'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Belgium overcame an early deficit to bag all three points to start their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on a winning note.
Harry Wilson opened the scoring for the night as he tucked one past Thibaut Courtois to cap off a beautiful team move.
It did not take Belgium too long to respond, though, as Kevin De Bruyne and Thorgan Hazard scored in quick succession to hand their side the lead.
Belgium dominated proceedings from thereon to assert their ascendancy in the game. To put the result beyond doubt, Romelu Lukaku scored from the penalty spot late on.
On that note, let's take a look at five talking points from the match.
#1 Gareth Bale shows glimpses of his glorious best
Gareth Bale had an impressive outing for Wales. The Real Madrid loanee had his moments against Belgium, as he took the game to the hosts.
The 31-year-old set up Wilson with a wonderful flick as Wales took an early lead in the game.
Bale won seven duels, made six recoveries and won two tackles during his stay on the pitch but failed to score.
#2 Wales rue defensive lapse against Belgium
Wales held up well against mighty Belgium, but errors at the back cost them dearly. Connor Roberts slipped at a key moment, as Thorgan Hazard made no mistake to gave his side the lead in the 28th minute.
Any chance of a comeback was squandered by Wales when Chris Mepham gave away a penalty after a reckless challenge on Dries Mertens. Lukaku made no mistake as he slotted from the spot to put the game to bed.
The Inter Milan striker now has 58 international goals, more than that of the entire visiting Wales lineup in the game.
#3 Kevin De Bruyne is back to his usual best for Belgium
Kevin De Bruyne took centre stage for Belgium in the absence of Eden Hazard. The Manchester City star orchestrated play for the hosts and set the tempo of the game.
De Bruyne was into his groove against Wales. He scored the equaliser for Belgium in the 22nd minute and created the most chances (4). He also won six duels, made five recoveries and successfully completed four dribbles.
#4 Wales lose Joe Allen to injury early on
Despite going down after taking the lead early on, Wales put up a great fight against Belgium. However, the visitors lost the returning Joe Allen to an injury early on as the Stoke City midfielder seemed to have torn his hamstring.
It was his first international appearance in almost two years after coming back from a more serious injury (a tendon rupture). But he lasted only seven minutes on the field this time as Wales were forced into an early substitution against the Belgians.
#5 Belgium recover after a slow start
Belgium look like serious contenders to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They displayed elite mentality and pushed Wales back after going a goal down.
Roberto Martinez has transformed this side completely. Belgium were deadly on the breaks, quick with their transitions and exemplary in holding the ball. They ended the game playing like the world's number one team.
