Wales continue unbeaten start to the Craig Bellamy era as they beat Montenegro in Cardiff
Wales yet to lose in four games under head coach Bellamy
Bellamy makes seven changes from Iceland draw last Friday
Harry Wilson wins penalty and converts before half-time and Wales hold on for deserved win
Andrija Radulovic rattles the Welsh bar after the break
Joe Allen comes off the bench for first Wales appearance since 2022 after coming out of international retirement
Wales complete Nations League double over Montenegro after holding on for 2-1 away victory last month
Wales without injured Aaron Ramsey, Daniel James and Ethan Ampadu in this camp, while Brennan Johnson and Jordan James suspended for Montenegro after being booked in Iceland
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Sam Vokes
Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales
I think those four changes have been positive for Montenegro.
It will be interesting how they approach this second half as they were very deep in the first half but they've got to come out a bit now we've got that 1-0 lead.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Marko Vukcevic booked for an incredibly stupid bit of time-wasting as he throws the ball away.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Stevan Jovetic is booked for a high boot.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Long way to go, but Iceland currently lead Turkey 1-0, so as it stands, Wales are top of their Nations League group.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
We are back under way.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Montenegro make four changes.
Stevan Jovetic, Risto Radunovic, Marko Vukcevic and Andrija Radulovic are all coming on, replacing Adam Marusic, Andrija Vukcevic, Stefan Mugosa and Driton Camaj
HT: Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales
I think there very much is still a place for Kieffer Moore in this team and perhaps he has to adapt to a different kind of role where he is coming off the bench a bit more.
But he had plenty more to offer and he is certainly a weapon to bring off the bench in games where you are looking for that break through.
HT: Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Shortly before the senior side drew in Iceland on Friday, Wales Under-21s were beaten by Czech Republic in a key European Championship qualifier.
Going into the game, Wales were within touching distance of qualifying for a major tournament at under-21 level for the first time.
But Matty Jones' team - which was badly depleted as a result of an administrative error - were beaten 2-1 in Newport.
Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney has said he is "gutted" with the paperwork blunder that saw six players ruled out of the game.
Wales Under-21s now need the Czechs to fail to beat Lithuania on Tuesday if they are to secure a play-off place for next summer’s finals.
Writing on X, Mooney said: "Well done to Matty & our U21s on a great campaign.
"Naturally, we are gutted that an off pitch error occurred as it did and it's important we own it, learn & grow....as we always do."
Jones played down the impact on the team, having already been without several age-qualified players through the campaign as they have stepped into Craig Bellamy’s senior squad.
Read more: Mooney 'gutted' with Wales U21s blunder as Jones promises review
Image source, FAWHT: Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Sam Vokes
Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales
Craig Bellamy is a great watch.
You are trying to watch the game but it's also interesting watching Craig Bellamy on the sideline.
He is so passionate. He didn't get off the touchline until the penalty, when he sat down.
As soon as it went in, he was straight up again having a strong word with the fourth official.
It's very like Craig Bellamy - he had something to say.
Image source, Getty ImagesHT: Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales
Image source, FAWYou look at the stats and the goals, but it's Harry Wilson's all-round play and his intelligence - I think he has developed so much as a player over the last four or five years.
He has really taken up that leadership role.
In tough games, he is the one who always wants the ball.
He probably doesn't get the credit he deserves.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Half-time.
That raced by. Wales played some lovely stuff.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Jess Fishlock has scored in her last three Wales games as well.
Gareth Bale and Fishlock are quite the company to keep.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
Harry Wilson is the first Welshman to score in three successive games for his country since Gareth Bale at Euro 2016. Decent company.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales
That is the beauty of this crop of players, Harry Wilson is only 27 and is in the prime of his career and has that many caps already.
You look at Ethan Ampadu and David Brooks, they came into the team so young and yet they are going to hit their peak with a lot of experience under their belt and still have so much more to give.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
This has probably been the most dominant 45 minutes yet for Craig Bellamy, Wales are really at it.
Harry Wilson is just inches away from a second as he whips a left-footed shot just wide.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Sam Vokes
Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales
Great penalty.
Harry Wilson was very composed, he looked like he was in total control of that. He was waiting for the keeper to dive and just passed it past him.
A man with confidence and in great form for Wales.
Wales 1-0 Montenegro
Harry Wilson has been so good to watch tonight. Crying shame he will probably be sitting on a bench this weekend watching Aston Villa.
Harry Wilson
Image source, Getty ImagesHarry Wilson scores!
Cool as you like. The goalkeeper goes the wrong way and Wales have the goal they have deserved.
Was it a penalty? Let's just say it was a little soft.
You'd be annoyed if you are Montenegrin.
Wales 0-0 Montenegro
Harry Wilson goes down... penalty!
Wales 0-0 Montenegro
Another ping from David Brooks, this time it's a left-footed shot from 25 yards that Igor Nikic scrambles to turn around the post.
Wales have done enough to lead.
Harry Wilson scored Wales' goal from the penalty spot after a foul by Vladimir Jovovic
Harry Wilson inspired a much-changed Wales side to a home Nations League win over Montenegro to extend Craig Bellamy's unbeaten start as head coach.
Wilson's penalty put Wales in front during a first half which the hosts dominated thanks largely to the Fulham playmaker's individual brilliance.
Bellamy's side were less impressive after the break and given a fright when Montenegro substitute Andrija Radulovic hammered a 20-yard shot against the crossbar.
