Wales misplaced at residence for the primary time underneath Craig Bellamy as Canada claimed a 1-0 pleasant victory in Swansea.
Latest Rangers signing Derek Cornelius planted a free-kick from 25 yards previous residence goalkeeper Adam Davies simply earlier than the interval and Canada had been effectively definitely worth the win.
In actuality, it was something however a pleasant as English referee Robert Jones brandished eight yellow playing cards, with each side responsible of overstepping the mark at instances.
Bellamy had entered the competition with a successful report of 54.5 per cent – the most effective share of any everlasting Welsh supervisor – from his 11 video games in cost.
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Craig Bellamy stated he ‘hates losing more than he likes winning’ after he suffered his first defeat as Wales supervisor
The one loss had are available in a World Cup tie in Belgium, however Wales might rely themselves lucky to not endure a heavier defeat as Canada hit the woodwork twice and spurned a number of different scoring alternatives.
This was Wales’ first go to to Swansea since a Covid contest in 2020, and the primary in entrance of a crowd for 12 years, and Bellamy made wholesale adjustments after their marathon 7,000-mile spherical journey to Kazakhstan on Thursday.
Kieffer Moore’s winner had saved alive Welsh hopes of ending prime of their World Cup qualifying group, however the Wrexham striker was amongst eight gamers stood down as skipper Ben Davies, Neco Williams and Harry Wilson remained.
Craig Bellamy’s facet beat Kazakhstan final week
Cardiff right-back Ronan Kpakio made his debut and Leeds midfielder Charlie Crew his first begin, two youngsters aged 18 and 19 respectively.
Bellamy selected Canada – three spots above Thirty first-placed Wales within the FIFA rankings – as pleasant opposition given his admiration for the 2026 World Cup co-hosts and the “tough test” he needed. He actually received his want.
It was the fourth assembly between the 2 nations with Wales main 2-1, and Canucks supervisor Jesse Marsch’s first sport on British soil since his departure from Leeds in February 2023.
Juventus striker Jonathan David was the star identify within the Canada line-up.
Kpakio was spared an inauspicious starting as Richie Laryea tumbled underneath his third-minute problem.
Jones appeared to really feel that Laryea caught his studs within the turf, however Kpakio breathed an enormous sigh of reduction as play was waved on.
David Brooks failed to attach with Mark Harris’ cross in entrance of aim and Daniel James noticed his effort pushed out by goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.
However Canada menaced with each assault, Ismael Kone hanging the within of a put up from David’s cute backheel and Tajon Buchanan and Laryea betrayed by an absence of composure.
It was solely Wales’ third defeat since June 19 2023
An open begin gave technique to a fractious affair with Jones brandishing six yellow playing cards inside 36 minutes, together with one for an exasperated Marsch.
Canada continued to knock on the door as Luc De Fougerolles’ flicked a volley on to the crossbar, and it lastly opened after 41 minutes by means of Cornelius’ fabulous free-kick.
It was a extra even contest after the break as De Fougerolles headed Harris’ overhead kick off the goal-line and Crew directed a Wilson nook straight at St Clair.
Wales survived when Tani Oluwaseyi pounced on Ben Cabango’s mistake and blazed over.
Late bookings for substitutes Rhys Norrington-Davies and Jayden Nelson took the warning rely to eight, as Harris wasted a late alternative to present Wales a share of the spoils.
