But the victory could also see Chris Coleman's side enter the top 10 in the Fifa rankings for the first time.
It will almost certainly put Wales among the top seeds when the 2018 World Cup qualifying draw is made in July.
"We're in pot one for the World Cup and the rankings are very healthy, the best we've ever been," Coleman said.
Belgium were ranked second in the world before the match at Cardiff City Stadium, which was settled by Gareth Bale's 17th goal for Wales.
COEFFICIENT SYSTEM
Coleman's side were ranked 22nd, but the points gained from the win will see them climb the order under Fifa's coefficient system when the new rankings are published on 9 July.
If England fail to beat Slovenia in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday, Wales could be ranked above Roy Hodgson's side for the first time in their history.
Being among the top seeds when the draw for Russia 2018 is made in St Petersburg on 25 July will see Wales avoid the likes of Germany, Spain, Netherlands, France and England in their pool.
In March 2011 Wales were as low as 116th, and in the last World Cup qualifying campaign they were bottom seeds alongside countries such as San Marino, Andorra and Luxembourg.
Coleman became Wales boss in January 2012 following the death of former manager Gary Speed.
The former Fulham and Coventry manager lost his first four matches in charge before a 2-1 win over Scotland.
"It is astonishing," Coleman said.
"We've been chipping away at it for a long time and my staff are absolutely fantastic, they work so hard when we're in camp."
Reproduced with acknowledgements to BBC Sport
No comments:
Post a Comment