WALE OF A TIME
Wales promoted to Nations League A and could face ENGLAND after rivals fall to shock loss to previously winless minnows
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NO wonder Swansea fans call Liam Cullen the ‘Kilgetty Messi’.
The 25-year-old turned in the performance of his life – one the Argentina maestro himself would have been proud of.
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He scored his first two international goals, created another for Brennan Johnson and even had a hand in Harry Wilson’s late strike.
It all meant that - against all odds - Wales topped their Nations League group on another night to remember in the capital.
Turkey’s shock defeat in Montenegro means the Dragons are promoted to Group A.
This could see Wales drawn against England in the next edition of the tournament which kicks off in September 2026.
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More importantly though, they will almost certainly have a World Cup play-off to fall back on if they fail to make it through their group.
And the way Craig Bellamy’s reign has started, you wouldn’t bet against them finding a way to the USA in summer 2026.
They showed some character here to come storming back after falling behind early on.
Former Burnley man Johann Gudmundsson’s cross was headed goalwards by Orri Oskarsson and Danny Ward pushed it out.
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It fell nicely for Andri Gudjohnsen – son of ex-Chelsea forward Eidur – who despatched it back through the keeper’s legs.
It was the first goal Wales have conceded at home in over five hours of football – since Finland scored in the Euro 2024 play off in March.
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And it was also the first time Bellamy had found his team behind since he took charge at the start of the autumn.
So this was a new kind of test for him and his team were second best for the first half hour.
Yet they finally got going and Premier League pair Neco Williams and Johnson worked the ball down the left.
The Spurs man floated over a cross that was glanced home by Cullen for his first goal for his country.
Cullen has not scored for his club since September 21 so it was just the tonic he needed.
Wales were now on top and on the stroke of half-time they were ahead as Mark Harris played another ball out to Dan James.
His shot was only half-stopped by Iceland keeper Hakon Valdimarsson, but Cullen was there to bundle in the rebound.
The 25-year-old hails from the small town of Kilgetty in Pembrokeshire – hence the nickname back with his club.
Things had really turned on their head – particularly as news came through that group leaders Turkey were behind in Podgorica.
Iceland had not given up though and sub Mikael Ellertsson brought a smart save out of Ward soon after the restart.
Harry Wilson was put clean through but unusually for him he lacked composure and gave the keeper an easy save.
But midway through the second half the Dragons had breathing space as Cullen turned provider, winning the ball and sending Johnson clear.
This time he kept his cool and thumped a low shot home home to score his fifth goal for his country.
Cullen wasn’t finished there though as Cullen won his dual with his marker as they both went for a high ball.
Wilson picked up the loose ball and steered a shot beyond the visiting keeper from the edge of the box.
The Fulham man has been the stand-out performer in this Nations League campaign for the Dragons – and deserved his goal.
What a night for Cullen though – he could barely get a look in under former boss Rob Page and now he gets a night like this.
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News filtered through that Montenegro had extended their lead over the Turks – and the celebrations could really start among the home fans.
Their World Cup qualifying campaign will start in March rather than June now – but their hopes of a ticket to America in 20 months' time have increased significantly.
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