Craig Bellamy says questions over Wales’ form are fair before Norway match

Craig Bellamy said on Wednesday, 30 September, that questions about Wales’ form are fair as his side prepare to host Norway in a Nations League match in Cardiff on Thursday. Wales have lost their opening two League A Group 4 games without scoring, making the meeting at Cardiff City Stadium their next chance to end a six-match winless run.

Asked whether it was unfair to say Wales were under pressure to deliver results against Norway and Denmark, given the strength of their opponents, Bellamy rejected the suggestion. ‘You don’t win and you lose a few games in a row, you should be asked questions,’ he told BBC Sport Wales. He said he expected standards to remain high even during a difficult sequence.

Why Bellamy faces questions about Wales’ form

Wales opened their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 defeat away to Portugal on 24 September, then lost 2-0 in Denmark three days later. The Football Association of Wales said the Denmark result left the team without a point or a goal after two group matches. BBC Sport Wales reported that it was their third defeat in succession and their sixth game without a win.

The most recent Wales victory came against North Macedonia in World Cup qualifying last November, according to the BBC. Bellamy’s tenure had earlier begun with a nine-game unbeaten run and promotion from Nations League B. Wales subsequently finished second to Belgium in their World Cup qualifying group, but a play-off semi-final defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina began the current winless sequence.

What happened against Denmark

Bellamy made six changes to his starting side after the Portugal loss, according to the FAW’s account of the Denmark match. Wales still fell behind in Copenhagen when captain Ben Davies turned a free-kick into his own net in the 53rd minute as he challenged Rasmus Højlund. Gustav Isaksen scored Denmark’s second in the 65th minute.

The FAW account also records chances for Wales: Sorba Thomas shot narrowly wide before half-time, Connor Roberts drew a save from Filip Jørgensen, and Neco Williams had an effort saved after the restart. Those openings did not alter the 2-0 result or Wales’ scoreless start to the group. The defeat is the immediate backdrop to Bellamy’s acceptance that the team should face questions.

Bellamy said he had anticipated difficult periods even during his unbeaten start. ‘There will be moments [like this] – it’s inevitable,’ he told the BBC. He said he wanted the team to improve and wanted to improve as a coach, drawing on his experience as an assistant to Vincent Kompany at Burnley to explain why he regarded a poor run as a chance to learn.

Norway visit Cardiff before Denmark return

Norway arrive with one win and one defeat from their first two Group A4 fixtures: a 3-2 home victory over Denmark and a 2-1 home loss to Portugal. Bellamy expects to face striker Erling Haaland, whom he praised for his scoring record and unusual combination of size and mobility. Norway also had a fitness concern over midfielder Martin Ødegaard, the BBC reported; his availability had not been settled in that pre-match account.

Wales have availability problems of their own. BBC Sport Wales reported that midfielder David Brooks, who missed the Denmark game, would also miss Norway’s visit through injury. The report said goalkeeper Karl Darlow, defenders Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor, and forward Harry Wilson were already absent. The available squad will therefore try to end the winless run against a side that scored three times against Denmark in its opening group game.

Thursday’s match is scheduled for 19:45 BST at Cardiff City Stadium. Wales then host Denmark on Sunday, 4 October, before travelling to Norway for the return fixture on 14 November, according to UEFA’s schedule. Bellamy’s remarks establish his view of the criticism before those games; the Norway result and its effect on Wales’ group position remain to be decided.