KDB CHAIRMAN OF THE BORED!
Brilliant De Bruyne inspires victory over ‘same old foe’
KEVIN DE BRUYNE produced a masterclass last night for Belgium to dent Wales’ World Cup preparations.
The Manchester City superstar admitted he was “bored” of facing Wales so regularly ahead of his ninth appearance against them.
But he still turned on a thrilling display with a goal and an assist for Belgium who showed their class as their golden generation target silverware in Qatar.
Wales were simply outclassed in the first half by Belgium, who are ranked second in the FIFA rankings. But their boss Roberto Martinez saw red in the closing minutes.
After the break Rob Page’s men dramatically improved as Kieffer Moore (bottom right) pulled a goal back in the 50th minute after some great play from Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson.
But the defeat means Wales need a win from their final group game at home to Poland to remain in the top tier of the Nations League.
The Dragons were always up against it in Brussels where they were without the injured quartet of Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Harry Wilson and Ben Davies.
Skipper Gareth Bale was also only used as a 64thminute substitute after jetting in from America on Tuesday.
Belgium gave teenage defender Zeno Debast a debut in defence, while keeper Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier, Yannick Carrasco and De Bruyne were recalled.
Midfield maestro De Bruyne showed his quality to open the scoring in the 10th minute with a superb first-time finish from the top of the box from Michy Batshuayi’s pass.
It was a ruthless finish by the Belgian for his 25th international goal.
Youri Tielemans then missed a great opportunity to double the hosts’ lead four minutes later after his shot from Carrasco’s cross went wide.
The hosts were totally dominant as De Bruyne had another left-foot effort blocked and Batshuayi slashed an angled finish wide.
Belgium were unlucky not to double their lead in the 27th minute as De Bruyne hit a shot against the post from the edge of the area.
Ex-chelsea ace Eden Hazard also flashed a shot wide.
But there was no denying the hosts in the 37th minute when Batshuayi stabbed in his 26th goal in 46 matches (bottom left).
Wales had to wait until the 40th minute for their first effort on target when Moore’s header brought former Chelsea No.1 Courtois into action.
But only a fine save by veteran Wayne Hennessey with his feet prevented De Bruyne from netting again before the break after a stunning pass from Tielemans.
Yet despite Belgium’s dominance, it was the visitors who struck after the break when the dangerous Johnson did superbly to get free down the right before standing up an excellent cross to the back post.
It enabled Moore to thunder in a downward header for his ninth international goal.
There was some late drama as referee Ali Palabiyik gave Belgium a penalty. But he changed his mind after viewing VAR which showed Joe Morrell had fairly tackled De Bruyne.
Then Martinez was sent off in injury-time for stopping a Wales throw-in.