Wales vs Belgium LIVE: World Cup qualifier result, final score and reaction tonight
Kieffer Moore’s goal at the Cardiff City Stadium ensured Rob Page’s side secured a play-off spot as seeds
Wales drew 1-1 with Belgium to secure home advantage in their World Cup play-off semi-final.
Kevin De Bruyne silenced a noisy Cardiff crowd inside 12 minutes, but Kieffer Moore equalised before half-time to give Wales the point they craved.
Already guaranteed a play-off spot through their Nations League results, Wales were determined to secure a home tie in March by finishing second in Group E.
The point was enough to finish above the Czech Republic and take their place among the six seeded teams in the play-offs. Turkey needed to win by four goals in Montenegro to deny Wales a home tie but could only manage a 2-1 victory.
Follow live reaction to Wales vs Belgium, below:
Full time: Wales 1-1 Belgium
Wales drew 1-1 with Belgium to secure home advantage in their World Cup play-off semi-final.
Kevin De Bruyne silenced a noisy Cardiff crowd inside 12 minutes, but Kieffer Moore equalised before half-time to give Wales the point they craved.
Already guaranteed a play-off spot through their Nations League results, Wales were determined to secure a home tie in March by finishing second in Group E.
The point was enough to finish above the Czech Republic and take their place among the six seeded teams in the play-offs.
Kieffer Moore earns Wales home World Cup play-off in draw over Belgium
Wales 1-1 Belgium: Moore’s eighth goal for Wales secured second spot in qualifying and a favourable tie for Rob Page’s side
Full time: Wales 1-1 Belgium
Wales goalscorer Kieffer Moore, speaking to Sky Sports:
“I think you could tell at the end that we left everything out there. We gave everything for that performance. We knew before hand that we needed a result and we gave everything for the cause.
“The goal was incredible. It’s amazing scoring in front of the ‘red wall’ - I can’t put it into words. I didn’t expect it to drop to me. In some ways it was lucky but as soon as it did drop I knew I had to get the shot off quick.
“It’s very important [being seeded], with the likes of Italy and Portugal finishing second. But we back ourselves against anyone.
“The manager was very emotional and he was proud of us at the end. We’ve stuck together and stuck to the plan. It shows what we are about.”
Full time: Wales 1-1 Belgium
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, speaking to Sky Sports, after his side claimed a home play-off tie:
“It’s massive, and full credit to the boys. They put in a massive shift again against top opposition. We always believed that we could get a result - especially at home with our fans. It’s another good night for us.
“We build our foundations on everyone putting in a shift for each other. We put our bodies on the line and we did that again tonight.
“There’s some big teams still in it but it was so important we got a home tie. You could see the atmosphere tonight -it’s a special place to play. Hopefully that will give us an edge in the play-off.”
Full time: Wales 1-1 Belgium
Elsewhere in Europe, the Netherlands have defeated Norway 2-1 to claim the final automatic qualification place.
They join Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Denmark, Croatia, England and Germany in reaching Qatar.
A reminder that Wales could still face any of Italy, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden or Russia in a play-off final.
Wales 1-1 Belgium
Robert Page has gathered his players for a huddle in the middle of the pitch at a rocking Cardiff City Stadium.
He will be making his team know that there’s still a lot of work to do - but what a job he has done so far.
Gareth Bale is enjoying himself as he joins in with the celebrations.
Wales 1-1 Belgium
Turkey, Poland, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Austria, Czech Republic.
Those are the countries that Wales could play in the semi-finals. There are still some tough ties in there, but a home draw will certainly help.
FULL TIME! Wales 1-1 Belgium
Wales have done it! They will have home advantage as a seeded team in March’s play-off semi-finals!
Wales 1-1 Belgium
90+6 mins: De Bruyne swings it in from the right channel but Rodon heads away - before Moore draws the free kick to relieve some pressure!
Wales 1-1 Belgium
90+4 mins: Moore wins the first header from the corner, but Wales can’t quite clear and it breaks to Boyata six yards out! His header is tame, however, and easily collected by Ward.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments