Is Banned Bellamy Staying Calm as Cremers Takes Over Wales?

Wales faces a crucial World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Liechtenstein. Despite the victory, the performance was lacklustre, raising concerns about creativity and execution heading into the next match. With key players suspended, the team must step up to secure a home play-off semi-final.

Last updated: 18 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Wales is gearing up for a vital World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia on Tuesday, 21 November 2023. After a narrow victory against Liechtenstein, head coach Craig Bellamy will be looking for a marked improvement in performance. With a win, Wales would secure second place in Group J and a home play-off semi-final, while a loss would complicate their path, despite previous successes in the Nations League guaranteeing a play-off spot, albeit away from home.

Key takeaways

Wales secured a 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein but struggled with creativity and execution.
Key players Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James will miss the match against North Macedonia due to suspension.
A win against North Macedonia is crucial for securing a home play-off semi-final.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign, Wales has seen a mix of performances:

March 2023: Wales draws 1-1 against North Macedonia.
November 2023: Wales defeats Liechtenstein 1-0, keeping them in contention for a play-off spot.
21 November 2023: Upcoming match against North Macedonia, a must-win for home advantage.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Wales' recent win against Liechtenstein maintains their hopes for a World Cup qualifying play-off. However, the performance's lack of flair has raised eyebrows about their readiness for the decisive match against North Macedonia.

What was already established

Wales has demonstrated potential throughout the qualifying campaign, but inconsistencies have plagued their performances, particularly evident in their previous three losses prior to the Liechtenstein match.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Wales' performances in international matches can influence national morale and community spirit. A successful qualification campaign may boost local pride and engagement in football.

Businesses and jobs

Increased attendance and viewership during qualifiers can positively affect local businesses, especially in Cardiff, with increased footfall around the stadium on match days.

Policy and regulation

Football associations continue to develop policies around player conduct and officiating, particularly regarding suspensions and disciplinary measures, which will be scrutinised following Ampadu and James's yellow cards.

Numbers that matter

206: Liechtenstein's FIFA ranking, highlighting the challenge Wales faced in securing a win.
1: The number of goals scored by Wales in their last match, indicating offensive struggles.
3: Consecutive losses prior to the win against Liechtenstein, underlining the need for improvement.
2: The number of key players suspended for the upcoming match against North Macedonia.
1: The position Wales needs to secure in Group J to guarantee a home play-off semi-final.

Definitions and jargon buster

World Cup qualifier: Matches played to determine which teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Nations League: A UEFA competition that provides another route to qualify for major tournaments.
Suspension: A penalty that prevents a player from participating in upcoming matches due to disciplinary reasons.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Wales must focus on the immediate challenge of defeating North Macedonia. A win will secure their play-off position and boost team morale.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Should Wales qualify, they will need to prepare rigorously for the play-offs, focusing on squad depth and tactical adaptability to overcome opponents.

Signals to watch

Player performance metrics in upcoming matches, particularly from key replacements for suspended players.
Fan engagement and attendance at matches, which can influence funding and support for the team.
Updates on player injuries and fitness levels leading into the play-off matches.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the team by attending matches and engaging with local football events.
Stay updated on player news and match preparations through official channels.
Encourage community involvement in supporting local clubs and the national team.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate the importance of the upcoming match; every game counts in the qualification process.
Don’t engage in negative speculation about player performances; focus on constructive criticism.
Don’t ignore the potential impact of fan support on team morale.

Checklist

Check match schedules and ensure attendance plans are in place.
Follow player fitness updates and training sessions leading to the match.
Engage with local fan clubs and community events to support the team.
Monitor media coverage for insights and analyses on team strategies.
Stay informed about ticket availability for potential play-off matches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are uncertainties surrounding player performances, particularly with key absences due to suspension. Additionally, the mental state of the squad after a string of poor results may affect their performance. The unpredictability of knockout matches in the play-offs can lead to unexpected outcomes, requiring adaptability from the coaching staff and players alike.

Bottom line

Wales must improve their performance significantly against North Macedonia to secure a home play-off semi-final. The outcome of this match will not only impact their World Cup aspirations but also affect national pride and engagement in football as they strive for a successful qualification campaign.

FAQs

What is the significance of the match against North Macedonia?

The match is crucial for Wales as a win secures second place in Group J and a home play-off semi-final in the World Cup qualifiers.

Who is missing from the Wales squad for the match?

Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James will miss the match due to suspension from receiving two yellow cards during the qualifying campaign.

What do Wales need to improve on from the Liechtenstein match?

Wales needs to enhance their creativity and quality in front of goal, as they struggled to convert possession into scoring opportunities against Liechtenstein.