Wales 1-0 Montenegro: Nations League – as it happened
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Ben Fisher was in Cardiff this evening, and he has shared his thoughts. Here they are! Thanks for following this MBM. Goodnight!
Craig Bellamy was glowing with joy when S4C asked what made him happy. “Being able to manage the pace of the second half was key. Of course, we still have room for growth. When you push forward and feel you can score from every chance, it can lead to vulnerabilities on counterattacks. The transitional play can get tricky. In the first half, the opposition played deeper, which worked to our advantage. We were able to maintain control better than we have in the past. The Nations League is incredibly competitive, but it also provides opportunities for players who need match experience. It’s going to take more than 20 players to seriously contend for a major tournament, so these minutes are crucial for developing our team. While improvements are still needed, we made progress today.”
Let's return to Reykjavik, similar to a pixel bouncing in a game of Pong, and discuss two emails from Iceland supporter Kári Tulinius. The first email arrived when the score was Iceland 1, Turkey 2, and the second came after the match ended, with Turkey emerging victorious at 4-2.
The early advantage was great while it lasted, but Kahveci's equalizer was a stunning shot from far beyond the penalty area—definitely something to watch. To be fair, the Icelandic defenders could have put more pressure on him, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and say they were sticking to their strategy. Çalhanoğlu's penalty was his second attempt; earlier, he lost his footing and accidentally kicked the ball into his own leg, resulting in an indirect free kick.
The match between Iceland and Turkey was truly a wild ride of emotions. I was elated when Iceland found the net, even more so when Çalhanoğlu missed a penalty kick. I felt a surge of happiness again when Turkey scored with a stunning long-range shot from Kahveci. But my spirits dropped when Çalhanoğlu converted a second penalty. Just when I thought things were getting dismal, Iceland brought it back to level, only for my heart to sink once more as the Icelandic defense gave way in the final minutes. I really need some rest!
David Brooks shared his thoughts with S4C, saying, "We had a strong start in the first half, but in the second half we eased off a bit. That's something we need to improve on. We have to learn how to finish off teams completely. Overall, it was a solid performance, and the important thing is that we won. Everyone was really excited to be out there playing. We thrive on being fluid in our gameplay. I do need to improve my accuracy with shots on goal; the first half was nice, but we need to push ourselves even further. With a new coach, you never know how things will turn out, but I liked what I saw in the first two group games—the style of play appears promising. There’s a lot we can build on!"
That's it for the match in Reykjavik: Iceland has lost 2-4 to Turkey. As a result, Group B4 stands as follows as we head into the international break in November. The first-place team will be promoted to League A, and the second-place team will earn a spot in the promotion play-offs. Meanwhile, the team in third will enter the relegation play-offs, and the last-placed team will be dropped to League C. In the next round of matches, Wales will visit Turkey, and Montenegro will face off against Iceland at home.
Turkey has played 4 matches, winning 3 and drawing 1, with no losses. They have scored 8 goals and conceded 3, accumulating a total of 10 points.
Wales has played 4 matches, winning 2, drawing 2, and not losing any. They've scored 5 goals and conceded 3, earning a total of 8 points.
Iceland's record stands at 4 matches played: 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses. They scored a total of 7 goals while conceding 9, resulting in 4 points.
Montenegro has played four matches, losing all of them. They have scored just one goal while conceding six, leaving them with zero points.
The other match in Group B4 has been full of excitement. Turkey has likely secured their victory thanks to Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The final score is Iceland 2, Turkey 4.
Wales Secures 1-0 Victory Over Montenegro
The final whistle blows, and Wales still holds on to their dreams of moving up from Group B4! Additionally, Craig Bellamy makes history as the first Wales manager to go without a loss in his opening four games.
90 minutes +4: ... but it likely won't make much of a difference, as Sheehan is awarded a free kick that takes time off the clock on the left side for Wales. This game is practically decided.
In the 90th minute plus three, Thomas takes a long corner kick. Moore attempts to nudge it in at the back post, but ends up sending it out for a goal kick instead. Montenegro tries to get things moving, but it doesn’t make much of an impact. Before long, Thomas is racing down the left side. He has a clear path! He gets into the box, but instead of taking a shot from a difficult angle, he looks to pass to either Moore or Cooper waiting in the middle. A precise cross could have set up an easy goal, but unfortunately, the cross doesn’t find its mark.
90 minutes +2: Williams strikes from the center of the box with a powerful sidefoot aimed at the bottom-left corner. It's just a bit too high, making it simple for Nikić to deflect it around the goalpost. Corner kick awarded.
In the 90th minute plus one, Moore seizes a loose ball and makes his way down the inside-right side by dribbling. He has the option to take a shot from just outside the penalty area, but instead opts to slow down and provoke a rough and reckless foul from Šipčić. The defender from Montenegro receives a yellow card for his actions. Meanwhile, Williams and Thomas start discussing how to approach the resulting free kick.
90 minutes: Four extra minutes will be added.
89 minutes: Wales makes two substitutions, bringing on Cooper and Moore to replace Cullen and Harris.
