Following victory against Kazakhstan on Saturday, Wales travel to North Macedonia aiming to make it two wins from two in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
After their 3-1 victory over the weekend, Craig Bellamy’s side could reflect on a near perfect start, as they matched North Macedonia’s result earlier that day, after the Macedonians’ 3-0 win over Liechtenstein.
But the Baltic side will prove a difficult test for Wales, as they are on an impressive run of their own, winning their last six games across the Nations League and World Cup qualifying, and not even conceding a goal in that time.
Despite only qualifying for one tournament since gaining their independence, North Macedonia have enjoyed a few shock results over the past few campaigns - none more so than victories away against then European champions Italy and international giants, Germany.
With all this taken into account, there is an argument that this is the biggest test that Bellamy has faced in his time as Wales boss.
While Wales’ victory was one that sets a good precedent for the rest of the campaign, it wasn’t as straightforward as fans might have expected, considering the opposition were ranked outside of the top 100 in the FIFA world rankings.
But context is important. Wales were without arguably their two most important players of the Bellamy era in Harry Wilson and Ethan Ampadu - players who now have nearly 100 caps between them.
So, what can we expect from Wales in Skopje?
Well, it’s difficult to imagine it will be dramatically different from Saturday, in terms of team selection.
READ MORE: Wales v Macedonia
It is possible that Danny Ward could come back in goal, as Bellamy consistently rotated between him and Karl Darlow throughout the Nations League.
The defence may remain unchanged, after Joe Rodon earned his 50th cap for Wales on Saturday, with Bellamy praising him for how he is perfect for the way he wants his team to play.
In midfield, it seems likely Jordan James will come into midfield after his assured cameo from the bench, possibly for one of David Brooks or Liam Cullen, who are both naturally more attacking players.
Despite Rabbi Matondo’s goal-scoring appearance, it’s difficult to imagine him taking the place of either Dan James or Sorba Thomas, after both of them proved fruitful in their attacking output down the Kazakhstan wings.
READ MORE: Keep Calm And Carry On . . . To World Cup Qualification, Says Wales Boss Craig Bellamy
Last weekend marked Matondo’s first international goal for Wales but the Rangers player - who won his 13th cap on Saturday over six years on from making his debut in November 2018 - has said he has "had to be patient.”
“It hasn’t been easy at times but it’s about how the team do," he said.
"I’ve always been a big Wales fan from the get-go, from growing up to where I am today. I’m grateful for getting picked and being in the squad, so it was nice to get on the pitch and score the first goal for my country.
“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of when I was younger.”
Cardiff academy product Matondo had double cause to celebrate with his first international goal coming at his hometown stadium.
It was a moment Matondo never savoured as a Cardiff player after leaving the Welsh club at the age of 16 to join Manchester City.
Matondo said: “I was buzzing. I came through the Cardiff academy ranks before moving away, so it was always a dream of mine to score at the Cardiff City Stadium.
“To score, especially at the Canton End as well, was a lovely feeling.
“It was nice to get on for the minutes I did and to get my first goal, so hopefully many more now.
“I’m loving every moment of camp so far. It’s my first camp under the new manager and I’m enjoying the training and instructions and the way we’re playing.”
READ MORE: Rabbi Matondo
There could be one change up front, with Brennan Johnson’s near anonymous outing last time.
Bellamy favourite Mark Harris or old reliable Keiffer Moore could have an opportunity for some game time.
Possible Wales line-up: Darlow, Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams, Sheehan J. James, D. James, Cullen, Thomas, Johnson.
Prediction: At the risk of stating the obvious, it is likely be a tighter game than the first qualifier. Both sides will be expecting a top two finish in this campaign and this game will provide a big insight into who will finish there.
It’s tempting to be optimistic and say Bellamy’s boys will get the job done in Skopje and win, but a more likely outcome is a draw which may satisfy Wales more than their hosts.
