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harry wilson Says home advantage in World Cup playoffs is “massive” wales The aim is to improve their chances of reaching next summer’s finals.
Welsh hopes of automatic qualification effectively ended with Belgium’s 4–2 win cardiff As the Red Devils take control of Group J on Monday.
Belgium need only three points from the final game against Kazakhstan Liechtenstein To win the group, except for Wales and north macedonia In the battle for second place.
North Macedonia are three points above Wales but have played a game more, and the two teams will meet in the final round at the Cardiff City Stadium on November 18.
Wales visit bottom-placed Liechtenstein three days before that game, and Craig Bellamy’s side need a six-goal win in Vaduz to overcome North Macedonia’s superior goal difference.
Finishing second in the group will be a huge advantage for Wales – who are guaranteed a play-off place in March thanks to last year’s Nations League results – as the semi-finals will almost certainly be at home rather than away.
“It’s huge,” said Fulham forward Wilson, who featured in the 2022 World Cup playoff wins over Austria and Ukraine in Cardiff.
“The last World Cup showed how important those two home games were.
“It won’t be easy. North Macedonia have shown what a tough team they are.
“They have drawn twice with Belgium and once against us. When they come here next month we have to show that we are really in top form.”
As far as automatic qualification was concerned, Wales’ destiny was in their own hands before the defeat to Belgium.
Joe Rodon’s header gave them the perfect start, but Belgium ran out worthy winners as Kevin De Bruyne scored twice from the spot, while Thomas Meunier and Leandro Trossard were also on target.
Nathan Broadhead gave Wales late hope to make the score 3–2, but Trossard ended the game almost immediately.
“We had real energy in this game,” said Wilson, who will miss the Liechtenstein tie due to suspension after receiving his second yellow card of the campaign.
“It was back in our hands and we wanted to make the most of it.
“We started exactly how we wanted but the (first) penalty decision turned the game.
“We scored five goals in two games against Belgium and did not get a point.
“Do you consider yourself unlucky? Or does it show how good of a team we are if we get it right? Or how good of a team they are if we’re not there?
“It’s a good margin when you’re playing against these top teams, but now it’s on to the next month.”