Craig Bellamy made history as the first Wales manager to remain unbeaten in his first four matches, narrowly defeating Montenegro. The game wasn't a showcase of fluid football, but there was a sense of promise. Harry Wilson's third goal in three consecutive games, this time from the penalty spot, secured the victory and made him the first Welshman since Gareth Bale at Euro 2016 to score in three straight matches. Wilson has contributed to eight goals in his last nine appearances for Wales (five goals, three assists). Joe Allen, 685 days after his last international appearance, a disheartening loss to England in Qatar, entered the game midway through the second half to a warm reception.
One of the primary challenges Bellamy faces is the familiar issue of Wales players lacking regular game time, arriving for international duty with insufficient match fitness. Ben Davies, Wales' captain in the absence of the injured Aaron Ramsey, hasn't played a single minute for Tottenham in the Premier League this season. Neco Williams, who set up both of Wales' goals in their previous match against Iceland and was again impressive, has started three games for Nottingham Forest this season. Bellamy acknowledged the situation is far from ideal but also highlighted Wilson's exceptional form for his country as a counterpoint. "It's strange, huh?" Bellamy remarked before the match. "I didn't realize he was this good." Wilson has played around 40 minutes in the league for Fulham this season, but nearly 400 minutes for Wales across four matches.
Wilson was Wales' most dangerous player in the first half, dominating the game with almost three times as many passes as Montenegro. His dangerous cross in the 12th minute nearly led to an early goal. Wilson's left-foot cross from the right dropped near the visitors' six-yard box. Mark Harris, starting his first game for Wales, tried to head the ball but missed, and Wes Burns headed wide at the back post. Bellamy applauded from the sidelines.
Five minutes later, Wilson maneuvered past Nikola Sipcic in the box and saw his shot blocked by Igor Nikic in the Montenegro goal. Soon after, Wilson sent Liam Cullen through on goal with a precise pass, but the Swansea striker's shot went over the Montenegro goal. It seemed inevitable that Wales would score. After Josh Sheehan played a beautiful through ball down the right flank, Williams sent a low ball skidding across the box, but Adam Marusic cleared the danger. David Brooks tested the Montenegro goalkeeper twice before Wilson won the crucial penalty in the 34th minute, cutting inside Vladimir Jovovic. After a lengthy wait, Wilson confidently converted the penalty, sending Nikic the wrong way.
Wilson, along with Davies and Williams, was one of three players from the starting lineup in Reykjavík. He nearly doubled Wales' lead three minutes before halftime, sending a shot just wide of the post after maneuvering around Sipcic. Montenegro, ranked 74th in the world, had lost their previous five matches and offered little in attack. Robert Prosinecki made four changes at halftime, introducing Stevan Jovetic, Montenegro's all-time top scorer who joined Omonia Nicosia this month.
Wales, seeking to maintain their momentum, needed to control the game better, especially given how Bellamy's side had faded in his previous three matches. However, it was Montenegro who came closest to scoring after the break. Jovetic hit the crossbar from halfway when these teams met last month, Bellamy's first win as Wales manager. His first action here was to earn a yellow card for arguing with the Slovakian referee, Filip Glova, after tangling with Wilson. Another substitute, Andrija Radulovic, hit the woodwork, cutting inside Davies and curling a left-foot shot against the bar.
Wales needed to regain control, and Bellamy turned to Allen, the 34-year-old who retired from international duty after the 2022 World Cup but returned this month. Allen, who played with Bellamy at the 2012 Olympics, replaced Brooks approaching the hour mark, earning his 75th cap for his country. Burns tried and failed to lob Nikic in a rare second-half opening for Wales, and Jovetic blasted a free-kick over the bar from 20 yards. Nathan Broadhead, another second-half arrival, hesitated when he had a chance to make it 2-0 after a quick free-kick on halfway, and Williams went close late on. Ultimately, Wilson's penalty was enough to secure the victory.
