By David Williams

Wales striker Liam Cullen is celebrating what he called a “perfect start” under new manager Craig Bellamy, crediting the team’s progress as a stepping stone toward securing World Cup qualification.

Swansea forward Cullen netted his first two international goals as Wales bounced back from an early deficit to claim a 4-1 victory over Iceland in the Nations League on Tuesday.

Come for @LiamJCullen’s first Cymru gôl. Stay for what it means #UNL | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/9a8aMOMFI1

— Wales (@Cymru) November 20, 2024

In a dramatic twist, Turkey’s unexpected 3-1 loss to Montenegro allowed Wales to clinch the top spot in Group B4, securing promotion to League A and strengthening their chances for a 2026 World Cup berth.

“He wants us to dictate games, he wants us to attack teams,” Cullen said, describing Bellamy’s approach and philosophy.

“At the same time, if it’s not on and teams are working us out a little bit we’ve got other solutions. He puts a lot into us to take our accountability out on the pitch.

“I think in the first six games, the ideas and the way he wants us to play is working for us and hopefully we can take that into the World Cup qualifiers.

“Topping the group tops off the perfect start for the manager and his staff.

“That’s the dream, we all want to make the World Cup and I don’t think there was a better way than the Nations League to start his reign off.

“It’s going to be a little while until we’re all back together in March, but we’re already looking forward because we can go into that campaign full of confidence knowing we’ve topped the group and we’re back in League A.”

Cullen, who hails from Pembrokeshire, was an unexpected hero for Wales despite earning the affectionate nickname ‘The Kilgetty Messi’ from Swansea fans.

The 25-year-old had endured a two-month goal drought, but his first-half brace against Iceland matched his season’s tally in the Sky Bet Championship.

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Cullen reflected: “I’ve been thinking to myself it was about time I got back on the scoresheet and it was time for my first international goal.

“It was the perfect night, one I’ve dreamt about since kicking a ball.

“He (Bellamy) just told me he’s proud of me and that I deserve it, so hopefully I can give him more moments like that in the future.

“When he came in he said he liked what he’s seen from me and once I got in the team I wanted to repay that faith.

“He came into the camp when I was with the under-17s. The type of detail he went into even back then, you knew he was going to be a good coach.

“I’ve learned so much from him. He’s given me things I can take back to my club and add to my game, hopefully I can keep making steps forward.”

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Wales’ success in the Nations League ensures they will be in Pot 2 for the draw of the 12 European World Cup qualifying groups in Zurich on December 13.

Additionally, the squad are all but guaranteed a 2026 World Cup play-off spot if they fail to qualify directly for the tournament, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.