Belgium 3 Wales 1: De Bruyne and Lukaku break Welsh hearts in World Cup qualifying opener with comeback win

KEVIN DE BRUYNE inspired Belgium’s comeback win in this World Cup qualifying opener after bogey side Wales threatened another huge shock.

Harry Wilson swept the Dragons in front on 10 minutes as Connor Roberts and Gareth Bale led a brilliant counter-attack.

Rex

Belgium key man Kevin De Bruyne hails the leveller that transformed the contest[/caption]

But De Bruyne’s superb 25-yarder and  Thorgan Hazard’s header put the hosts ahead by the 28th minute.

And despite Wales looking positive in the second half, a soft penalty on 73 minutes killed them off.

Chris Mepham was ruled to have fouled Dries Mertens, with Romelu Lukaku doubling Belgium’s advantage.

PA

Harry Wilson pounced early on to give Wales a shock but temporary lead[/caption]

AFP

Thorgan Hazard nods Belgium 2-1 up in the first-half of this World Cup qualifier[/caption]

Rex

Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne rifles Belgium level after 22 minutes[/caption]

Getty

Harry Wilson celebrates what he hoped would be a momentous goal for Wales[/caption]