Craig Bellamy has made a dream start to his tenure as manager of Cymru, guiding his team to promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League.
The achievement caps an undefeated campaign under his leadership, cementing a significant milestone for the national side.
Heading into the final match against Iceland, automatic promotion seemed an unlikely prospect. Türkiye held the advantage, but a shock 2-1 defeat to Montenegro opened the door for Cymru to seize the opportunity. Even so, Bellamy’s side faced a precarious start in Reykjavík.
Iceland dominated the early stages, with Andri Gudjohnsen firing the hosts ahead in the eighth minute. At that point, Cymru appeared to be staring at the possibility of a relegation play-off rather than promotion. However, Bellamy’s side gradually found their rhythm and turned the game on its head in a stunning first-half display.
Liam Cullen, nicknamed ‘The Kilgetty Messi’ for his flair, spearheaded the comeback. The Pembrokeshire-born forward scored his maiden international goal in the 28th minute, meeting Brennan Johnson’s cross with a perfectly timed header past Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson. Neco Williams had initiated the move, finding Johnson in space to deliver the assist.
Cullen struck again just before the break. When Dan James’ shot was parried by Valdimarsson, the ball fell kindly to Cullen, who calmly slotted it into the net to complete a remarkable turnaround. The two goals showcased his predatory instincts and ensured Cymru entered half-time in control.
Iceland threw caution to the wind in the second half, committing players forward in search of an equaliser. This left them vulnerable at the back, and Cymru capitalised ruthlessly.
Cullen played a key role in the third goal, threading an inch-perfect through ball to Johnson. Despite being under pressure from a defender, Johnson demonstrated superb composure and technique, slotting the ball inside the far post to extend Cymru’s lead.
Harry Wilson sealed the result with a spectacular long-range effort. After a foul on Johnson, Wilson picked up the loose ball in midfield and unleashed a rocket into the net, leaving Valdimarsson with no chance.
With confirmation of Türkiye’s loss in Montenegro, Cymru’s promotion was secured. The team will now return to Europe’s elite in the next edition of the UEFA Nations League, a significant step forward under Bellamy’s guidance.
Speaking after the match, Bellamy praised his players: “This is a fantastic moment for Cymru. The resilience and quality the lads showed tonight reflect the progress we’re making as a team. It’s exciting to think about what we can achieve moving forward.”
Cymru fans can now look forward to competing with the continent’s top teams, a reward for a thrilling campaign that showcased both determination and flair.
