Wales' hopes of securing automatic qualification for Euro 2024 were extinguished in a heart-breaking finale at Cardiff City Stadium, as a late Youri Tielemans goal for Belgium sealed their fate and handed the final group spot to their opponents.
The Dragons knew only a victory would be enough to leapfrog Croatia and claim second place in Group D. The tension was palpable throughout a fiercely contested match where chances were at a premium for both sides.
Defender Chris Mepham emerged as an unlikely attacking hero for the home side, coming agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock not once, but twice. His first effort, a powerful header, was brilliantly saved by Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Mepham threatened again moments later, seeing another header cleared off the line in a desperate Belgian scramble.
Despite Wales' determined pressure, the decisive moment came against the run of play. With just five minutes remaining on the clock, Manchester City's Jeremy Doku found space on the left and delivered a dangerous cross. Youri Tielemans arrived with a perfectly timed run to volley the ball past goalkeeper Danny Ward, sending the travelling Belgian fans into delirium and silencing the passionate Welsh crowd.
The result means Belgium, who had already qualified, top the group. More crucially for Wales, it confirms they will now have to navigate the treacherous play-off path in March if they are to book their ticket to Germany next summer. The Welsh national team must now regroup and refocus their efforts on securing qualification through the Nations League play-offs.
