Wales claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Montenegro, securing Craig Bellamy’s first win as manager in an international friendly. The Welsh side exploded out of the blocks with two quickfire goals inside the first three minutes, as Kieffer Moore and Harry Wilson gave the home crowd in Cardiff plenty to cheer about. Montenegro responded through Driton Camaj to set up a nervy conclusion, but Wales held firm to seal an encouraging result for Bellamy’s fledgling reign.
Lightning Start for Wales
Wales could not have dreamed of a better start to the game, as they took the lead just 37 seconds after kick-off. Montenegro’s defense was caught cold when Kieffer Moore latched onto a precise pass from Aaron Ramsey, driving into the penalty area with determination. The towering striker unleashed a clinical finish into the bottom corner, leaving Montenegrin goalkeeper Matija Sarkic with no chance. It was a classic poacher’s goal from Moore, who has developed a reputation for his physical presence and goal-scoring instincts at the international level.
Before Montenegro could catch their breath, Wales struck again in the second minute. Harry Wilson picked up the ball near the halfway line and surged forward, showing great confidence. With few options in front of him, the Fulham winger decided to take matters into his own hands, unleashing a thunderous 30-yard strike. The ball flew past Sarkic and nestled into the top corner, doubling Wales’ advantage in spectacular fashion. Wilson’s long-range effort ignited the stadium, with fans marveling at the winger’s boldness and technique.
Montenegro Fight Back
Despite their dream start, Wales soon found themselves under pressure as Montenegro began to grow into the game. The visitors, though rattled by the early double blow, gradually settled into their rhythm, with some sharp passing and movement through midfield. Montenegro’s persistence paid off in the 35th minute when Driton Camaj pulled a goal back, capitalizing on a moment of defensive indecision from Wales.
Camaj showed great composure in the box after a cross wasn’t properly cleared, latching onto the loose ball and slotting it past Danny Ward in the Welsh goal. The strike halved the deficit and gave Montenegro a foothold in the match, turning what initially seemed like a cruise for Wales into a contest.
Second Half: A Nervy Finish for Wales
Bellamy’s side emerged from the halftime break with renewed focus, aware that Montenegro’s comeback potential was real. Wales attempted to control possession and manage the game, but Montenegro continued to pose a threat, particularly from set-pieces and counterattacks. Despite the nervy atmosphere, Wales’ defense, led by captain Ben Davies and veteran Joe Rodon, stood resolute.
Montenegro piled on the pressure as the match entered its final stages, with Camaj and his strike partner Stefan Mugoša linking up dangerously in the attacking third. The visitors came close to equalizing several times, including a near-miss from a Mugoša header in the 82nd minute that narrowly went over the bar.
Bellamy, who prowled the touchline with intensity throughout, made tactical substitutions to see out the game. Ethan Ampadu was introduced in midfield to shore up the defense, while winger Daniel James came on to provide fresh legs and a counterattacking outlet. Wales’ focus in the final ten minutes was firmly on containment, but there were still a few nervy moments as Montenegro pressed for an equalizer.
Bellamy’s First Victory as Wales Manager
When the final whistle blew, the relief among the Welsh players and fans was palpable. Securing Bellamy’s first win as Wales manager was an important milestone, not only for the former striker but also for the team’s morale. After a series of challenging matches since Bellamy took over, this win served as a confidence boost heading into future fixtures.
Speaking after the match, Bellamy expressed his satisfaction with the result while acknowledging that there’s still work to be done. “I’m delighted with the start we made. Two goals in three minutes – you can’t ask for much better than that,” Bellamy said. “But we’ve got to learn how to manage the game better when we’re in front. Montenegro are a tough side, and they made us work hard for the win, but it’s a great step forward for us.”
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