Summary:
- Fulham winger Harry Wilson transformed a penalty kick into the only goal in the Wales-Montenegro game on Monday.
- Wilson became the first Welsh player to net a goal in three consecutive international games since Gareth Bale at Euro 2016.
- Craig Bellamy is now the first Wales coach with zero losses in the first four competitive matches.
Fulham’s winger/attacking midfielder Harry Wilson continued his goal-scoring form for Wales, delivering a 1-0 win over Montenegro in the Nations League.
Monday’s victory not only secured crucial points but also marked a significant milestone for manager Craig Bellamy, who claimed his first win in the reverse fixture – has now become the first Wales coach to remain unbeaten in his first four competitive matches.
This impressive result keeps Wales two points behind Group B4 leaders Turkey, who won 4-2 against Iceland.
Despite limited playing time at Fulham (36 minutes), Harry Wilson‘s influence with the national team has been growing.
After netting goals against both Montenegro and Iceland earlier in the campaign, he once again made the difference by converting a penalty in the 36th minute.
With this goal, the 27-year-old born in Wrexham became the first Welsh player since Gareth Bale at Euro 2016 to score in three consecutive international games.
Seven Changes to the Starting Lineup
Wales entered the match depleted by injuries and suspensions, with key players like Brennan Johnson, Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey, Ethan Ampadu, and Daniel James unavailable.
True to his word, Bellamy made seven changes to the starting lineup following their match in Iceland just 72 hours earlier.
Karl Darlow took over in goal, and Ben Cabango, David Brooks, Liam Cullen, Mark Harris, Josh Sheehan, and Wes Burns were all promoted from the bench.
Despite these alterations, there was still no starting spot for Joe Allen, who recently reversed his international retirement to rejoin the squad.
Montenegro, ranked 74th in the world, showed resilience but ultimately couldn’t derail Wales’ efforts.
Despite a few nervy moments, Wales dominated the first half and should have led by more than Wilson’s penalty.
The 27,326 fans in attendance were treated to numerous chances. Wes Burns came close to scoring his first goal for Wales after a pinpoint cross from Wilson, only to head wide.
David Brooks also forced a save from Montenegro’s goalkeeper Igor Nikic after a promising start.
Wales finally broke through when a short corner routine saw Wilson fouled by Vladimir Jovovic just inside the box. After some hesitation, Slovakian referee Filip Glova pointed to the spot, and Wilson coolly sent Nikic the wrong way.
Montenegro Pulled Out the Vets
Montenegro responded with the introduction of veteran Stevan Jovetic, which sparked some danger.
Substitute Andrija Radulovic rattled the crossbar with a long-range effort, and Joe Allen was brought on to help stabilize Wales’ defense.
Late chances for Nathan Broadhead and Neco Williams went begging, but Wales managed to hold on and avoid the second-half struggles that have plagued them throughout the campaign.
Bellamy: “We Controlled the Tempo of the Game”
Wales boss Craig Bellamy was pleased with his team’s performance, particularly their control in the second half.
“We controlled the tempo of the game“, Bellamy explained, adding they did not “get involved in a transitional game”, which gave them more control.
Bellamy praised the depth of his squad, emphasizing the importance of rotation:
I think we will need 20-plus players to have a real go at qualifying for a major tournament. Rotating and giving players opportunities like today will be very beneficial.
Wales will continue their Nations League campaign with a visit to Turkey on November 16.