Wales is gearing up for a crucial World Cup qualifying match against North Macedonia on Tuesday, with manager Craig Bellamy emphasizing the significance of securing a home semifinal in the upcoming playoffs. Finishing second in Group J, with Belgium anticipated to top the group against Liechtenstein, offers Wales a vital advantage. However, to obtain this home benefit, Wales must overcome North Macedonia, who currently boast a superior goal difference.
Bellamy expressed the importance of this opportunity during his pre-match press conference, stating, “It’s massive… to finish second and have a home game is huge.” He highlighted the challenges of potentially being among the bottom seeds in the playoff draw, which could set Wales up for a difficult away match against powerhouse nations like Italy.
The Welsh side enters the match after a tense 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein, a team ranked 206th in the world, where they endured the blow of losing midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James to suspensions after receiving their second bookings. Despite these setbacks, Bellamy is embracing the pressure of having pivotal games that could determine their fate, stating, “I like the fact that we’ve got something on this game.”
He acknowledged the defensive capabilities of North Macedonia, noting their penchant for a deep defense and counter-attacking prowess, which makes patience crucial for his team. In a leadership shift, Harry Wilson has been appointed as captain for this match, assuming the role for the first time in his 67 appearances, after injuries and suspensions affected their usual leadership.
Wilson expressed his pride in taking on the captaincy, despite the unfortunate circumstances that led to his elevation. “It’s a big honor for me… I’m one of the senior players now and this is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time,” he stated.
With the stakes high, Wales is poised for an intense battle, holding onto hopes of securing a home playoff advantage that could propel them towards qualifying for the World Cup.