88 min: What an exciting match we have in Reykjavik! The talented young player Arda Güler appears to have clinched a thrilling five-goal contest for Turkey. The score is now 2-3.
87 minutes in: Both teams appear to be quite worn out at this point, likely realizing that the outcome could lead to either celebration or disappointment for everyone involved.
In the 85th minute, Krstović burst into open space on the right side and pulled the ball back for Jovetić. Jovetić prepared to take a shot, but it was heroically blocked by Williams. Just then, the offside flag was raised. For a brief moment, the stadium went quiet, as it seemed the Welsh team's lead was truly at risk.
83 minutes into the match, Iceland has leveled the score against Turkey in Reykjavik. Andri Gudjohnsen scores, bringing it to 2-2!
82 minutes in: Janković makes way for Kuč.
81 minutes: … and it almost proves to be very costly for Wales. Jovović sends in a sharp cross from the left side, and Krstović connects with a strong header that narrowly goes over the crossbar. It’s uncertain if Darlow would have been able to stop it if it had been on target.
At the 79th minute, Harris makes a strong run through the center from deep and gets brought down. He quickly jumps back to his feet and takes the free kick without wasting any time. Williams races down the right wing into plenty of open space. He sends a curling pass towards Broadhead, who skillfully brings the ball down just outside the box. However, he hesitates and gets his feet tangled, letting the opportunity slip away. That could have easily been Wales' second goal.
77 minutes in: Cullen and Williams link up effectively on the right side, resulting in yet another corner. Thomas makes his way over to take it. The ball is partially cleared to Williams, who briefly thinks about taking a long-distance shot but wisely chooses not to. Instead, he takes a few steps forward before firing off a shot, which is quickly blocked. It could have been a great opportunity.
75 minutes: Vukčević dribbles past Thomas along the right side and gets fouled near the corner flag. They earn a free kick that acts like a corner kick. Janković strikes it hard, but it hits Thomas directly, resulting in a real corner kick. Wales manages to clear it without much trouble, but the away team is definitely gaining momentum in this match.
73 minutes in: Jovetić makes it clear that things are still uncertain by sending a shot soaring over the goal from 25 yards out. There's a palpable sense of tension in the Cardiff City Stadium.
72 minutes in: Back in Cardiff, Wales is stepping up their game. Williams earns a corner on the right side. Although it doesn't lead to anything, Thomas makes a run down the inside-left and sends a long cross toward Williams. He then takes a powerful shot from a difficult angle, but it flies well over the bar. To be honest, it was never really close, but it's an improvement after a bit of a disorganized spell.
70 minutes into the match: Turkey has made a comeback in Reykjavik. Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty, putting the Euro 2024 quarter-finalists ahead 2-1 against Iceland.
In the 69th minute, Craig Bellamy reacts to the situation by substituting Burns and Wilson with Thomas and Broadhead.
68 minutes in: For the first time tonight, Wales seems to be feeling the pressure. Are we about to see them struggle again in the second half?
66 min: And that's the end of the threat. Jovetić takes a wild shot, likely aiming for the top-right corner, but sends it soaring into the stands instead.
65 minutes in: A cross arrives from the left side for Montenegro. Janković attempts to strike the ball like Zinedine Zidane did in the 2002 Champions League final, but he can't get a solid shot off because Harris makes contact with him just as he’s about to kick. This results in a free kick being awarded just outside the Wales penalty area, putting them in a precarious situation.
63 minutes in: Turkey has pulled even in Reykjavik, with İrfan Kahveci scoring against Iceland. The competition in Group B4 is wide open!
At the 62-minute mark, Radulović is starting to create difficulties for Wales along the inside-right side of the field. He might have been better off passing to Vukčević, who was charging in on the overlap for a shot from a difficult angle, but he puts too much power on the pass. Vukčević tries to salvage the play by pulling back from the edge of the box, but the opportunity slips away and Wales manages to clear the ball.
In the 60th minute, Burns makes a strong run down the left side and sends in a low cross for Cullen. This leads to a chaotic moment in the Montenegro penalty area, but Cullen is unable to get a shot off. The visitors finally manage to clear the ball. The second half started slowly, but it's turning into an exciting match now.
59 minutes into the match: Brooks is substituted for the well-liked Allen, who is making a comeback to international play after taking a break from it.
58 minutes in: Bakić receives a yellow card for a rough tackle on Cullen. Montenegro seems to be falling apart.
56 minutes in: Wow, what a moment! Montenegro hasn't posed a threat until now, but they almost level the score in a breathtaking manner. Radulović makes a slick move from the right, easily getting past Davies, and then unleashes a powerful curling shot that sails over Darlow and clatters against the crossbar. The sound of that hit resonated throughout Swansea. That could have been a stunning goal. You can imagine that the artistry-loving Bellamy, who champions the idea of beauty in sport, would have preferred it to find the net, right? That seems likely!
In the 55th minute, Williams, Brooks, and Wilson execute a series of quick and precise passes on the right side of the field, creating some beautiful triangular plays. Although the move ultimately falls apart, they deserve credit for their creativity and daring approach. You can bet that Craig Bellamy is impressed by their effort.
