Belgium vs Wales: Match report, player ratings, fan reaction and more

Match report

Belgium stepped their preparations for the fast-approaching Qatar World Cup up a gear on Thursday, courtesy of a hard-fought win over Wales.

Roberto Martinez’s men returned to action a short time ago.

Sitting adrift of table-topping Netherlands in the Nations League League A Group 4 table, the Red Devils played host to Rob Page’s Wales, aware that a three-point haul would all but secure their status as, at the very least, group runners-up.

And, when all was said and done, emerge triumphant is precisely what the evening’s hosts managed.

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, unsurprisingly, proved the star of the show, opening the game’s scoring inside ten minutes before laying on Michy Batshuayi’s result-clinching strike shortly before the interval.

Best midfielder in the world. @KevinDeBruyne. pic.twitter.com/X3Pf7X1e7E

— City Report (@cityreport_) September 22, 2022

Wales, to their credit, did manage to pull one back early in the 2nd-half of action, sparking hope of a potential comeback on the part of Page’s troops.

Player ratings

Belgium

Thibaut Courtois – 6

Zeno Debast – 5.5

Toby Alderweireld – 6

Jan Vertonghen – 5.5

Thomas Meunier – 5.5

Youri Tielemans – 6

Axel Witsel – 7

Yannick Carrasco – 6.5

Kevin De Bruyne – 9

Eden Hazard – 6

Michy Batshuayi – 7.5

Scotland

Wayne Hennessey – 5

Chris Mepham – 6.5

Joe Rodon – 5.5

Rhys Norrington-Davies – 6

Connor Roberts – 6

Ethan Ampadu – 6

Matt Smith – 5.5

Neco Williams – 7

Brennan Johnson – 6.5

Daniel James – 6

Kieffer Moore – 7

Social media reaction

Fantastic to see Belgium give a competitive debut to R.S.C. Anderlecht Defender:
Zeno Debast
18-years-old🇧🇪

Belgium V Wales

A good performance tonight and you never, know he could be on the plane to Qatar!
Great to see him being rewarded for his brilliant performances 🙌#OTW pic.twitter.com/Oj0W0QPyAR

— António Mango (@AntonioMango4) September 22, 2022

6 – Since Robert Page took over as manager in November 2020, only Gareth Bale (7) has scored more goals for Wales than Kieffer Moore (6). Spearhead. pic.twitter.com/rrpRlgqDzS

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 22, 2022

What a season KDB is having 🔥

Belgium are beating Wales 2-0 and it’s all coming through the magician 🪄🇧🇪

𝟏𝟏’ ⚽️
𝟑𝟖’ 🅰️ pic.twitter.com/QsChdRCZkm

— LiveScore (@livescore) September 22, 2022

🇧🇪 Kevin De Bruyne 🆚 Wales:

⚽️ 1 goal
🎯 1 assist
🥅 3 shots on target
💥 1 hit woodwork
👟 82.8% accurate passes
🗝 7 key passes
🧠 1 big chances created
👍🏽 4 ground duels won
🦁 2 aerial duels won
🤕 3 foul won
🌟 9.8 match rating

One of the best midfielder in the world. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pSV88k6dlK

— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) September 22, 2022

A classy left-footed finish from Kevin De Bruyne! The Manchester City superstar made that look so easy 👏

Belgium make their first real attack count as they open the scoring against Wales 🇧🇪#BELWAL pic.twitter.com/bLPnZE45v0

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) September 22, 2022

Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale after Belgium-Wales 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/Xnzl0X14jG

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 22, 2022

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