Internationals - Ben on target for Wales, Hugo all set for Qatar

Ben Davies scored his first international goal and claimed an assist as Wales beat Belarus 5-1 to stay on track for a home draw in the 2022 World Cup play-offs.

It was a must-win game for the Dragons to stay ahead of Czech Republic as Belgium secured first place in European qualifying Group E and an automatic spot in next winter’s Qatar finals by beating Estonia.

Wales have already guaranteed a play-off place having won their UEFA Nations League group last year, but to have a chance of a crucial home draw in the play-offs - where 12 teams in three groups of four will play a one-off semi-final and then a final in March, with the three winners going through to Qatar - they must finish second in Group E. They can now do that with a point at home against Belgium in their final group game on Tuesday.

Ben was joined by Joe Rodon in the starting line-up at Cardiff City Stadium as former Spur Gareth Bale celebrated his 100th cap. Ben played a huge part as Wales made the perfect start, his volley spilled by Sergei Chernik and tapped home by Aaron Ramsey inside two minutes. Ramsey went on to score twice with with Neco Williams, Ben and Connor Roberts also on target. Ben marked his 68th cap by meeting Harry Wilson’s corner to make it 4-0 on 77 minutes. It was Joe’s 21st cap.

Meanwhile, Maksim Paskotsi earned his ninth cap and started for Estonia against Belgium in Brussels, where goals from Christian Benteke, Yannick Carrasco and Thorgan Hazard saw the Red Devils home.

Elsewhere in World Cup qualifying, Hugo Lloris and France secured their place in the finals in Qatar with a resounding 8-0 victory against Kazakhstan in Paris. Les Bleus are now four points ahead of Finland, who they take on in the final match in Group D on Tuesday. That was Hugo’s 135th cap.

Steven Bergwijn came off the bench at half-time as the Netherlands threw away a 2-0 lead against Montenegro in Group G. Memphis Depay scored on 25 and 54 minutes to put the Dutch in control and seemingly on their way to Qatar by winning the group. Steven, earning his 15th cap, was involved in the move for the second goal.

But it all changed in the last eight minutes as goals from Ilija Vukotic and Nikola Vujnovic made it 2-2 in Podgorica. Holland remain top and now need a point in their final match at home to Norway on Tuesday. But, should they lose, both Norway and Turkey, who travel to Montenegro, could overtake them.

Six of our Academy players featured in UEFA European Championship qualifying matches on Saturday. Dane Scarlett started and Nile John came off the bench as England Under-19s were held 0-0 by Switzerland. Thimothee Lo-Tutala kept another clean sheet as France U19s beat North Macedonia 4-0 while Matthew Craig started and was then replaced by twin Michael as Scotland U19s beat Gibraltar 3-0. In Under-17s qualifying, Will Andiyapan started as Wales lost 2-0 against Portugal.

Sunday's action

Matt Doherty and Troy Parrott - Republic of Ireland away 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg - kick-off 7.45pm
Pape Matar Sarr - Senegal home 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Congo - kick-off 7pm