53 minutes in: Another substitute earns a yellow card. This time it’s Vukčević, who got booked for carelessly kneeing Davies in an inappropriate area and then tossing the ball away when the foul was called. Robert Prosinecki might need to rethink his halftime motivation tactics after this.
51 minutes in: The second half has kicked off with a lot of administrative interruptions, but otherwise, the action is quite slow. "Harry Wilson is an exceptional talent, yet he's struggled to maintain consistency," remarks Matt Dony about the current standout player. "During his time as a young player at Liverpool, it seemed he might become a top-tier athlete. However, he has never managed to sustain that potential over time. (Similar case: Dan James) I really enjoy watching him play, and he’s had some fantastic moments representing Wales. While he may not reach the heights we once expected, he’s not alone in that situation."
At the 49-minute mark, a cross is delivered into the Welsh penalty area. Jovetić attempts to intercept the ball with his foot raised, but he's penalized for a high boot and expresses his frustration about the call. This ends up earning him a yellow card, which means he will be sidelined for Montenegro's upcoming game at home against Iceland. It's certainly not the performance his coach had hoped for.
47 minutes: A dense cloud of smoke billows from the fourth official's substitutions board. Well, not really, but you know, in an alternate reality, it might.
Wales kicks off the second half. Montenegro has made four substitutions. Jovetić takes the place of Mugoša and reclaims the captain's armband. Additionally, Radunović, Radulović, and Marko Vukčević join the game in place of Andrija Vukčević, Camaj, and Marušić.
In the other Group B4 game, Iceland is leading Turkey 1-0 at half-time, thanks to a goal from Orri Óskarsson just three minutes into the match. If the scores stay the same in both matches, we’re in for an exciting competition for promotion to League A. We’ll also see a tense race to avoid finishing in third place and facing relegation play-offs. It looks like it will be an enjoyable ride! (And let's do our best to keep this perspective in mind when the complaints start rolling in ahead of the November international break.)
Wales has played 5 matches, winning 3, drawing 2, and remaining undefeated with no losses. They have scored a total of 5 goals while conceding 3, earning themselves 8 points in the process.
Turkey: Played 4, Won 2, Drew 1, Lost 1, Goals Scored 4, Goals Conceded 2, Points 7.
Iceland has played a total of 5 matches, winning 3, losing 1, and drawing 1. They have scored 6 goals and conceded 5, earning themselves 7 points overall.
Montenegro has played 4 matches, losing all of them without any wins or draws. They have scored only 1 goal while conceding 6, resulting in a total of 0 points.
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Half-Time Score: Wales Leads Montenegro 1-0
Wales is in the lead they’ve earned, and for the majority of the match, they maintained the level of control that their new coach, Craig Bellamy, wants.
In the 45th minute plus 2, a reckless backpass from Burns to Montenegro puts Sheehan in a tough spot, leading to a corner kick for the opposition. This creates some unwanted stress for Wales just before halftime. However, Rodon steps up and leaps high to clear the corner with a strong header.
45 minutes: Two extra minutes will be added to the first half.
At the 44-minute mark, Cullen seizes a stray ball in the center circle. He has several options available since Montenegro is light in defense. However, he gets a bit too eager and attempts an early pass down the middle, trying to reach Harris, who isn’t going to reach the ball. The crowd lets out a collective groan as they watch a promising counter-attack slip away.
At the 42-minute mark, Wilson expertly juggles the ball with his feet just outside the Montenegro defense, evading Šipčić before sending a powerful shot that narrowly misses the right post.
41 minutes: Wilson is really making an impact right now. He sends a through ball down the inside-left lane for Brooks, but unfortunately, he can’t get a solid shot off at the edge of the penalty area. It’s a pity, as Burns had initiated the play with an impressive turn and burst of speed.
40 min: A different free kick is awarded on the right side, this time at the opposite end, as Cullen makes contact with Janković. The Montenegro players gather at the edge of the Welsh penalty area. Wilson, who’s playing a crucial role at both ends of the pitch, leaps up and heads the free kick firmly away.
At the 38-minute mark, Brooks is taken down by Vukčević on the right flank. Wilson delivers a threatening free kick into the box, but the referee blows the whistle due to some excessive enthusiasm from the Welsh players.
In the 37th minute, Krstović attempts to strike back right away. He pushes past Williams on the left side and fires a strong, low shot aiming for the bottom left corner. Darlow reacts quickly, diving to his near post and manages to make the save, particularly impressive since the ball slightly changed direction before reaching him.
Wales Scores! Wilson’s Penalty Puts Them Ahead
As expected, there’s the typical delay before the penalty, with defenders trying to create distractions. However, Wilson remains unfazed. He stays calm, locking eyes with Nikić before calmly rolling the ball into the bottom left corner, beating the keeper who dove in the opposite direction. Wales takes the lead they truly earned!
34 minutes into the match: Wilson tries to execute a Cruyff Turn just inside the penalty area on the right side. He gets clipped by a confused Jovović. The referee hesitates for a moment, but ultimately signals for a penalty!
33 minutes in: After reiterating that point, Brooks takes a long-range shot. Nikić manages to deflect the effort past the post for a corner kick. The corner is taken from the right side, and...
