Craig Bellamy’s reign as Wales head coach reached an electrifying new chapter in Skopje as his side pulled off a dramatic injury-time equalizer against North Macedonia in a thrilling World Cup qualifier.
Despite dominating the match for 90 minutes, Wales found themselves trailing after a defensive misstep led to Bojan Miovski’s opportunistic goal.
However, substitute David Brooks netted in the dying moments to secure a 1-1 draw, sending Bellamy and the Wales contingent into ecstatic celebrations.
The head coach’s calm persona—recently dubbed “Mr Calm” by captain Ben Davies—crumbled in the chaos of the last-minute rescue. Bellamy admitted to being “shocked” by the outcome, emphasizing both the joy and frustration of the match.
His analytical nature reflected on Wales’ inability to convert possession into a decisive victory, as North Macedonia offered little resistance throughout the encounter.
Bellamy’s tenure remains undefeated, with four wins and four draws across eight matches leading to Nations League promotion and a strong start to World Cup qualifying. However, the coach is acutely aware of the challenges ahead, with top seeds Belgium yet to play in Group J.
Despite the missed opportunity, Wales’ late heroics provided a glimmer of hope as they sit second in the group standings. Bellamy acknowledged the importance of patience and resilience, underscoring the valuable lessons learned in Skopje.
As the journey continues, Bellamy’s tactical acumen and emotional investment promise to guide Wales through the highs and lows of international football.
