De Bruynes Pair of Penalties Secures Belgiums Key Victory Against Wales

Kevin De Bruyne netted two penalties to help Belgium secure a vital 4-2 victory over Wales on Monday, strengthening their World Cup qualification hopes.

Under Rudi Garcia, Belgium fell behind early to Joe Rodons goal at Cardiff City Stadium.

De Bruyne equalised from the spot, and Thomas Meunier put them in front before the break.

De Bruyne added another penalty late on, with Nathan Broadhead pulling one back for Wales.

Leandro Trossard dashed any late comeback dreams for the hosts, as Belgium climbed to the summit of Group J.

Belgium lead second placed North Macedonia by two points after the latter drew 1-1 with Kazakhstan on the same day.

The Red Devils maintain an unbeaten run of 46 qualifiers for World Cup or Euros since Wales Gareth Bale inspired upset win in 2015.

Wales dropped to third, missing a chance to edge nearer to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Craig Bellamy side trail Belgium by four points, with two matches left for each, while North Macedonia have one game in hand.

Belgium drew 0-0 against North Macedonia at home on Friday, handing Wales control of their fate.

Wales needed three wins from their remaining three to guarantee qualification.

Now, they may need playoffs unless they catch Belgium, facing Liechtenstein away on November 15 then hosting North Macedonia three days after.

Wales lost 4-3 to Belgium in Brussels back in June, De Bruyne scoring the decisive late goal.

The Napoli man once more haunted them.

Composed De Bruyne

Wales explosive opening paid off in the eighth minute, Leeds back Rodon capitalising on poor defending to head in from Sorba Thomas corner.

Yet, unexpectedly, Belgium got a break in the 18th minute.

Charles De Ketelaere long shot struck Ethan Ampadu arm inside the box.

Ampadu barely moved his arm but after VAR check, referee Daniel Siebert gave the spot kick, and De Bruyne coolly deceived Karl Darlow.

Bellamy received a yellow for dissent, ruling him out of the dugout for Liechtenstein.

His annoyance grew in the 24th minute as Belgium went ahead.

If the first goal sparked debate, the second was clear cut.

Thomas lost focus as dynamic Jeremy Doku raced down the right, delivering a teasing low ball into the box.

Meunier arrived sharply to steer a precise shot beyond Darlow from a tight angle.

Bellamy gambled by benching Brennan Johnson amid form woes, but introduced the Tottenham player in the 58th seeking spark after Belgium momentum shift.

Johnsons highlight was shooing a rat that invaded the pitch, pausing action briefly.

As the rodent fled the stricken Welsh, Bellamy squad were sealed in the 76th minute.

Jordan James fouled Trossard mishit unnecessarily, allowing unflappable De Bruyne to convert from the spot again.

Broadhead 89th minute strike from distance, following Kieffer Moore dispossession of Trossard, hinted at a nervy end.

Trossard redeemed himself instantly, rifling in from Timothy Castagne cross as the Arsenal man restored calm.