By Graham Thomas
Craig Bellamy may have made Welsh footballing history but as an international manager he insisted: “I’m such a rookie.”
The confessional tone came as the Wales manager tried to play down the significance of four matches without defeat, a sequence no other Wales manager has managed at the start of their tenure.
Bellamy remains unbeaten after a second victory in his Nations League campaign – a 1-0 victory over Montenegro at the Cardiff City Stadium, thanks to a Harry Wilson penalty.
It was by no means a complete performance, but it was enough to keep the momentum rolling under Bellamy who has started his time in charge with two victories over the Montenegrins, plus draws against Turkey and Iceland.
Turkey remain top of Group B4 – two points ahead of Wales – following their thrilling 4-2 comeback victory in Iceland.
Bellamy, though, was at pains to keep a lid on any great conclusions being drawn so early in his time as an international manager.
“I’m such a rookie, I really am,” said the former striker, who took over from Rob Page in July.
Craig Bellamy remains unbeaten as Wales manager in competitive fixtures following tonight’s victory over Montenegro #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/QZ6cGtOFAd
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 14, 2024
“You’re just getting a feel … you’re getting moments. It’s enjoyable, it really is.
“But when you’re shouting and no one can hear you, it’s really annoying! I’m just trying my best to enjoy it. And learning about myself, I try to do that on a daily basis.
“Football is just a small part really for me. I strive to be the best person I can be.
“There’s moments I don’t quite get it right but I’m really conscious that I’m trying to improve because it’s so important to me. I’m just trying to be calm and making sure the players get to see that as well.
“You don’t react and take out the emotion on anyone else who is near you. You evaluate, see the situation and what helps the group the most.”
Bellamy might have made Welsh footballing history, but a footnote should be added that two of his unbeaten matches were against Montenegro – ranked number 74 in the world.
This should have been a more commanding and comfortable victory, but Wales were unable to make the most of numerous chances in both halves.
Cymru 1-0 Montenegro
Unbeaten in four to kickstart the Craig Bellamy era pic.twitter.com/x3epQqbIto
— welshfootie (@welshfootie) October 14, 2024
The positives should lay in the fact that Bellamy was able to make seven changes to the team that drew in Iceland last Friday, without really disturbing the shapes and patterns of play he already seems to have ingrained.
Wales were slick and composed in possession, especially in the first-half, even if their finishing did not match their approach play.
Without the suspended Brennan Johnson, they lacked a goalscorer with confidence and though Mark Harris worked hard, the Oxford United striker always looked unlikely to end the evening on the scoresheet.
There was the now characteristic downturn at the start of the second-half, but at least this time they steadied the ship and did not concede, even if their opponents did strike the bar.
As for being a history-maker, Bellamy added: “Please play that down, it’s really not.
“I was expecting all scenarios. I had a good few months to prepare for these games. I came in as the Wales manager in early July so I had a period leading into September that allowed me to prepare myself for worst-case scenario, best-case scenario and middle-of-the-road scenario.
“Whatever way it was going to go, the bigger picture was very important for me.”
February 2023: Joe Allen retires from international football.
October 2024: Joe Allen wins his 75th cap.Deafening cheers at Cardiff City Stadium.
— Phil Blanche (@philblanche) October 14, 2024
Wales were one goal ahead at the break, but only a combination of imprecise finishing and sound goalkeeping from Igor Nikic prevented the lead from being far more decisive.
Wales had at least four good opportunities before Wilson’s spot kick, with the easiest being the first – a header at the far post by Wes Burns that he failed to direct the right side of the post.
Wilson then had a shot parried by Nikic, before Liam Cullen lifted the ball over both keeper and bar when more composure would have brought greater reward.
A long range drive from David Brooks gave Nikic another chance to prove his athleticism. As he scrambled across goal to make another save.
It looked as though it might prove a frustrating first-half for Craig Bellamy’s much-changed team, but 10 minute before the break, Wales went ahead.
A pass from the right found Wilson in the corner of the penalty area and although the Fulham striker cleverly suckered Vladimor Jovovic into catching the forward’s foot, it was his well-timed jump that persuaded referee Filip Glova to point to the spot.
Wilson was just as creative with his penalty – sending Nikic the wrong way before rolling the ball into the open side of the goal.
Wales 1, Montenegro 0 – full time.
Wales make it an impressive record start for Craig Bellamy – 1st Wales manager to remain unbeaten after 4 games. But missed chances meant scoreline less comfortable than it should have been. pic.twitter.com/DY9gXYTHea
— Graham Thomas (@Graham_Thomas) October 14, 2024
Wales pressed for a second, but Montenego held firm and it was a mark of their ineffectiveness to launch any throat whatsoever that must have convinced manager Robert Prosinecki to make four substitutions at the start of the second-half.
A feature of Wales’ opening three games has been a fading display and levels of energy after the break and this game followed a similar pattern.
Wales dropped off, invited pressure and that gave Montenegro – who felt they deserved more than 2-1 home defeat in September’s fixture – the belief they could get something from this game.
Just before the break, Andrijia Vukotic cut inside and struck a sweet left foot shot that crashed against the bar, with Karl Darlow well beaten.
It looked as if Bellamy might again be left to explain another lead lost, but this time Wales were revitalised by some substitutions, including a re-appearance for Joe Allen after almost two years away, as well as the hard-working Sorba Thomas.
The Huddersfield winger – currently on loan at Nantes in France – surged into a promising position after a slick build-up, but fired a weak shot well wide.
More chances arrived and were spurned – Williams shot over the bar, substitute Nathan Broadhead was set up by Mark Harris’s quick thinking, but couldn’t finish, before Montenegro proved they were still alive late on as Nikola Krstovic sent a header flashing over the bar.
