Summary:
- Wales have defeated Montenegro 2-1 in Niksic in a Nations League game lashed with rain in Niksic.
- The victory marked Craig Bellamy’s first win as new team boss.
- Kieffer Moore and Harry Wilson scored for Wales; Montenegro’s Driton Camaj pulled one back for a nervy finish
On a rain-lashed Monday night, Wales beat Montenegro 2-1 in Niksic in a Nations League game, bringing Craig Bellamy his first win as the team’s new manager.
Niksic hosted its first men’s football senior international following news that UEFA declared Podgorica’s national stadium pitch unplayable – and it offered a memorable experience, but not in a good way.
Bellamy: “That Was the Hardest, Toughest Conditions”
Commenting after the game, Craig Bellamy said he was “completely drenched” on the side, something he had not anticipated would happen in the country in early September.
“But it became a battle, that’s all it was. The conditions just didn’t allow for football, it was impossible”, he continued, saying his players were forced to “battle it out”.
Earlier in the day, torrential rain had already raised questions regarding whether the game would be played as scheduled or not.
However, the elements didn’t stop officials from greenlighting the game, leading to players having to face crunching challenges on the surface that eventually cupped up.
Kieffer Moore still managed to put his team ahead after just 37 seconds before Harry Wilson doubled the lead two minutes later with his impressive thunderbolt at 30 yards, earning a maiden victory for Bellamy.
In his Group B4 opening match last Friday against Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey, the manager offered a goalless draw.
“I’m extremely proud. I love this group, I really do”, he further commented on Monday’s victory.
Driton Camaj scored for Montenegro, setting up a nervy finish, but Wales did a good job holding on for their three points.
Throughout the game, the aggressive style of their Montenegro hosts didn’t allow Wales to rest easy despite their early advantage.
Excellent Results Just Two Games In
Wales’ former captain, who scored 19 goals in 78 games while representing the team, has already done a good job revitalising Welsh football after just two games.
Players have been praising the new head coach, joined by fans chanting his name throughout Monday’s game.
While the draw with Turkey showed just how good Bellamy’s squad could be both tactically and stylistically, the victory against Montenegro further illustrated the side’s mental strength and determination to secure victories in all conditions.
They’re such a great group and I’ve learned a lot off them as well. Tonight was all heart.
Can Bellamy and Wales continue their good form? The Nations League gets back on track in October – check out the latest non gamstop betting sites for the best odds.