Wales’ recent run of disappointing form continued with a shock home friendly loss to Canada, going down 0-1 at home in Swansea. This loss marked Wales’ third defeat since June 19, 2023, as Craig Bellamy’s team struggled to find their footing. That meeting at Swansea’s swansea.com Stadium was a historic one. It was, as this feat highlighted, the first time the Welsh national team played in front of a home crowd there since a COVID-19 contest in 2020. Fans had been counting down the days until the game, which would be the team’s first home game in more than 10 years.
All of that after Craig Bellamy had to dramatically change his lineup after a cruel 7,000-mile roundtrip to Kazakhstan only days before. Ashley Kieffer Moore scored the game-winning goal, sending Wales through in their final group stage match. He was one of eight players rested, joining Ben Davies, Neco Williams and Harry Wilson in the starting XI. This decision resulted as Bellamy was looking to balance player fatigue while having a desire to create strength in depth within the squad.
Every Canadian attack was a danger to Wales and it continued throughout the match. Besides, Ismael Kone was inches away from a goal of his own, hitting the near post after an impressive backheel by fellow Canadian David. With all of Canada’s offensive pressure, they couldn’t do anything with their opportunities to make them count. As players like Tajon Buchanan and Richie Laryea were particularly guilty of lacking composure in front of goal, you need someone to remedy that.
Messi’s genius transformed the game in the 41st minute. Then Canada equalized with a sensational curling free-kick from Cornelius. In the end, this goal was the only score of the game and would be the one to send Wales home. Wales tried to react and came within inches of equalizing in the closing minutes of the match. Mark Harris should have made it 1-1 but missed a glorious chance.
Wales’ Dan James had a notable moment when his effort was pushed away by Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St Clair. Brooks missed a huge chance, not getting on the end of Harris’ cross right in front of goal. English referee Robert Jones handed out eight yellows throughout the match. The fact that nearly 29% of the game ended with a violent punch shows how brutal the battle was.
In an encouraging sign for Wales, TNS defender Ronan Kpakio, who plays for Cardiff City, made his national team debut. Coincidentally, at the same time, Charlie Crew gained his first start. Together, these performances helped emphasize Bellamy’s commitment to introducing fresh, cutting-edge talent. He’s starting to put his imprint on the squad as he prepares for 2026 qualifying next year.
During that time, Craig Bellamy has had a taste of defeat, yet remains spellbinding as a manager. He currently holds a 54.5% winning percentage over his first 11 matches. This is still the highest winning percentage of any permanent Welsh manager to date.
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