Talking Tactics: Where wily Wales can hurt table-toppers Belgium

Belgium may be top of FIFA’s world rankings but they will face a tough test in Cardiff tonight. 

The Group E leaders take on an in-form Wales side who need a point to ensure they have a shot at securing seeded status in the play-offs. 

Rob Page’s Dragons romped to a 5-1 win over Belarus in their last outing to extend their unbeaten run to six matches — scoring 11 goals and conceding just five times across those fixtures. 

In the other camp, Belgium may have cantered to a 3-1 win over Estonia to make it six wins from seven qualifying games last Saturday but all is not well for Roberto Martinez’s side. 

Here is why Wales have the players to cause the Red Devils plenty of problems this evening — even with star man Gareth Bale missing out.

Defensive woes

A complaint directed at Martinez and his Belgium outfit is they are not making enough of their loaded attack. 

But in recent matches they have been unshackled — committing men forward to really impose themselves on the opposition. 

As a result, the team has lost its balance and the defence has been exposed too frequently. 

Estonia netted three times against Belgium across two matches, while Italy and France combined to score five in two Nations League encounters. 

In fact, Belgium took a 2-0 lead against France only to lose after conceding three goals in the second half. 

These holes can be exploited by the home side tonight, especially with Thibaut Courtois joining Eden Hazard in returning to Real Madrid after sealing qualification.

Playing with confidence

Neco Williams is flying under the radar this season. 

He was named man of the match for Liverpool in their Carabao Cup win over Preston and also came off the bench against Watford to assist Roberto Firmino’s hat-trick goal. 

The 20-year-old was the standout performer in Wales’ win over Belarus, with Dragons boss Page pondering whether he should move away from Anfield in search of first-team football.

He said: "Neco was outstanding tonight. It is just a shame he is not playing in the Premier League. 

"He’s at a top, top club with top, top players and he can’t get in the team but when he plays like that, you know, we have got to get him playing."

If Belgium opt to start Timothy Castagne at right centre-back again, Williams could have plenty of joy playing on the left, especially in this sort of form.

Shots, shots, shots

Wales are a smart football team. 

Despite being superior to Belarus, they did not get complacent with their approach in the final third. 

It is easy to lose focus and start taking shots from all over the place when you know you are the better side — but that was not the case at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Wales continuously looked to work the ball into the penalty area before unleashing an effort. 

A lot of their shots came from high-value areas and the Dragons’ five goals did not flatter them. It was a true reflection of how dominant Page’s men were. 

This approach will be vital against Belgium. 

With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Dries Mertens, the visitors are one of the best transitional sides in world football. Waste possession on a regular basis and they will catch you out. 

With Wales consistently showing composure and patience, they could nullify Belgium’s greatest threat.

Statement performance

Wales are already into the play-offs for the World Cup. 

So beyond wanting to be seeded, there is far less pressure heading into this match.

Knowing they do not need to win can give players a little more freedom and it is during these games that individuals take on more responsibility in a bid to stake a claim to be in Page’s long-term plans. 

It is an incentive like no other and a situation that is rare. This could be the perfect storm for the Dragons to pull off a shock.