Kieffer Moore earned a home World Cup qualification play-off semi-final for Wales as Belgium was held to a 1-1 draw at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday. Wales needed only a point to secure home advantage in the World Cup qualification play-off semi-finals next March.
Robert Page’s team had already qualified for the playoffs, but they went into the final Group E game hoping to be one of the top six seeds. In the first half, Moore equalized after Kevin De Bruyne put an under-strength Belgium in ahead — already assured of a place in the football tournament in Qatar next year as group champions.
Neither team could find a winner, but Wales finished second and will host a play-off tie in March when captain Gareth Bale – who was not present – is expected to return to full fitness. De Bruyne found the bottom-right corner with a controlled finish to hush the Wales fans 12 minutes in after a weak attempted clearing from Chris Mepham.
Wales took the setback in stride, capitalizing on sloppy defence to draw level 13 minutes before half-time when Arthur Theate fumbled his kick while attempting to deal with Dan James’ cross, and Moore finished clinically with his left foot. Check out football highlights of Wales draw with Belgium as they attempt to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
