Leicester's International Representation Comes To A Close
- Youri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne completed 90 minutes for Belgium on Wednesday
- Dennis Praet, on loan at Torino this season, scored the winner in 1-0 success over Belarus
- Shot-stopper Danny Ward kept a clean sheet as Wales drew 0-0 with Estonia
- The Club's international contingent will now return to continue the 2021/22 Premier League season
Roberto Martínez's Belgium, ranked no.1 in the FIFA World Rankings, headed to Central Stadium in Kazan to tackle Belarus in Group E of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. After successes over Estonia and Czech Republic this month, the visitors were looking for a third successive win.
Tielemans, Castagne and Praet all started for the UEFA EURO 2020 quarter-finalists and it was the latter who broke the deadlock on 33 minutes. That strike from the former Sampdoria midfielder, currently on a season-long loan in Serie A, would ultimately be enough for a slender victory.
It means Belgium, on 16 points, extend their lead at the top of Group E to nine points over second-placed Czech Republic ahead of competing in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, against France at Juventus Stadium in Turin, on 7 October (7:45pm kick-off).
Elsewhere, Foxes shot-stopper Ward also kept a clean sheet for Wales as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Estonia at Cardiff City Stadium. The Dragons, who are in Belgium's group, remain third, level on seven points with Czech Republic, who they face next on 8 October in Prague (7:45pm kick-off).
Wales have two matches in hand on leaders Belgium - and are set to host them in Cardiff in November - but the Red Devils hold an impressive goal difference of +17, far superior to their immediate challengers.
Ward and other members of Leicester's squad who represented their countries will soon return to England ready for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Manchester City at King Power Stadium (3pm kick-off).
All times BST.