees Belgium, who record a 13th straight competitive win at home, into second in Group E behind Czech Republic, who face Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium as their World Cup qualifying campaign continues next Tuesday.

Line-ups

Belgium XI: Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Mertens, Alderweireld, Courtois, De Bruyne, Lukaku, Meunier, T Hazard, Dendoncker, Tielemans

Subs: Mignolet, Benteke, Casteels, Vanaken, Praet, Trossard, Batshuayi, T. Foket, Januzaj, Castagne, Denayer, J. Doku

Wales XI: Bale, J.Allen, Ward, J. Lawrence, Daniel James, Harry Wilson, C. Roberts, J. Rodon, Ampadu, Mepham, Neco Williams

Subs: Hennessey, C. Gunter, R.Kanu, J. Williams, T. Lawrence, Kieffer Moore, A. Davies, J. Morrell, T. Roberts, R. Norrington-Davies, M. Smith, B. Cabango

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