Wales Grind Out Win in Vaduz Amid Bellamy Suspension
The picturesque Rheinpark Stadion in Liechtenstein, framed by the snow-dusted Alps and the flowing Rhine river, offered a stunning setting for Wales’ latest World Cup qualifier. High above the stadium, even Prince Hans-Adam II could likely catch a glimpse of the match from Vaduz Castle.
But Craig Bellamy had a far less glamorous view.
Suspended for the match, the Wales head coach was restricted to a gantry opposite his coaching team and forced to watch the action from afar. What he saw was far from enjoyable.
Wales struggled to a 1–0 victory over a Liechtenstein side ranked 206th in the world, a team mostly made up of semi-professional players. While the result keeps Wales on course for a second-place finish and a home play-off semi-final in March, the display was flat and uninspired.
“It’s the kind of game people expect you to win 5-0 or 6-0,”
assistant coach Piet Cremers explained in Vaduz.
With Bellamy unable to speak to his players or staff and barred from media duties, Cremers took charge on the touchline and in front of the microphones. He later described Bellamy as “calm and composed” despite the unconvincing win.
Wales dominated possession but lacked cutting edge. Missed chances, slow build-up and minimal creativity kept Liechtenstein in the game far longer than they should have been. Yet the three points were secured, and that was enough to keep their qualification hopes alive.
North Macedonia Clash Will Decide Play-Off Fate
The focus now turns to Tuesday night’s crucial meeting with North Macedonia in Cardiff. Wales must take all three points to ensure second place in Group J and earn a home play-off semi-final.
Anything less than a win would drop them into an away semi-final—still guaranteed thanks to their Nations League ranking, but significantly more challenging.
They will, however, be without two key players. Captain Ethan Ampadu and goalscorer Jordan James are both suspended after picking up their second yellow cards of the campaign.
Despite a run of poor form—three consecutive losses before Saturday—Wales’ late push in the group keeps their path to the 2026 World Cup intact.
“We handled today, and now our focus goes to North Macedonia,”
said Cremers, reflecting on the importance of the next match.
He added that Wales created strong chances in their 1–1 draw away to North Macedonia earlier this year, but warned that the opponents have proven difficult throughout the group.
With home support and everything on the line, Wales now look to turn a shaky performance in Vaduz into a decisive result in Cardiff.
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