A long-range Kevin De Bruyne strike helped get Belgium’s 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign off to a successful start with a 3-1 victory over Wales.

The Manchester City midfielder fired a 25-yard effort in off the post to quickly level the scores after Harry Wilson had given Wales an early lead following good combination play with Gareth Bale.

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It was the 14th goal De Bruyne has been directly involved in across his previous eight appearances for Belgium, a period in which he has hit the back of the net five times and provided nine assists.

City’s No.17 played the entire 90 minutes against the Welsh and was involved in the second goal as he combined with Thomas Meunier, who crossed for Thorgan Hazard to head home.

Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the points for Roberto Martinez’s side from the penalty spot after Chris Mepham fouled Dries Mertens.

Elsewhere, there was reason to celebrate for Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, who all started as Portugal overcame a stubborn Azerbaijan side to make a winning start to World Cup qualifying.

City’s defensive duo played the entire game, with Bernardo withdrawn two minutes from time in a contest settled by Maksim Medvedev’s own goal.

Oleksandr Zinchenko was the final City player in action on Wednesday and it was proud moment for the Ukrainian as he captained his country for the first time.

The 24-year-old completed 90 minutes in midfield as Andriy Shevchenko’s side fought back to claim a point against defending world champions, France.

Ukraine fell behind to Antoine Griezmann’s brilliant curling effort, but Serhiy Sydorchuk’s shot deflected off Presnel Kimpembe and wrong-footed Hugo Lloris to give Zinchenko’s team a point that will no doubt be viewed positively in their quest to qualify for next summer’s tournament.

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