Wales produced a major result in Craig Bellamy’s tenure as they came from behind to beat 10-man Norway 2-1 in the Nations League at Cardiff City Stadium.
The victory ended Wales’ six-match winless run and gave them their first Nations League A victory. It was also their first win over a higher-ranked opponent since Bellamy became manager in 2024.
Norway took an early lead through Oscar Bobb, who finished after combining with captain Martin Odegaard. Bobb initially fed Odegaard before making a run behind the Welsh defence to receive the return pass. The Fulham winger then poked the ball past goalkeeper Danny Ward and into the near corner.
Wales responded strongly despite falling behind and eventually found an equaliser seven minutes before half-time. Liam Cullen intercepted a pass from Fredrik Aursnes before Lewis Koumas moved the ball wide to Sorba Thomas. Thomas delivered the cross for Dan James, who swept his finish into the net for his 11th international goal.
Norway’s task became more difficult immediately after the restart when defender Torbjorn Heggem was sent off. The centre-back had failed to deal with a long ball from Ben Davies before grabbing James around the edge of the penalty area and bringing him down. Wales made the numerical advantage count from the resulting free-kick. Neco Williams stepped up and produced a clever effort that deceived Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and curled inside the right-hand post.
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The goal gave Wales a 2-1 lead and increased the pressure on Norway as they attempted to recover with 10 men. Wales had opportunities to extend their advantage, with substitutes Josh Sheehan and Mark Harris both denied by Nyland.
Norway eventually began pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but Wales’ defence held firm. Erling Haaland, who had scored twice in Norway’s previous meeting with Denmark, had to wait until nine minutes from time for a clear opportunity. He rose to meet a Marcus Pedersen cross but headed straight at Ward. Jorgen Strand Larsen then fired over the bar late in the game as Wales survived Norway’s final attempts to level.
