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Craig Bellamy’s Welsh squad have not opted for the easy life in the current fixture programme.
Hot on the heels of a tricky World Cup tie away in Kazakhstan came a rare fixture in Swansea to face Canada in a friendly.
Wales made hard work of overcoming difficult opponents in the eastern outpost of Kazakhstan, edging the game thanks to a single strike from Wrexham’s Kieffer Moore. But, a win, is a win, is a win, and, despite the hosts striking the bar with the very last kick of the game, most of the bucket hat wearing fans who follow Wales, would take that all day long.
Despite the nervous victory though, there were plus signs for Bellamy to contemplate. The victory had been earned without established stars such as Danny Ward and Ethan Ampadu, while Aaron Ramsey remains locked in a battle for match sharpness from the unlikely environment of Mexico, where he now turns out for Liga MX club Pumas UNAM.
The long trip also presented a debut to the talented Dylan Lawlor. The Cardiff City youngster has caught the eye of many observers as the Bluebirds lead the way in League 1 following their relegation last season. Lawlor certainly did not disappoint in helping to keep the hosts out. Indeed many identified him as the star man out in the Astana Arena.
The victory was essential if Wales are to retain any hopes of qualification, especially as both Belgium and North Macedonia recording handsome wins to push the Welsh into third place in the table.
The Canadians were to prove an interesting choice. Jesse Marsch’s men sat above Wales in the rankings, with a World Cup to look forward to in 2026. Hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States were the first three teams to qualify, via an automatic berth as hosts.
Bellamy made some interesting choices for this encounter, including a debut for young Cardiff City defender Ronan Kpakio. No Wrexham players in the starting XI. Lawlor on the bench.
Wales tried to go toe-to-toe with the visitors on the wet Swansea surface but Canada held the advantage at the interval thanks to a super late strike from Derek Cornelius.
Wales worked hard to recover the deficit but seemed unable to make their possession count. It had been a useful but ultimately unproductive night.
Things get no easier for Bellamy’s men, as they await a friendly at Wembley against the impressive English next month, ahead of “winner-takes-all” clashes with Belgium and North Macedonia.
DAVID COLLINS
WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT
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