Belgium wins Group E opener, Czech Republic thrashes Estonia

<p>BRUSSELS &mdash; Top-ranked Belgium produced a subdued but controlled display to start its qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup with a 3-1 win over Wales on Wednesday, while Czech Republic hammered Estonia 6-2 in the group’s other game. </p>
<p>After conceding an early goal, the Belgians quickly recovered with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard and Romelu Lukaku to put an end to its four-game winless run against Wales. </p>
<p>In Lublin, Estonia scored an early goal but could not hold on to its lead as Tomas Soucek netted a hat trick for the Czechs.</p>
<p>The Belgians, who top the FIFA world rankings, travel to the Czech Republic on Saturday in Group E.</p>
<p>Having lost midfielder Joe Allen just seven minutes into the match because of muscle injury, Wales looked set for a difficult evening at Den Dreef stadium in the city of Leuven.</p>
<p>But it was instead the hosts who were caught cold after a succession of quick passes that opened the Belgium defense on the break. The move was concluded by Harry Wilson, who beat Thibaut Courtois with a low shot from Gareth Bale’s first-touch assist.</p>
<p>The hosts were left unimpressed and got a quick equalizer. Lurking near the box unmarked, Kevin De Bruyne was set up by Thorgan Hazard, found some space and unleashed a precise shot from the edge of the area into the net in the 22nd minute.</p>
<p>The visitors were made to pay for their sloppy defending six minutes later as Hazard connected with a cross from Thomas Meunier at the far post and headed home after his marker fell down on the turf. </p>
<p>Belgium then took control of the midfield as Wales struggled to string passes together.</p>
<p>The visitors imposed a strong press at the start of the second half and pushed higher up the pitch, but struggled to create chances despite enjoying more possession.</p>
<p>Belgium doubled its lead after Chris Mepham fouled Dries Mertens in the box with 20 minutes left as Lukaku cooly converted from the spot. </p>
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