Wales 4-1 Iceland: Craig Bellamy's side claim impressive win to secure UEFA Nations League promotion - Eurosport

Liam Cullen shone with two goals as Wales rallied from a deficit to defeat Iceland 4-1, earning a spot in the top division of the UEFA Nations League.

As they approached the last match, Craig Bellamy's team realized that securing a victory alongside Turkey losing or drawing would guarantee their promotion and allow them to bypass the playoffs.

They had to take the tough route, battling back from a deficit. Andri Gudjohnsen, the son of Eidur, gave Age Hareide’s team an early lead at the eight-minute mark with a smooth shot that went through Danny Ward’s legs. This happened right after the Leicester City keeper had made an impressive save against Orri Oskarsson.

Wales equalized shortly after the 30-minute mark when Cullen sneaked in and expertly directed a header into the far corner from Brennan Johnson's cross. Just before the end of the first half, he scored again by sliding in to tap in the rebound after Dan James's shot was saved by Hakon Valdirmarsson, following a solid connection with Mark Harris.

Tottenham Hotspur's on-fire Johnson scored the third goal with 65 minutes gone, thanks to Cullen, who delivered a brilliant pass right to the winger. Johnson then completed the play with a confident finish.

Harry Wilson, the Fulham midfielder, continued his impressive run of form at the club level during the international match. He scored the fourth goal for the home team with a stunning shot from outside the box. This goal was set up by Cullen, who displayed great determination to secure a long pass from Ward while fending off Iceland's center-back Sverrir Ingason.

Wales had done everything possible to earn promotion, and fortune smiled upon them as Montenegro triumphed over Turkey in the other match. This outcome ensured that The Dragons finished at the top of their group and sent Turkey into the play-offs.

Wales: A Coming Of Age Moment

In the past, Welsh teams often struggled when they fell behind by a goal in critical matches. However, this time was different, and Bellamy's leadership made a significant impact.

The ex-striker for Manchester City and West Ham United has had a perfect record as the manager of the Welsh team. He has brought a fresh sense of confidence to this young squad, which is missing the experience of veterans like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey who have left.

Instead, a new generation of players is stepping up—Johnson, Cullen, Joe Rodon, and others—and they're making their way into Europe's premier league, ready to challenge the best teams on the continent again.

Man Of The Match: Liam Cullen

It's tough to overlook a player who contributed to all four goals scored by his team.

The Swansea City midfielder dominated the game in Cardiff, netting two goals and providing assists for the other scores, showcasing an outstanding performance from the heart of the midfield.

He expressed his eagerness to penetrate the penalty area, showed readiness to engage defensively, and showcased his creative abilities with a perfectly placed pass that set up Johnson’s goal.

Liam Cullen rejoices after scoring in the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B4 game between Wales and Iceland, held at Cardiff City Stadium on November 19, 2024, in Cardiff, Wales.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Wales: Ward 7, Williams 6, Cabango 7, Rodon 7, Davies 6, Cullen 9, Sheehan 6, Johnson 7, Wilson 7, D. James 6, Harris 7. Substitutes: Thomas 6, Allen 6, Roberts 6, J. James 6.

Iceland: Valdimarsson 6, Fridriksson 6, Ingason 6, Palsson 6, Sampsted 6, Gudmundsson 5, Johannesson 6, Traustason 5, Thorsteinsson 6, Gudjohnsen 6, Oskarsson 6. Substitutes: Thordarson 6, Willumsson 6, Porhallsson 6, Ellertsson 6.

8’: GOAL! WALES 0-1 ICELAND (GUDJOHNSEN) Wales finds themselves trailing just minutes into the match! Williams fails to handle a long cross, allowing Oskarsson to send a powerful header towards the goal from Gudmundsson's delivery. Ward manages to save the initial attempt spectacularly, but Gudjohnsen is quick to react to the rebound and slots the ball through Ward's legs to put Iceland ahead.

32’: GOAL! WALES 1-1 ICELAND (CULLEN) Wales has equalized, and it's Liam Cullen who scores! The home team has earned this goal after a strong performance in the last ten minutes. Rodon changes the direction of play to Johnson, who has Williams alongside him. The full-back passes it back to Johnson, who delivers a left-footed cross into the box, and Cullen heads it into the far corner! It's 1-1!

45+1’: GOAL! WALES 2-1 ICELAND (CULLEN) Finally, Wales has found the goal they’ve been chasing, and it’s Cullen who scores again! Dan James makes a great play after being set up by Harris; he takes a shot, but Valdimarsson makes the save. Luckily, Cullen is right there to slot in the rebound!

65’: GOAL! WALES 3-1 ICELAND (JOHNSON) It’s three for Wales, and it’s Brennan Johnson, the player of the moment! They execute a quick counter-attack, putting pressure on the Icelandic midfield. Cullen takes control of the ball and makes a perfect pass to Johnson, who dashes down the right flank. He approaches the goal and confidently places the ball into the far corner.

79’: GOAL! WALES 4-1 ICELAND (WILSON) And that's a fantastic goal from Wilson, making it four for Wales! The home team executes a direct play as Ward sends a long pass toward Cullen. Cullen holds onto the ball well despite pressure from Ingason. Wilson capitalizes on the situation and unleashes a brilliant shot that curves into the bottom corner!