Wales secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, but the result was far from convincing. The win keeps Wales on track to finish second in their group and secure a home play-off semi-final in March, but it was an uninspiring performance that few will be eager to relive.
The team's prospects of securing a spot at next summer's World Cup were always slim following their 1-1 draw with North Macedonia earlier this month, and the reality is that they still face an uphill battle to secure qualification. Despite being without suspended duo Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James, who both picked up second yellow cards against Liechtenstein, Wales managed to grind out a narrow win.
However, the manner in which they achieved it was far from impressive. The team dominated possession but created very few quality chances, and when those opportunities did arise, goalkeeper Stefan Valsgren proved equal to the task. It was a game that many fans will be eager to put behind them, with few taking much joy from a win that felt like a case of 'job done'.
Craig Bellamy, who was suspended for the match due to disciplinary issues, was forced to watch his team from a gantry on the opposite side of the stadium. However, according to assistant coach Piet Cremers, Bellamy was calm and composed despite being unable to offer guidance or support during the game.
Cremers acknowledged that the performance would not have impressed many people but stressed that it was an important win for the team's overall qualification prospects. The focus now shifts to a crucial home match against North Macedonia, where Wales must beat their opponents in order to secure second spot in Group J and guarantee a home play-off semi-final.
The victory will provide a welcome boost to the team as they travel to Cardiff City Stadium to face their Northern European rivals. While the result was unimpressive, it has kept Wales on track to achieve their goal of securing qualification for next summer's World Cup.
The team's prospects of securing a spot at next summer's World Cup were always slim following their 1-1 draw with North Macedonia earlier this month, and the reality is that they still face an uphill battle to secure qualification. Despite being without suspended duo Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James, who both picked up second yellow cards against Liechtenstein, Wales managed to grind out a narrow win.
However, the manner in which they achieved it was far from impressive. The team dominated possession but created very few quality chances, and when those opportunities did arise, goalkeeper Stefan Valsgren proved equal to the task. It was a game that many fans will be eager to put behind them, with few taking much joy from a win that felt like a case of 'job done'.
Craig Bellamy, who was suspended for the match due to disciplinary issues, was forced to watch his team from a gantry on the opposite side of the stadium. However, according to assistant coach Piet Cremers, Bellamy was calm and composed despite being unable to offer guidance or support during the game.
Cremers acknowledged that the performance would not have impressed many people but stressed that it was an important win for the team's overall qualification prospects. The focus now shifts to a crucial home match against North Macedonia, where Wales must beat their opponents in order to secure second spot in Group J and guarantee a home play-off semi-final.
The victory will provide a welcome boost to the team as they travel to Cardiff City Stadium to face their Northern European rivals. While the result was unimpressive, it has kept Wales on track to achieve their goal of securing qualification for next summer's World Cup.
I feel like the whole team was just going through the motions out there... 1-0 doesn't exactly scream 'convincing win'. Like, yeah, you gotta get that one point, but come on, how about some style? 
Still, can't deny it's a step in the right direction for qualifying... now let's hope they bring their A-game against North Macedonia 
, don't get me wrong, 1-0 is better than nothing, but it felt like a case of 'we just managed to not lose' 
. I mean, the team didn't really create any quality chances and when they did, the goalkeeper was basically there to pick up the pieces. But hey, at least they got the win and can focus on the next match now 
anyway I remember when Craig Bellamy was still playing and he would get so angry when things weren't going well, now he's just calm as a cucumber despite being on the bench 
it's like he's all good but let's be real, this win wasn't exactly thrilling. Wales is doing okay in the group though, they're not losing any points and that's what matters 
now it's all about beating North Macedonia and keeping their qualification hopes alive 
Wales dominated possession 55% vs Liechtenstein's 45% 
, which is still a huge advantage in my book 
. And, the fact they won with only 2 shots on target is impressive considering how few quality chances they created 
. Not to mention, Valsgren made 5 saves out of 7 shots on goal 
! 
. I mean, 1-0 against Liechtenstein? That's not exactly a confidence booster for the team 
️. And that's coming off a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia earlier in the month? Yeah, their chances of making it to the World Cup are looking pretty slim 
. I guess you've got to take some wins where you can get them, but I'm just not getting hyped for this team right now 
. Like, Craig Bellamy had to watch from a gantry because he got in trouble with the rules... that's some serious stress and isolation 
It's just one of those games where you're all like "huh?" and then you're relieved when it's over.
anyway, good job keeping them in the game but idk about this whole "impressive win" thing 
. Anywayz, now Wales needs 2 focus on that next match against North Macedonia and hopefully they can bring some life 2 their game 
.
. anyway, a win is a win, but i hope they can turn it up a notch against north macedonia... gotta stay focused 
but at least he seems chill about it. so we gotta keep our fingers crossed 4 da next game against north macedonia... they need 2 step up their game if they wanna secure that home play-off semi-final spot 