Craig Bellamy says he is pleased with Wales’ performance in their 2-2 Nations League draw with Iceland – despite leading 2-0 at half-time in Reykjavik.
Goals from Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson had put Wales in control, but they conceded twice in three minutes in the second half.
Wales were fortunate not to lose but, having introduced a radically different style of play in their three matches so far, Bellamy is still encouraged by the way the team have adapted to the course early stages of his mandate.
“I was really happy. I appreciated it. We will benefit so much from these 45 minutes (in the second half), it is so good for us,” he said.
“In the long run, this will benefit us. Obviously going 2-0 up and drawing is disappointing, but it was an enjoyable performance.
“It was me learning about the players and them learning from us. It’s never good to concede, I don’t like it, we’ll come back to that.
“I felt momentum played a big role. It’s about us understanding when to end the game, which will come. Overall, I’m happy with the performance.
The draw in Iceland means Bellamy is the first Welsh manager to remain unbeaten after his first three competitive matches.
Their opening draw against Turkey and 2-1 victory in Montenegro last month had rejuvenated Wales, with a new progressive approach exciting fans, players and pundits after the disappointment of missing Euro 2024.
Wales looked headed for a second successive victory and top spot in Group B4 after an impressive first half in Reykjavik, but collapsed after the break.
Iceland wasted several chances before scoring their two goals and had other chances to take all three points.
Wales, on the other hand, were non-existent as an attacking force in the second half and will hope to recapture their first-half verve when they face Montenegro in Cardiff on Monday.
“I’m a big Iceland fan, so I knew it was going to be a tough game,” Bellamy said. “Of course we were 2-0 up at half-time, but my words were: ‘It’s going to be a long half’.
“A very good manager (Iceland boss Åge Hareide), we knew going 2-0 down they were going to throw more men at the press because they had to.
“How were we going to find the solutions? Because the solutions were there but you had to know how to find them at the time.
“We have a lot to gain, especially in the second half. It allows us to train more, it creates a library in the players’ heads: “Remember this situation, remember when we found this period difficult.” They can memorize it. This is our third match together.
“In the long term, I’m really happy. And it’s not me trying to sugarcoat the match after leading 2-0, that’s really not the case. What I’m telling you now, I told the players. It was really good.
Wales will be without Tottenham Hotspur striker Brennan Johnson and Rennes midfielder Jordan James against Montenegro due to suspension after receiving their second yellow card of the campaign against Iceland.
Johnson, who scored seven goals in seven appearances for club and country, was sent off at half-time after suffering a knock in the first half.
“It was a precaution. He took a kick,” Bellamy said.
“He felt something from the impact, so we’re going to get him checked out.”
