Full Breakdown
Wales’ Nations League Struggles Ahead of Norway Clash
By Drooid · · How we work
Recent Setback in Copenhagen
Wales entered their Nations League Group A4 match in Copenhagen as under-dogs and left the stadium with a 2-0 loss to Denmark. The first goal came from a Ben Davies own-goal after a set-piece delivered by Mikkel Damsgaard, and a second strike was a deflected effort by Gustav Isaksen. The defeat left Wales at the bottom of the group with no points and no goals from two matches, following a 1-0 loss to Portugal in Lisbon three days earlier.
Upcoming Challenge vs Norway
The next fixture pits Wales against Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium. Norway, coached by Ståle Solbakken, have advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals and feature a youthful core that includes Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge and striker Erling Haaland. Bellamy highlighted Norway’s two Champions League representatives—Bodø/Glimt and Viking—as a sign of the nation’s rising football stature.
Bellamy’s Assessment and Plans
Wales manager Craig Bellamy described his own reaction to the Denmark loss as “really hurting,” emphasizing the need for improvement. He stressed that the team must focus on the two remaining games and on developing younger players who will “keep improving” after his tenure. Bellamy also noted the extensive changes he made to the lineup, including the surprise promotion of midfielder Charlie Savage, the son of former Wales international Robbie Savage.
Norway Coach’s View on Haaland
Solbakken downplayed speculation that Manchester City’s financial-rules verdict would distract Haaland, calling the striker “a machine” who remains “on fire” after scoring three goals in his last two matches. He added that Haaland missed only one chance against Portugal, which he described as the sole negative note.
Data & Statistics
- Wales: 0 points, 0 goals scored, 2 goals conceded in Group A4.
- Denmark: 2-0 win (own-goal + Isaksen) in Copenhagen.
- Portugal: 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon.
- Norway: advancing to World Cup quarter-finals; Haaland has three goals in his last two internationals.
On-the-Ground Reactions
Players acknowledged the physical intensity of the Denmark match. Ben Davies called the Danish side “good” and said the set-piece goals were “frustrating.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm really hurting. When you see an athletic team run over you a little bit... but then, will we improve? I think we will.” — Craig Bellamy, Wales manager (Getty)
- “They are progressing and they will keep going as well – they ain’t going away, especially with the youngsters they’ve got coming through. We’ve all been waiting [for them to flourish]. But it was coming and it’s come with a bang.” — Craig Bellamy
- “When people ask about him, he hasn’t changed one bit since the first time I met him, even though he’s the biggest star on the planet right now. He’s been exactly the same the last few days as well, which is not a surprise for me.” — Ståle Solbakken, Norway head coach
- “I said to the players before the game, ‘this is going to be tougher than Portugal’,” — Craig Bellamy (Getty)
- “Ever since I met him he’s been a guy that brings a lot of energy and joy to the group and that’s the biggest compliment I always give Erling,” — Kristoffer Ajer, Brentford defender