However, Wales resisted their opponents' second-half improvement to earn a second win from four, making Bellamy the first Wales boss to avoid defeat in his first four matches.
Turkey remain top of Group B4 – two points ahead of Wales – following their thrilling 4-2 comeback victory in Iceland.
And while this may not have been the most enthralling display of Bellamy's nascent reign, it provided plenty of encouragement, particularly as this was with a team that showed seven changes from Friday's 2-2 draw in Iceland.
Bellamy is in the process of instilling an ambitious new playing style, the rewards and pitfalls of which were on show in Reykjavik as Wales led 2-0 at half-time, only to throw away that position of strength.
Setbacks are to be expected in these embryonic stages of his tenure and, although he has only had a few days to work with the players this month and last, since succeeding Robert Page in July, the difference has been striking.
On the ball, Wales are more adventurous and creative as they look to build attacks from all areas of the pitch, while out of possession they press with a far greater intensity.
That was evident again despite Bellamy making seven changes to the team that drew in Iceland, keeping everyone guessing with his personnel as well as his tactical approach.
Wales were quick to gain control, dominating possession and territory against opponents who were content to sit back in an attempt to halt a five-game losing streak.
Wilson and the returning David Brooks – starting his first game of the season – probed menacingly for Wales, gliding around the pitch and forcing Montenegro goalkeeper Igor Nikic into saves.
Wilson also created chances for his team-mates, his inviting left-footed cross from the right headed wide by Wes Burns and a delightful through-ball leading to a lofted shot over the bar from Liam Cullen.
Montenegro were struggling to get to grips with Wilson and, when he fell under a challenge from Vladimir Jovovic, referee Filip Glova pointed to the spot.
Wilson sent Nikic the wrong way with his low left-footed penalty and became the first Welshman to score in three successive games for his country since Gareth Bale at Euro 2016.
Wales had developed something of a concerning habit in Bellamy's first three games of faltering in the second half, seemingly struggling to maintain their new boss' intense new playing style and allowing opponents a route back into the game.
Wilson's spot-kick was the fifth goal in four games under Bellamy, all of which had come in the first half. By contrast, all three of the goals they had conceded had come in the second period.
The hosts may have worried history was repeating itself when Radulovic struck the bar with a stunning effort.
Wales needed settling, so they brought on an old head – and a familiar face – as Joe Allen returned from international retirement to earn his 75th cap, nearly two years after his 74th.
The introduction of the Swansea City midfielder, a veteran of two European Championships and a World Cup, helped Wales maintain a degree of control, but Montenegro kept growing into the game.
Stevan Jovetic cleared the bar with a wild free-kick and Nikola Krstovic headed over, but Wales had chances too as Burns and Neco Williams went close.
For Bellamy and his players, this was a pleasing riposte to Friday's second-half collapse and a result which sets them up for a tilt at top spot in Group B4 when they visit leaders Turkey and host Iceland in their final matches in November.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 9 |
| |
| 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 3 |
| |
| 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 10 |
| |
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 4 | Israel | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 13 | -9 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| |
| 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 5 |
| |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 1 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 10 |
| |
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 10 |
| |
| 3 | Estonia | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 3 |
|
| 4 | Azerbaijan | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 11 | -8 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 9 |
| |
| 2 | Kosovo | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
|
| 3 | Cyprus | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 3 |
|
| 4 | Lithuania | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belarus | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
|
| 2 | Bulgaria | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
|
| 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 4 | Luxembourg | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 1 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 10 |
| |
| 2 | Armenia | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 4 |
|
| 3 | Latvia | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 4 |
|
| 4 | Faroe Islands | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 3 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gibraltar | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
|
| 2 | San Marino | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
|
| 3 | Liechtenstein | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 2 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moldova | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
|
| 2 | Malta | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
|
| 3 | Andorra | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| |
| 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 6 |
| |
| 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 12 |
| |
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 7 | -5 | 3 |
| |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| |
| 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
| |
| 4 | Kazakhstan | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 8 | -8 | 1 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 10 |
| |
| 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| |
| 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 4 | Montenegro | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 0 |
|
Manager: Craig Bellamy
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Robert Prosinecki
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Craig Bellamy
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Robert Prosinecki
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
UEFA Nations League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Wales have won both of their two most recent meetings with Montenegro, including in the reverse fixture last month (2-1) – this after the Dragons had lost their first two matches against the Brave Falcons.
Montenegro have only ever previously faced Wales once away from home, a match which ended in a 2-1 loss during UEFA European Championship qualifying in September 2011.
In the reverse fixture Wales were 2-0 up after just 2 minutes and 27 seconds, the first time they had scored twice in the opening three minutes of any international since April 1961 against Northern Ireland.
Wales have won just one of their last nine UEFA Nations League matches (D3 L5), though it was in the reverse fixture against Montenegro last month.
Montenegro have lost each of their last five matches in all competitions, their longest ever losing run in their young history.
Wales’ last two home games in all competitions have finished 0-0 – they’ve not failed to score in three consecutive home matches since September 2012, while they’ve never had three consecutive home goalless draws.
Wales are unbeaten in all three of their games under Craig Bellamy so far (W1 D2) – no Wales manager has gone without defeat in his first four matches in charge before.
Harry Wilson has been involved in seven goals in his last eight appearances for Wales in all competitions (4 goals, 3 assists), scoring in his last two. He’s never found the net in three consecutive games for the national side.
