Image source, Getty Images

So, if Wales are to make it to the World Cup, it looks like it's going to be the hard way.

Unless Belgium capitulate - which would have to include failing to beat a Liechtenstein side who haven't won a qualifier in a decade - the Red Devils are heading for top spot.

The Red Dragons, meanwhile, will battle it out for the play-offs.

So the dream isn't over, but it could have been oh so different after a superb start.

Joe Rodon's goal gave a sell-out stadium so much hope, but that seemingly harsh penalty against Ethan Ampadu drastically changed the momentum.

There were periods of Wales possession that Craig Bellamy will cling to but - as Bellamy put it - Wales have breached Belgium five times in two games and come away with nothing to show for it.

Wales didn't die wondering, but this defeat was an all-but fatal blow to automatic hopes.

Now for two games next month, Liechtenstein and then a potential decider against North Macedonia in Cardiff - that will lay out Wales' play-off path.

All that's for another day.

For now, thanks for your company and nos da.

More from Craig Bellamy on Match of the Day Wales:

"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.

"With Ben (Davies) going off we lost our balance but it's the same, we have to win every game.

"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."

Image source, Getty Images

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy told Match of the Day Wales: "I'm definitely proud of the players. What we were looking to do we were exceptional at.

"It's not great because we've lost. We had momentum but the penalty gave them a lift and even the crowd died down.

"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."

Rob Earnshaw was telling us what he thinks will be going through Craig Bellamy's mind.

Well, we'll hear from him very soon.

Robert Earnshaw
Former Wales striker on Match of the Day Wales

Craig Bellamy will be thinking about the details after this match.

He'll be asking, where did we go wrong? What happened? Did we get out-coached?

He'll take this in, really analyse what he saw out there and whether he feels positive. I'm sure he's feeling all those things.

Wales captain Ben Davies told BBC Sport Wales: "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.

"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 an other big learning curve for a young group."

On winning 100 caps, Davies added: "It was really special [to get a hundred caps], 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."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Harry Wilson told Match of the Day Wales: "It was really disappointing. Belgium's result against North Macedonia really gave us confidence because it was back in our hands and we wanted to put in a really good performance.

"We started really well, we wanted to be on the front foot, try and press them high and create chances and we managed to get the early goal through Joe.

"I've not seen the penalty back but it looked a bit harsh to me; Ethan was just moving side to side and it struck his hand.

"Maybe that's unfortunate but we have to defend the second goal better. We got from a positive start to being 2-1 down and it knocks the stuffing out of us.

"Another penalty when we're looking to get back in the game is disappointing and then we get ourselves back in it with a few minutes and concede from kick-off.

"We wanted it to be a special night under the lights. The penalty popped the bubble a bit and it didn't feel like we recovered from there."

Ashley Williams
Former Wales defender on Match of the Day Wales

We were in control before the penalty, but it went very flat after those two goals went in.

It's up to us to get the momentum shifted but you can't fault the performance from the start.

Image source, Getty Images

Ethan Ampadu speaking to BBC Sport Wales: "We can take some positives from what happened out there but the result isn't what we wanted.

"We're disappointed with the goals. Against a good team they were cheap goals to give away.

"You go through disappointments, you go through hard defeats and tough results, but we've got to pick ourselves up. We're going to do that.

"There's a gap now as we go back to our club teams, but when we come back, the pride of playing for Wales comes through."

Joe Ledley
Former Wales midfielder on Match of the Day Wales

I was thinking game on when Nathan Broadhead scored, especially when you saw how much time was added on.

But it's just unfortunate - and that's been that today, we've been unlucky. We got in some fantastic areas, we got 1-0 up and you could see the Belgian backline that there were chances there for us.

There are positives. The manager will be frustrated with the goals conceded and the penalties, but the way in the first-half we had good possession against good players, creating chances, that's all you can ask.

If we hadn't created chances you would be asking questions.

Ashley Williams
Former Wales defender on Match of the Day Wales

It [the handball] is natural instinct. It seems so obviously stupid now but when the ball is there and you're frustrated you will try and stop it.

The moment it hits his arm he will have regretted it straight away.

Danny Gabbidon
Former Wales defender on BBC Radio Wales

Jeremy Doku was a cut above anyone else on the pitch today.

It's never been easy for us to qualify for a major tournament and it was always going to be a difficult group.

I'm a little worried with the quality of chances we're giving up. I don't think we look as solid as we have in previous games.

Image source, Getty Images

The word from the head coach yesterday was that the group would not be settled whatever happened here, but it would take something to stop Belgium from here.

They are one win from guaranteeing finishing top of the group and a place at next summer's finals.

Wales have it all to do. Stand by for some reaction.

Craig Bellamy is on the pitch shaking hands with Belgium's players, many of them he would know from his time in Anderlecht.

There is a special moment with Jeremy Doku, who was outstanding.

Some of Wales' players, meanwhile, look crestfallen.

The free-kick routine sees Sorba Thomas teed up for a shot on the edge of the area that deflects behind.

But there's no time to take the corner.

A bitter blow to Wales' hopes of automatically qualifying for the World Cup.

We're into the final dregs here.

Soime ironic cheers as referee Daniel Siebert awards a free-kick on the edge of the area for a trip on Harry Wilson.

It's full-time in tonight's other game in Group J where North Macedonia have been held by Kazakhstan.

There's still time to play here of course - and it could be that goal difference ends up being crucial in the race to finish second.

Wales are almost certain of a play-off place if they finish third courtesy of their Nations League success - but that would mean a poor seeding and two away games.

Finishing second would at least give some hope of a home tie along the way.