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Craig Bellamy Insists Full Throttle Wales Would Enhance World Cup

Wales head coach, Craig Bellamy. Pic: Alamy

Wales head coach, Craig Bellamy. Pic: Alamy

Craig Bellamy insists Wales would prove a “massive asset” if they fight their way through the play-offs to become one of the 48 teams at this summer’s World Cup.

Wales take on Bosnia-Herzegovina at the Cardiff City Stadium in their semi-final on Thursday night and if his players channel only half the self-belief and unwavering conviction of their head coach, they should be fine.

In his final press conference before the match, Bellamy was full of praise for his squad, his team of coaches, their front-foot, front-door style of play, and the Red Wall supporters who will provide the vocal energy in the capital.

Should Wales overcome the Bosnians - who suffered just one defeat in their own qualification campaign, compared to Wales’ two losses - then they will host either Italy or Northern Ireland next Tuesday for a place in the tournament finals to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

“With this group, I honestly feel we should be at this tournament,” said Bellamy before the clash against a Bosnian nation Wales have never beaten in four attempts (two defeats, two draws).

“Now, we're going to have to work hard to get there, but I honestly believe we'll be a massive asset to this World Cup. 

“Our players will be, our fans will be, and our coaching team will be. We'll add to this. 

“We've got a lot to do, but on the flip side of it I have to be prepared for all outcomes. 

“It's not the end of the world (if Wales lose) because there are more important things go on. “But it will mean everything if we do get there because it will allow us to keep going at the speed we need to go at.”

The pace Wales have recently been travelling at has not been warp speed. In fact, they have slowed to their least productive period since Bellamy took charge, with four defeats in their last seven matches.

Two of those games, however, were qualifiers against a strong Belgium team, while the other losses were in friendlies to England and Canada.

The Belgian games were both classics and high-scoring, with a 4-3 defeat in Brussels, followed by a 4-2 defeat at home. 

Wales’ most recent game also contained a high number of goals, but in Bellamy’s favour it turned into a productive night with a 7-1 victory against North Macedonia.

Taken together those three qualifiers produced 21 goals - the definition of football chaos, but that’s a term Bellamy insists he is very anxious to avoid against Bosnia.

What the former striker is aming for is a patient, controlled display - something he insists Wales have proved more than capable of producing.

“There's only been one team who's ever had more possession than us - that was Montenegro away from home, but that was a mad game,” added Bellamy.

“We're sixth in Europe for our overall possession stats. So, we're used to having the ball. And with that comes experience, with that comes know-how. 

“Sometimes you have to gain patience, sometimes you have to gain the extra pass to be able to open it up more. 

“If it doesn’t open up first, then try not to get involved in chaos. A chaotic game will not suit us, it suits them. 

“So, it's very important that we're able to move the ball, wait for the openings and then find the openings.”

Under Bellamy, Wales have played 16 matches in total and won eight, with four draws and four defeats.

The former Burnley and Anderlecht assistant manager insists the growth of the team under his watch has been mirrored by his own development.

“I would say I've learned more about me, really,” the 45-year-old answered when asked what he had learned.

“I always believed in what coaches I would have and what value they would bring and the players we had. But I put this off for a long time because my own insecurities.

“I looked at every excuse not to do this type of role. I liked being a coach until I've run out of excuses and now I sit after this period saying 'maybe I can do this' and I think that's probably the most important thing I've learned.

“I knew I would really enjoy this, but I didn't realise how much,” he added.

“I've loved it and where we are exactly where we need to be. 

“We're not out of qualification in group stages. We're a serious, capable nation and we've proved that over the last 12 odd years. 

“We've kept it going and we will keep going some more. 

“Imagine what the next two years are going to look like? You know where the Euros are going to be and the players we have coming through are exciting.

“But we have two games now to keep this marching forward.”

 

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