A HEROIC defensive display from Wales earned them a shock point in Brussels as they proved more than a match for the fourth best team in the world.

Stunning performances from the Welsh back four and their protector-in-chief Joe Allen subdued some of the finest collections of attacking talents in the game today.

Hull City’s James Chester and skipper Ashley Williams were particularly impressive and had Gareth Bale’s splendid run and shot in the second half not drifted just past the post; Wales might even have snatched the most unlikely of victories.

However, a point against a quality side is not to be sniffed at and the reaction of the Welsh fans at full time made clear they have never had more belief that Wales’ time is now.

Boss Coleman had warned that this game would feel “bigger,” for the Welsh players and an absolutely electric atmosphere in the King Baudouin Stadium proved him right even before a ball had been kicked against a star-studded line-up.

However, Wales weren’t overawed in the least and actually showed the more purpose in a cagey opening quarter.

They might even have taken the lead on 12 minutes, when Gareth Bale’s dipping, swerving howitzer of a free kick had Thibaut Courtois scrambling, just managing to claw the ball away with Toby Alderweireld getting a vital touch to divert the ball from Aaron Ramsey.

That seemed to inspire the Red Devils who roared back through their own talisman, Chelsea’s supremely gifting Eden Hazard who almost went full Maradona as he waltzed his way through a static Welsh rearguard, denied only by a Wayne Hennessey save.

Wales looked compact with a 4-3-3 system designed to give Bale creative license in attack, but they were carved open midway through the first half as Divock Origi fed Tottenham’s Nacer Chadli, but Hennessey spread himself magnificently to block as Neil Taylor blasted to safety.

If that was a let-off a couple of minutes later Wales used up their get out of jail free card, Nicolas Lombaerts smashing the inside of the post as the Dragons failed to clear a Hazard corner, Origi inches away from sliding home the rebound only to put the ball the wrong side of the post.

Wales’ resistance was admirable but the hosts continued to push, Hazard disappointing from a freekick in Bale territory as the world’s most expensive footballer cut a forlorn figure in attack, as isolated as a lighthouse operator as Wales dug-in with nine men behind the ball.

There was no disputing the need to get Bale more involved and Coleman acted at half time, boldly replacing David Cotterill with teen George Williams who instantly impressed on the right, some neat touches showing his confidence and why he’s so highly rated in the Welsh camp as Joe Ledley pushed further forward.

That opened up space for Bale and he so nearly capitalized, gliding past Alderweireld and Anthony Vanden Borre before firing across goal, missing the far post by inches as Wales enjoyed their best spell of the match.

George Williams was fearless in possession and the belief in the men in yellow seemed to grow and grow, even when Bale saw another freekick saved and Neil Taylor shanked his shot from the edge of the area wide as he was found wanting in nose bleed territory.

Wales enjoyed a period of controlled, possession play, the frustration growing and The Red Devils frustration led to the introduction of Christian Benteke and then Dries Mertens, but in comparison to the first half, Wales goalkeeper Hennessey was something of a spectator, though cool and calm when first Hazard and then De Bruyne tested him from range.

Wales had a moment of panic when Marouane Fellaini’s forearm knocked Joe Allen to the floor as blood gushed, but the Liverpool man was patched up and returned to protect an increasingly pressured Welsh rearguard.

Benteke’s physicality made a difference and he missed two presentable headed chances within 60 seconds before shamefully being caught offside with the goal at his mercy.

However, Wales were still looking to counter and did so with almost devastating effect with five minutes remaining, Courtois at full stretch to deny Hal Robson-Kanu after neat work by Bale.

A lengthy delay after a clash between George Williams and Dries Mertens ensured a barrel-load of added on time, Man United youngster Adnan Januzaj representing Marc Wilmots last throw of the dice with Mertens unfortunately knocked out cold and clearly in distress.

And that clearly had an impact on his teammates, who were unable to give their capacity crowd the rousing finish they desired as Wales hung on for a point that could prove invaluable, James Chester clearing a cross off the line and Wales collectively scrambling away a corner as they deservedly held firm.

The reaction of the Welsh fans spoke volumes; they celebrated as if they’d won the 2016 European Championships, knowing that Coleman’s side have made a splendid stride forward.

Belgium (4-3-3): Courtois, Alderweireld, Lombaerts, Vertonghen, Vanden-Borre, Witsel, De Bruyne, Fellaini, Chadli, Hazard, Origi (Mertens 73) Subs not used: Gillet, Mignolet, Nainggolan, Lukaku, Meunier, De Bock, Denayer, Dembele, Ciman Booked: None

Wales (4-3-2-1): Hennessey, Gunter, Taylor, Chester, A Williams, Allen, Ledley, Ramsey, Bale, Cotterill, Robson-Kanu (Huws 90) Subs not used: Ward, Fon Williams, Davies, Dummett, Gabbidon, Lawrence, Ricketts, Matthews, Taylor, Collins, G Williams Booked: Ledley, Allen, George Williams, Hennessey

Referee: Pavel Kralovec (Czech)

Argus star man: Ashley Williams