Defiant Dragons secure play-off advantage

 Wales will have a home advantage for their World Cup play-off semi-final after Kieffer Moore’s equaliser earned his nation a 1-1 comeback draw against Belgium. 

The result extended the Dragons’ unbeaten run to six in World Cup qualifiers. 

 Wales pressed and harried Belgium in the opening stages, knowing that a victory would confirm a seeded place heading into World Cup play-offs and give them an optimal chance of reaching their first World Cup finals since 1958. 

However, Belgium were equally determined to notch a fifth straight win in World Cup qualifiers, and Kevin De Bruyne silenced the Cardiff City Stadium on 12 minutes, when he curled a first time shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. 

 With just one loss in their five meetings against Belgium, the ‘Dragons’ were not disheartened, and their fiery persistence paid off when Dan James’ cross eluded three defenders and found Kieffer Moore at the back post. 

Fuelled by familiar surroundings, the Cardiff striker fired a low strike past Koen Casteels to send the home crowd into raptures. 

 After scoring 58 goals in their last 27 qualifiers, the ‘Red Devils’ were always going to respond, and Thorgan Hazard nearly restored the visitors’ lead when his fierce effort clipped the crossbar just before HT. 

Undeterred, Belgium continued to press after the break, but Wales looked more likely to find the winner on the counter attack, as Neco Williams went on a mazy solo run and tested the palms of Casteels with a rising effort heading towards the top corner. 

 After going unbeaten in 16 of their last 17 matches at the Cardiff City Stadium, Wales are well placed to get through their one-legged semi-final play-off at home. 

Meanwhile, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez will be delighted that his side extended their unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers to 28, as his Golden Generation of Belgian players aim to better their third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, when they travel to Qatar next year.

Source: Flashscore