Hello and welcome to Eurosport's LIVE text commentary of Wales versus Belgium in the final World Cup qualifier in Group E. As Belgium have already qualified as group winners, the pressure is all on Wales, who will secure second spot with a draw. They are three points ahead of Czech Republic who host Estonia tonight. Let's grab the team news ahead of this crunch 19:45 kick-off!
World Cup Qualification UEFA / Matchday 10
Cardiff City Stadium / 16.11.2021
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- K. Moore(32')
- K. De Bruyne(12')
Live
Live Updates
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Updated 16/11/2021 at 21:43 GMT
14'
That's what happens when you allow De Bruyne even an inch. As it stands, because Czech Republic are still drawing with Estonia, Wales stay in second.
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Image credit: Getty Images
12'
GOAL! Wales 0-1 Belgium (Kevin De Bruyne): Who else but De Bruyne? Wales fail to clear their lines as both Meunier and Witsel have shots blocked. It falls to the Manchester City magician who punishes the hosts, curling a first-time shot past Ward into the bottom corner.
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Goal
K. De Bruyne
Belgium
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Goals1
On target1
Corners1
11'
Belgium also play their corner short. But eventually it's whipped in, Denayer flicks it on but Origi can't adjust his feet in time.
11'
Shot! Wales goalkeeper Ward is forced into his first of the night! He has to get down low to keep out Origi's left-footed effort.
9'
A draw for Wales will guarantee second spot and will be seeded as long as Turkey or Norway do not second finish and win by four or more goals. Wales supporters will be happy to learn, then, that Turkey are already trailing to Montenegro.
7'
Slowly but surely, Belgium are settling into the contest. The first goal tonight is crucial.
5'
Hazard's useless backheeled pass gifts Wales the ball in dangerous territory, but the hosts fail to take advantage as Ramsey runs into trouble.
4'
Thorgan Hazard wears his brother's no 10 shirt tonigh. Kevin De Bruyne captains the visitors.
3'
Wales are enjoying plenty of early possession.
2'
Twenty seconds in, Wales have their first corner. It's taken short, James delivers to the near post but Belgium deal with it. An early sign of intent from tonight's hosts?
1st Half
1'
Kick-off! The players take the knee before Wales get the ball moving!
19:44
Hair-raising stuff from Wales as usual. Pure passion!
19:42
The players have emerged, it's time for the national anthems! Belgium up first, then Wales.
19:38
And who could forget when Wales stunned Belgium back in 2015?!
19:35
Let's take a moment and go back to July 1, 2016, when Wales came from a goal down to beat Belgium 3-1 on an unforgettable night in Lille... wow.
19:30
Opta stat: Wales have won two of their last three games against Belgium (L1), winning in June 2015 in a EUROs qualifier and at EURO 2016 in the quarter-final stage.
19:25
Roberto Martinez: "Wales need to get a result so it will be a hostile atmosphere. They are a team that are confident and have a good mixture of youth and experience, and with a full house which will play a big part."
19:15
Aaron Ramsey: "To qualify for a World Cup, these opportunities won't come along very often. It might be the last time we have an opportunity as good as this. That was our target, to finish second in our group, that hasn't changed. If we manage to get a result on Tuesday we will have achieved it."
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Image credit: Getty Images
19:10
Wales have already secured a place in the play-off semi-final for the World Cup through the Nations League. However, if they fail to finish second in Group E, they will have to play unseeded team away from home in the play-offs.
19:05
Roberto Martinez rings the changes from the Belgium side that beat Estonia 3-1. Koen Casteels replaces Thibaut Courtois in goal, while Divock Origi leads the line as Christian Benteke drops to the bench. There are also rare starts for Koen Casteels, Arthur Theate and Charles De Ketelaere.
19:00
Gareth Bale is missing through injury, Ethan Ampady is suspended and Harry Wilson drops to the bench, so Chris Mepham, Joe Morrell and Kieffer Moore return to the fold, as Rob Page makes three changes to the side that thrashed Belarus 5-1 on Saturday. Aaron Ramsey captains the side.