Home is where the heart is for Wales in the play-offs after Kieffer strikes
KIEFFER Moore’s first-half goal earned Wales a vital point against Belgium as Rob Page’s men clinched a home World Cup play-off semi-final tie.
The visitors took the lead at Cardiff City Stadium through Kevin De Bruyne, although Moore notched his eighth international goal later on in the opening half.
And after Turkey failed to beat Montenegro by four or more goals, the draw against the Belgians ensured Wales will play at Cardiff City Stadium in next year’s play-off last four tie.
Rob Page made three changes from the side that started the 5-1 demolition job of Belarus on Saturday.
Captain Gareth Bale was not fit enough to be involved in the squad, meaning Aaron Ramsey took the armband in the absence of the Real Madrid star.
Moore returned from suspension to lead the line, while Joe Morrell came in for Harry Wilson who dropped to the bench – with the only other alteration seeing Chris Mepham replace the suspended Ethan Ampadu in the back three.
Having qualified for Qatar 2022 three days earlier, Belgium were without a raft of big guns including Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Jason Denayer, Youri Tielemans and Toby Alderweireld for the contest in Cardiff.
A sell-out crowd ensured Cardiff City Stadium was packed to the rafters, and the pre-match rendition of Zombie Nation evoked memories of a battling draw out in Belgium under Chris Coleman that fans would almost certainly have taken if offered this time around.
The early news of Montenegro taking the lead against Turkey combined with Wales’ early positivity ensured the mood was fairly confident early on.
Despite being nowhere near full strength, Roberto Martinez’s side boasted talent across the park though. And shortly after Danny Ward palmed away Divock Origi’s driven effort from distance, Wales fell behind.
Joe Allen nipped in front of De Bruyne just as the Man City ace looked to shoot, although the Belgian skipper was afforded a second opportunity and coolly curled beyond Ward from the edge of the 18-yard box.
It left the home fans stunned, and even when they lifted the noise levels again, there was understandable trepidation behind the chants.
De Bruyne blazed well over as the Red Devils continued to show remarkable composure in possession, particularly when pressed by Wales.
Moore was living off scraps up front, and he was unable to capitalise on a rare mistake by Belgium’s back three just before the half-hour mark as the visitors’ defence scrambled back in time to clear the Cardiff City forward’s cross.
But the towering forward made the telling impact after 32 minutes as he controlled Daniel James’ cross before rifling beyond Koen Casteels to make it 1-1.
It prompted wild celebrations in all four stands, and Page could not hide his delight after seeing his side get back on level terms through what was Wales’ first shot on target.
Morrell was left devastated just two minutes later though as he was booked which means he is suspended for the play-off semi-final in March.
Belgium almost regained the lead in sensational fashion as De Bruyne picked out Thorgan Hazard from a corner, although the Borussia Dortmund star’s rasping volley struck the post before Moore drilled well over at the other end to ensure the score remained level at the break.
The game swiftly became stretched after the restart, and Wales had a golden chance to go ahead as James’ cross trickled through to Connor Roberts who scuffed his shot from outside the box.
Belgium continued to dominate possession, and substitute Alexis Saelemaekers had a shot blocked before Dedryck Boyata’s bullet header sailed over as tensions increased in the Welsh capital.
The Red Wall belted out a rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau in a bid to give those wearing red additional energy to feed off for the final 20 minutes.
Williams, James and Moore all had efforts blocked in quick succession during what was a rare foray forward for the hosts.
Liverpool man Williams very nearly won it in stunning style for the Red Dragons, although his swerving shot was well parried by Casteels.
But Wales earned the vital point that was needed to ensure they are seeded for the play-off draw which takes place on November 26 following what was a monumental effort against the side ranked best in the world by FIFA.
Wales: Ward; Mepham, Rodon, B Davies; C Roberts, Ramsey (C) (Johnson 90+3), Allen, Morrell, N Williams; Moore, James. Subs not used: Hennessey, A Davies, Gunter, Wilson, T Roberts, J Williams, Colwill, Norrington-Davies, Lawrence, Vaulks, Thomas.
Yellow cards: Morrell 34, Moore 80
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne (Dendoncker 58), Boyata, Theate ( Vertonghen 85); Meunier ( Trossard 85), Witsel, De Bruyne (C), T Hazard; Vanaken, Origi ( Vanzeir 58), De Ketelaere (Saelemaekers 58). Subs not used: Sels, Kaminski, Faes, Carrasco, Mertens, Benteke, Sambi Lokonga.
Yellow cards: T Hazard 71, Saelemaekers 75, Dendoncker 82
Referee: Artur Dias
Attendance: 32,343