Wales qualification dream ‘not all over if it doesn’t happen’ says Bellamy ahead of huge clash with Belgium

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy insists that their dream of qualifying for next summer’s FIFA World Cup won’t end regardless of Monday night’s result against Belgium.

“This is exactly the opportunity you want,” said Bellamy ahead of the clash at the Cardiff City Stadium. “But at the same time, it’s not all over if it doesn’t happen. We adapt, we go again.”

“I’m prepared if we win, I’m prepared if we draw, I’m prepared if we lose, I’m consistent in what I like to do.”

he added, “I’m a little bit different, I quite like losing sometimes. It pushes me, it makes me see things more clearly.

I’m prepared for whatever happens, and I always am, because one thing that’s true about me is consistency.”

Despite Bellamy’s insistence that the campaign won’t hinge on a single result, there’s no escaping the importance of the fixture.

North Macedonia’s 0-0 draw with Belgium on Friday has left qualification firmly in Welsh hands in a group the 46-year-old called a now three horse race.

Whether they like it or not, there is pressure and expectation on both sides to secure victory in South Wales, with a place at the World Cup on the line. Yet Bellamy wants both his players and the Red Wall to savour the moment.

“Expect the unexpected, because anything can happen,” he said. “The great thing about this group is that we have three games left, if we win all three, we finish top.

“This is exactly where we wanted to be. You just have to embrace it and enjoy it. Tomorrow night we’re at home, in front of a full stadium, enjoy every second of it.”

Ben Davies focused on keeping World Cup dream alive ahead of special milestone for Wales

Wales defender Ben Davies is set to reach a special milestone in his career on Monday night, becoming only the fourth men’s senior international to earn 100 caps for his country if he features in the crucial clash against Belgium.

Davies made his debut in 2012 during a 2-1 home win over Scotland, a match remembered for centurion Gareth Bale’s trademark long-range winner.

Now, 13 years later, the Tottenham Hotspur defender is poised to captain his nation in what has become a must-win fixture for Wales.

“Obviously its a special moment and its something I’ve dreamt about but the reality is there is a big game ahead of us and hopefully we can get the win firstly and celebrate after,” said the 32-year-old defender.

“I would have been happy if I’d have picked up one cap for Wales as a kid so to reach something like this is an incredible moment for me and my family but at the same time theres a job to be done.

“We wear the shirt for a reason, we want to try and qualify for major tournaments and push as far as we can as a country, so first and foremost its result on the pitch hopefully keep that dream alive then we can celebrate.”

Many of those appearances in the red shirt have seen Davies face Monday’s opponents, and he believes the current squad can take confidence from their previous encounters with Belgium.

“They’re probably one of those teams we’ve always looked up to as the best team in our group and we know it’s always a tough challenge, but the fact we’ve always been competitive with them it gives us hope going into every game.”