Craig Bellamy concedes Wales ‘needed to win’ against Belgium in big hit to World Cup qualification hopes, highlights Jeremy Doku performance

“We knew we needed to win, we were here to win,” said Bellamy.

“The draw wasn’t going to get us first place. We knew that. We’re aware of our play-off positioning as well.

“But I honestly love playing these top teams. It’s so good. Your heart is in your mouth at times, you’re really living on the edge.

“I definitely liked a lot of our game. I’m really proud of the players. And I know that’s no consolation to the people who are watching on or the players themselves.”

Bellamy’s side started on the front foot and took the lead after seven minutes, with Joe Rodon heading home from a corner.

Belgium were level soon after, however, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring from the penalty spot after Ethan Ampadu was penalised for handball following a VAR check.

Jeremy Doku then set up Thomas Meunier to fire the visitors in front, as the Belgians really started to show their quality.

Belgium missed a host of good chances after that, before De Bruyne made it 3-1 with another penalty 14 minutes from time following a handball from Jordan James.

World Cup qualifying Group J table

Substitute Nathan Broadhead smashed home to give Wales hope late on, but Leandro Trossard sealed Belgium’s win in stoppage time.

“We felt the best way of being able to combat this team was to have the ball,” added Bellamy, who has lost four of his past five matches after going unbeaten in his first eight.

“And we created a lot of chances, but we felt that was the way of being able to beat this team because we needed to win.

“It was as simple as that, and you could see even towards the end, we opened up more. We lost a bit of control in the game. But I always believe the way you can stop the opposition from scoring is by having the ball.

“But that transition moment, with Jeremy (Doku), it’s so fearful every time you have the ball that if it turns over, this kid, he’s just that.

“I’ve experienced it. I had him on my team (at Anderlecht), and I knew how dangerous he was, but going against him … we knew there were going to be difficult moments in that game.”

Bellamy also questioned the awarding of the first Belgian penalty as the ball struck Ampadu’s arm from close range.

“It’s not great because we’ve lost. We had momentum, but the penalty gave them a lift and even the crowd died down,” Bellamy said.

“That’s three penalties we’ve conceded against Belgium. We’ve scored five goals against them but not got a point, so that’s hard to take.

“I have no complaints about the second penalty. But the first? What are we supposed to do with our hands?

“This is not sour grapes and congratulations to Belgium, but we’ve conceded four penalties from handballs. We didn’t deserve it at that time. We had to react but they reacted better in that period.

“The simple fact is we wanted to win today. We knew our situation with the play-offs. We knew we needed to win and in the second half we needed to push.

“I’ll review this game but there’s a lot I enjoyed and am proud of. It’s of no consolation to the players but that’s me. Let’s get the next six points.”

Wales captain Ben Davies also said he was proud of the team despite the result.

“It was a frustrating game, we started well, created a lot of chances, and it felt like a harsh penalty on the pitch. It was one of those games where the dice didn’t roll in our favour,” Davies said.

“I’m proud of the boys, we got Belgium to show us a lot of respect and to sit back and play on the counter-attack against us, and that doesn’t happen too often.

“Their game plan worked tonight, and it’s another big learning curve for a young group.”

On the landmark of winning his 100th cap, Davies added: “It was really special, and I’m sure with time I’ll look back on it with really fond memories, but right now it’s about the tough result at the moment.”

Wales have two more qualifying matches to play in Group J – away at Liechtenstein and at home to North Macedonia – the latter of which could be decisive in who takes the play-off spot.