Despite a 1-0 defeat to Canada, Wales manager Craig Bellamy remains positive. He highlights the value of exposing young players and the strong performance of senior players. Wales faces England in a friendly before a crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy remains optimistic despite his side's recent 1-0 friendly defeat to Canada in Cardiff. The match, which saw Derek Cornelius score a stunning free-kick, marked only the second loss for Wales in the twelve games since Bellamy took charge. While the defeat is a setback, Bellamy believes there are crucial positives to extract, particularly regarding the exposure of young talent and the performance of senior players.
Canada, gearing up to co-host the World Cup next year alongside the United States and Mexico, started the match with impressive energy. Before Cornelius's decisive goal, the Canadian side twice struck the woodwork, signaling their intent and dominance early in the game. Bellamy, using the friendly as an opportunity to experiment, made eight changes to the lineup that secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan in their World Cup qualifier just days prior. This rotation allowed him to assess the depth and potential of his squad.
Wales' recent friendly record has been less than stellar, failing to score in nine of their last twelve matches, including their last three. Despite this, Bellamy focused on the broader picture. He emphasized the importance of these games for development, particularly for integrating younger players into the national setup. The experience gained against a strong Canadian side is invaluable as Wales prepares for crucial upcoming fixtures.
Harry Wilson, who played the entire match for Wales, echoed Bellamy's sentiments regarding the quality of the opposition. He acknowledged Canada as a "really good team" with an impressive recent record. Wilson highlighted the competitive nature of the friendly, emphasizing that both teams approached the game with seriousness and determination. Despite the disappointment of the loss, Wilson believes the match served as a valuable "workout" for the Welsh squad.
Wales currently sit third in their World Cup qualifying group, trailing Kazakhstan by a single point. The upcoming international break in October presents a critical juncture for Bellamy's side. They face a challenging friendly against England before hosting Belgium in a pivotal World Cup qualifier. These matches will be crucial in determining Wales' chances of securing a spot in the World Cup.
Bellamy's focus remains on the long-term development of the Welsh national team. He understands the importance of blending experienced players with emerging talent. The friendly against Canada provided a valuable opportunity to assess the progress of both. While the result was disappointing, the lessons learned and the exposure gained will undoubtedly benefit Wales as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day Wales, Bellamy said: “Overall, I don’t like losing, I have to be honest, but performance-wise, I have to be happy. I learned that some of our senior boys were outstanding. Some of the young boys, we have to expose them. We can see the gulf, we knew that was going to be the case. But if we don’t do it, when are we going to do it?” His comments underscore his commitment to nurturing young talent and building a competitive squad for the future.
FT | 0-1
A narrow defeat in Swansea.
— Wales (@Cymru) September 9, 2025