Hot shot Cullen is too hot for Iceland

Liam Cullen set Wales on the way to an historic victory over Iceland, and seal their position in topping their Nations League Group. Wales will now rum shoulders with the elite of European football next time around.

It certainly had been everything to play for on a bitterly cold night in the Welsh capital. A win would have seen Wales top the group. A relegation play-off would take place if Craig Bellamy was to taste defeat for the first time as the Wales boss.

A giant Celtic horn – the Carnyx – helped cranked up the atmosphere before the game, sending its earie sound around the crowded arena.

Bellamy made a series of changes for the important tie. Danny Ward came in between the sticks whilst we also saw Dan James in a slightly unfamiliar wing-back role. Swansea City’s Liam Cullen replaced Jordan James in midfield. His clubmate Ben Cabango also started.

Early pressure from the visitors led to the worst possible start for Wales, as Andri Gudjohnsen squeezed home a shot after just eight minutes.

Iceland were clearly at home in the chilly air, stroking the ball around with some comfort during the opening exchanges.

Brennan Johnson broke clear in a rare Welsh attack, but the offside flag rendered his shot academic.

Wales began to exert themselves slowly, with Johnson and Harry Wilson prominent, but Hakon Rafn Valimarson was rarely tested in the visiting goal.

Cullen illuminated proceedings on 32 minutes, heading the hosts level from close range. BJ did a fine job to supply the cross. A first international goal for the Swansea City star.

Wales were on song now, Johnson forcing a corner after fine work by Mark Harris.

Wales had grown into the game after a shaky start, and it was Cullen again, who poked them into the lead after James had carved open the visitors. The Swansea man had never been so popular in Cardiff!

Danny Ward pulled off a fine save from Mikael Egill Ellertsson as the hosts lived dangerously at the start of the second half. Ben Davies was unlikely scorer though as the game grew more lively.

A scramble in the Welsh goal was hacked clear as Wales hung on. Cabango stood strong as Wales squeezed the game.

Wilson could perhaps have done more but hit a tame shot when clear. End to end stuff that was difficult to keep tabs on!

Bellamy brought on the experienced Joe Allen, and Wales responded almost instantly with a third goal from Johnson. How crucial would that be! Cullen with assist by the way.

Yellow cards were appearing with regularity as the game remained high tempo. Sorba Thomas replaced James.

“Montenegro” sang the home crowd, as events elsewhere put Wales at the top of the group for now. Wilson belted in a fourth!

The Red Wall of Wales fans roared out their hymns and arias as this became a magnificent night for Bellamy’s men.

Bellamy made a series of sensible changes to close the game down during the final stages. Wales even chased a fifth, as the visitors looked a very well beaten side indeed.

Wales 4

Iceland 1

Attendance 28, 240

DAVID COLLINS

WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT

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