World Cup Qualifiers: Belgium v Wales Match Preview

A look ahead to this week’s 2014 World Cup Qualifier fixture at the King Baudouin Stadium

Craig Bellamy will make his final appearance for Wales against Belgium before his international retirement (GETTY IMAGES)

Belgium have already booked their ticket to Brazil after beating Croatia on Friday night, and will now play host to Wales, tomorrow evening in celebratory mood.

In contrast, Wales will be heading into the clash knowing that qualification is impossible, and will be facing a Belgian side that has won its last seven consecutive qualifying games. Such a poor World Cup campaign could result in Chris Coleman leaving his job with his contract set to expire, while one man who is already certain to leave at the end of the campaign is Craig Bellamy, after he recently announced his retirement from the international game.

Kick-off: Tuesday, 8:00pm

Past meeting:

Wales 0 Belgium 2 (Kompany, Vertonghen)  World Cup Qualifier, September 2012.

Belgium 3 (Staelens, Claessens, Wilmots) Wales 2 (Pembridge, Giggs), World Cup Qualifier, October 1997.

Wales 1 (Speed) Belgium 2 (Crasson, Staelens) World Cup Qualifier, March 1997.

Wales 2 (Giggs, Rush) Belgium 0, World Cup Qualifier, March 1993.

Belgium 2 (Staelens, Degryse) Wales 0, World Cup Qualifier, November 1992.

Stats:

Wales have met Belgium on nine previous occasions, with three matches ending in Welsh victories.

Belgium have won five games including the very first meeting between the countries in 1949. One game, a Euro 1992 qualifier in Brussels, ended in a 1-1 draw in 1991.

Ryan Giggs marked his first start for Wales in 1993 with his first international goal in a memorable 2-0 World Cup qualifying win at Cardiff Arms Park.

Odds:

Belgium to win: 1.16

Wales to win: 17

Draw: 6.5

TV: Live on Sky Sports 3 at 8.00pm, highlights on Sky Sports 1 at 10:15pm.