World Cup post match : It’s not all bad news in fact with Bellamy it’s all good !
Tuesday, 10th Jun 2025 14:25 by Swansea Independent

In another thriller Wales could be justified in their complaints of VAR imposing itself negatively on the game last night in Brussels. Especially for the most ridiculous handball decision many have seen given to put Belgium ahead in this tie.

It isn’t about match reporting or the thriller that unfolded after Belgium took a 3-0 lead in this Group J qualifier. Or Wales getting their own questionable penalty at the end of the first half. VAR was involved for both penalty decisions and if you hold your hands up neither should have been given. It most certainly had the aura of levelling up the game. At 3-1 there was hope, and it has to be said the two goals that followed for Wales were an example of the character and willingness to run and run for head coach, Craig Bellamy. At 3-3 though you had the feeling Belgium had a little bit more in the tank.

Their quality stood out.

The Belgian goal that was struck off by the officials in the second half when a loud shout could be heard from the Wales staff during the build up was an example of VAR being useful to an extent. The time delays for these decisions was the main issue though. Even when that Belgian goal was disallowed the intent from their top draw midfield was exposing Connor Roberts on the Wales right which Jérémy Doku revelled in.

However as Sky Sports have pointed out - ‘How long, ref ? How 14-minute VAR delays disrupted a classic’ Talking to The Guardian Bellamy’s really did sum up what everyone saw in that first half.

Craig Bellamy wasn’t to be downhearted post match though with his most memorable statement being, “I will have a couple of weeks now of recharging, but I’m beyond proud and really excited about the future” He is right of course the man for man comparison was heavily in the hosts favour last night, and possibly there are one or two question marks for future starting eleven selections for Bellamy ? Wales remain second in Group J but for moments in this game when drawing level they went top. The home ties against North Macedonia (Nov 2025) and Belgium the month before will prove the real test for World Cup qualification. Win those and it’s more than likely some will be booking their trips to the other side of the Atlantic for the finals in 2026. Kazakstan and Liechtenstein away shouldn’t be taken lightly of course. But these are the two fixtures that will determine Wales immediate international World Cup future.

Below, both Swans and Cardiff fans mixed happily together, some having travelling together for years to Wales away.