**Craig Bellamy ‘Extremely Proud’ Despite Agonising Wales Defeat Against Belgium**
Wales manager Craig Bellamy has declared himself “beyond proud” of his squad following their dramatic 4-3 loss against Belgium in Brussels, a match which saw the Welsh team recover from a three-goal deficit only to be cruelly denied in the final moments. Despite the heartbreak, Bellamy remains adamant that Wales’ automatic qualification hopes for the next World Cup are very much alive.
The fixture, played in front of a packed Brussels crowd, was Bellamy’s first defeat in 10 matches since taking the reins as Wales boss. The loss also meant Wales relinquished top spot in Group J to North Macedonia, who secured a slender 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan earlier in the day. Belgium, still trailing Wales by three points but with two games in hand, added intrigue to the group ahead of the teams’ rematch in Cardiff this October.
Automatic passage to the World Cup finals—due to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States next summer—is still in reach for Wales, with a play-off position appearing almost certain thanks to their Nations League standing. Bellamy, speaking after the match, emphasised the belief and fight within his side, disputing suggestions from the Belgian media that their route to the World Cup would be “easy”.
“There’s plenty of spirit in this group, and tonight I saw tremendous life in these players,” Bellamy said post-match. “We are not going anywhere—this team is not going away anytime soon. Now it’s time for a period of reflection and rest, but I’m more excited than ever for what lies ahead.”
Belgium raced into a dominant 3-0 lead inside 27 minutes, prompting some Welsh supporters to fear the worst. The scoring began with Romelu Lukaku converting a controversial penalty following a handball call against Brennan Johnson from a Kevin De Bruyne strike. Further goals from Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku seemed to put the contest out of reach.
However, the Welsh response was spirited. Shortly before the interval, Harry Wilson converted a penalty to reduce the arrears, providing a glimmer of hope. The second half saw Sorba Thomas, notching his maiden goal for Wales, and Johnson himself finding the net to improbably draw the visitors level. Yet, with just two minutes remaining, De Bruyne found the winner, delivering a devastating blow to Welsh ambitions on the night.
Reflecting on the performance, Bellamy said: “Losing is never easy, but there are different ways to lose and that matters just as much. This match showed our character, who we are as a team and as individuals. We came here to face one of Europe’s elite sides and we demonstrated our identity on the pitch.”
Throughout his tenure so far, Bellamy has promised to attack and to play with intensity, rather than simply absorbing pressure against high-ranked opposition. His approach was clear in the team’s bold efforts in Brussels. “Results are important, of course, but football, for me, is about more than numbers on a scoresheet. I would rather chase greatness and stumble than shy away from the challenge entirely,” Bellamy offered.
The Welsh manager also underscored that this ambitious philosophy was not simply personal, but reflected the spirit and style he wants to see from his national team. “It wouldn’t be my way or our way to sit back and settle for containment. Our culture is about taking risks and being unafraid on the big stage.”
With the group stage approaching a tense climax, the dramatic encounter in Brussels may yet prove to be a turning point for Wales. Having already demonstrated resilience and togetherness, Bellamy’s men now look ahead to their remaining fixtures with belief sustained—and dreams of World Cup qualification still intact.
Supporters will hope the comeback spirit shown in Belgium can be replicated in the matches to come, as Wales continue their quest for a place at world football’s biggest tournament.