Nations League: Bellamy earns first win as Wales boss
Montenegro 1 - 2 Wales
Craig Bellamy secured his first victory as Wales head coach in a high-octane Nations League clash against Montenegro, played in dreadful conditions in rain-soaked Niksic.
Kieffer Moore gave Wales an early lead just 37 seconds in with a sharp finish, followed by Harry Wilson doubling the advantage with a brilliant 25-yard shot two minutes later.
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The relentless rain wreaked havoc on the pitch, making the game at times seem chaotic, but it also added to the excitement of a thrilling match with opportunities at both ends.
Montenegro’s captain, Stevan Jovetic, came close with a remarkable effort from his own half that struck the crossbar, while Driton Camaj saw his chance blocked on the line by Ben Davies.
Moore missed a golden chance to make it 3-0 in the second half when he fired over from close range. After Vladimir Jovovic struck the post for Montenegro, the hosts finally got a goal they deserved when Camaj tapped in after 73 minutes.
Wales struggled in the closing stages as both teams grew tired and the pitch deteriorated further, but Bellamy’s side managed to hold on for the win.
The result puts Wales on four points from their first two matches in Group B4, level with Turkey at the top.
In Bellamy’s debut game at home against Turkey on Friday, Wales had impressed with their bold, aggressive style, even though they were held to a goalless draw by the ten-man Euro 2024 quarter-finalists.
Wales were just as impressive with the ball – tactically versatile and inventive in attack – as they were defensively, pressing their opponents tirelessly.
The only thing missing was a goal, but they corrected that within 37 seconds in Niksic.
There was a touch of luck when a clearance attempt in the Montenegrin penalty area deflected off Wilson and fell to Moore, who finished with a low shot off the post.
There was no luck involved in the second goal, as Wilson scored a stunning 25-yard shot that flew into the top corner.
Fortunately, Wales had scored early because, as the torrential rain continued, the pitch became increasingly difficult, with players struggling to maintain their footing.
News: Craig Bellamy appointed Wales manager (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Despite the weather, the game remained an exhilarating spectacle with a rapid pace and both teams attacking relentlessly. Who doesn't love sliding about in the rain? You could see the Welsh players almost enjoying themselves.
Jovetic nearly put Montenegro back in the game with a spectacular long-range effort that nearly caught Wales debutant Karl Darlow off guard, hitting the bar.
Darlow then made a key save to deny Jovetic, with Davies also making a crucial block to stop Camaj’s follow-up effort.
The second half was more subdued, with fewer chances. Stefan Mugosa missed a promising header for the home side.
Despite being two goals ahead, Wales were not entirely secure and missed a chance to seal the game. A slick move involving Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson ended with Davies setting up Moore, whose effort from an open goal went over the bar.
Montenegro, buoyed by their escape, increased the pressure, and four minutes after Jovovic’s shot hit the post, they got a deserved goal when Nikola Krstovic’s low cross was tapped in by Camaj.
This set up a tense final 17 minutes for Wales, but despite a few anxious moments, they defended resolutely enough to see off Montenegro’s late attempts to equalise.
