Ben Cabango has urged Wales to stay focused and patient against Liechtenstein in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.
It may be a fixture that looks like guaranteed points in the bank, plus a chance to improve goal difference, but Cabango has warned that complacency could prove costly despite their opponents’ lowly ranking.
Wales, unbeaten under Craig Bellamy, are expected to comfortably see off the side ranked 205th in the world at Cardiff City Stadium.
But Cabango, reflecting on past disappointments during the summer international window, believes nothing should be taken for granted.
“You obviously don’t see them playing a lot, but these games have always been tough in the past,” said the Swansea City defender.
“I’m guessing they’re probably going to sit in and hope to break us on the counter-attack, set-pieces as well.
“It’s going to be tough to break them down, it’s always hard to do that against teams who play with a back five and just sit in.
“It gets quite annoying sometimes because you’re constantly attacking to find a breakthrough.
“You’ve got to stay patient. That’s why you’ve got to prepare well and make sure everyone is on it.”
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Cabango’s message carries weight after Wales’ painful summer collapse two years ago, when back-to-back losses to Armenia and Turkey derailed their Euro 2024 qualification hopes.
That stretch ultimately contributed to the downfall of former boss Rob Page, whose reign ended with a dismal draw against Gibraltar and a 4-0 thrashing in Slovakia last June.
In contrast, the arrival of Bellamy has sparked a revival.
The former striker has overseen an encouraging eight-game unbeaten run — four wins and four draws — the most successful start by any Wales manager.
“From his first meeting you could tell how much he wanted to achieve here,” Cabango said.
“Straight away he wanted to drill things into us and I feel like he’s not laid off that one bit.
“We’re not in camp for a large amount of time, so it’s quite intense when we are here.
“I feel like he needs to do that in the way he plays to get the best out of us, and in that short time you can see the improvements he has made in the squad.”
Wales opened their World Cup campaign in March with a 3-1 triumph over Kazakhstan, followed by a dramatic 1-1 draw in North Macedonia, where David Brooks netted a stoppage-time equaliser moments after the hosts had gone ahead.
“I felt it just showed us, going to the final whistle,” Cabango said.
“It was disappointing to concede after playing so well, but I think a lot of teams would have gone under.”
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Cabango has featured in three of Bellamy’s matches, growing into a more prominent role since the managerial change.
Under Page, the 24-year-old was more of a peripheral figure, but Bellamy’s inclusive approach has opened the door for players based on club form and performances in training.
“I feel since he's come in he's given everyone an opportunity,” he added.
“If you're doing well at your club and training well when you come away, I feel like he'll always give you that opportunity.
It's a good thing when you come away because you feel more part of the squad and want to be doing well, because you could get that opportunity.”
While Wales are heavy favourites on Friday, attention is already turning to the more formidable challenge awaiting them in Brussels next Monday.
Belgium, despite the transition from their golden generation, still possess world-class talent in Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku, and Leandro Trossard.
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Cabango believes Bellamy’s emphasis on aggressive pressing and defensive organisation will be vital against the top seeds in Group J.
“As soon as we lose the ball he wants that reaction,” said Cabango.
“He wants us to dominate games and the way to do that he thinks is off the ball.
“Every time we lose it that reaction's got to be sharp so we win that ball back. Every time we have the ball the main objective is to score so we're always positive and the intensity is so high.”
