CORWEN’S own Harry Wilson scored a wonder goal for Wales in their first World Cup 2022 qualifying match - but the game ultimately ended in defeat in Belgium.

Interim manager Rob Page was in charge for the tie at the King Power at Den Dreef Stadium in Leuven on March 24.

And things could not have got off to a better start for Wales in their opening Group E match as they took a surprising early lead.

In what was the two sides first meeting since Wales beat Belgium 3-1 in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, it was the visitors who struck first when Wilson, who was played in by Gareth Bale, finished off a very slick move just ten minutes in.

But it didn't take long for the Belgians to show their class against Wales, who were missing the influences of the likes of Aaron Ramsey in midfield and Ben Davies in defence on the night.

The home side drew level on 22 minutes through Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who was playing in behind striker Romelu Lukaku for his national side.

Six minutes later, Thorgan Hazard, who had assisted De Bruyne's goal, turned goalscorer as he headed home to put Belgium into a deserved lead.

Wales, who also saw midfielder Joe Allen hobble off just minutes into the encounter, enjoyed a much better second half against the team who are currently ranked number one in the FIFA World Rankings.

However, they struggled to find an equaliser and with less than twenty minutes remaining Belgium were given a glorious chance to extend their lead after Chris Mepham gave away a penalty following a foul on Dries Mertens.

Up stepped Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku to convert it and make the scoreline 3-1 - which proved to be the final score on the night.

The defeat was Wales' first in a competitive match since June 2019, ending a national record of 11 games unbeaten.

Unbeaten in competitive home matches since 2010, Belgium could be among the favourites to win the 2022 World Cup, never mind qualify for it.

Elsewhere after matchday one Group E, Czech Republic went top with a resounding 6-2 win at Estonia with the group's other team; Belarus, yet to play.

Up next for Wales in the qualifiers is a home tie against Czech Republic at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening (takes place after Free Press has gone to print).