Montenegro Vs Wales

Wales will be eager to build on the momentum from their draw against Turkey as they resume their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign with a crucial fixture against Montenegro on Monday night. The Dragons, under the fresh leadership of Craig Bellamy, managed to secure a hard-fought point in a goalless draw with Turkey last time out. Meanwhile, Montenegro is coming off a disappointing start to their Group 4, League B campaign, having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Iceland. Both sides will be aiming for three points to strengthen their positions in this competitive group.

Match Preview: High Stakes for Both Sides

Montenegro, managed by the experienced Robert Prosinecki, had a commendable Euro 2024 qualification run but ultimately fell short, finishing third in Group G. Their campaign saw them trailing behind Hungary and Serbia, narrowly missing out on the chance to compete in the finals. This shortfall has undoubtedly put more pressure on their Nations League campaign, as they aim to bounce back and show their worth on the international stage.

Prosinecki's men had hoped to kick off their Nations League challenge with a victory against Iceland, but the 2-0 loss has placed them in a difficult position right from the start. The defeat means Montenegro is now on a concerning run of three consecutive losses, following previous defeats in friendlies against Belgium and Georgia. Their last win came back in March when they secured a 1-0 victory over North Macedonia, and since then, they have struggled to find form. As they head into Monday's clash with Wales, the pressure to deliver a positive result is immense, particularly as their previous Nations League outing did not go as planned.

Montenegro's history in the Nations League has been a mixed bag. They started their journey in League C for the first two editions of the competition before being promoted to League B in the 2022-23 campaign. In that season, they finished third in Group 3, behind Bosnia & Herzegovina and Finland, which demonstrated their ability to compete at a higher level but also highlighted their limitations. Now, with three defeats in their last three matches, they need to turn things around quickly to avoid further setbacks in their pursuit of a strong Nations League showing.

In terms of their record against Wales, Montenegro has some positive history to draw on. The two nations have faced each other three times, with Montenegro winning the first two encounters. However, their last meeting, in September 2011, saw Wales emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Montenegro will be hoping to draw inspiration from their earlier successes and give their fans something to cheer about on Monday night.

Wales: A New Era Under Craig Bellamy

Wales, like their opponents, experienced a difficult Euro 2024 qualification campaign, and their failure to qualify for the tournament was particularly painful. They suffered a heartbreaking exit after losing on penalties to Poland in their playoff match. This disappointment was compounded by their form in the June friendlies, where they were held to a draw by Gibraltar and suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of Slovakia. These results raised concerns about the team's form heading into the Nations League, but their recent draw against Turkey suggests they are capable of competing at a high level.

The goalless draw against Turkey, which took place last Friday, marked a new chapter for Welsh football as it was Bellamy's first game in charge of the national team. Bellamy, a former Welsh international with a fiery reputation as a player, will be eager to make his mark as a manager. The result was a positive start for his tenure, especially considering Turkey's strength and the talent within their squad. The draw earned Wales their first point in Group 4, League B, and Bellamy will now be keen to build on that foundation by securing his first win as head coach.

Wales' recent history in the Nations League has seen both highs and lows. In the 2022-23 edition, they competed in League A after earning promotion in the 2020-21 campaign. However, their time in the top tier of the competition was challenging, as they struggled in a tough group that included the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland. The Dragons only managed to collect one point from their six matches, which resulted in relegation back to League B. Despite this setback, Wales will fancy their chances of making a real impact in this group, especially if they can rediscover their attacking form.

One area of concern for Bellamy and his coaching staff will be Wales' lack of goals in recent matches. The Dragons have failed to find the back of the net in their last four games, a run that includes their goalless draw against Turkey, the June friendlies, and their playoff defeat to Poland. While their defensive resilience was on display in the Turkey match, they will need to sharpen up in attack if they are to secure a victory against Montenegro. Players like Ethan Ampadu and Aaron Ramsey will be key to their hopes of breaking their scoring drought and claiming a vital win in Niksic.

Montenegro's Recent Struggles and Key Players

Montenegro has faced a challenging period recently, with three consecutive defeats in all competitions. Their loss to Iceland in the opening match of their Nations League campaign was particularly damaging, as they were hoping to kick off the tournament on a positive note. The 2-0 defeat highlighted some of the defensive frailties that have plagued the team in recent matches, and they will need to tighten up at the back if they are to get a result against Wales.

Montenegro's recent form in friendlies has not been much better. They suffered a 3-0 defeat to Belgium and a 2-1 loss to Georgia in their two warm-up matches before the Nations League. These results have put additional pressure on Prosinecki and his players, who will be desperate to end their losing streak and get their campaign back on track.

One player who will be crucial to Montenegro's hopes is Stefan Savić, the experienced centre-back who plays his club football for Atletico Madrid. Savić is a key leader for Montenegro and will need to marshal the defence effectively if they are to keep Wales at bay. In attack, the team will be looking to players like Stefan Jovetić, who has the ability to change the course of a game with his creativity and finishing.

Wales' Key Players and Tactics

Wales, on the other hand, will be relying on a mix of experienced heads and exciting young talents as they look to secure their first win under Bellamy's management. One of the standout players in the squad is Ethan Ampadu, who has become a key figure in the heart of the Welsh defence. Ampadu's versatility and composure on the ball make him an important player for Bellamy's system, and his leadership at the back will be crucial in this match.

In midfield, Aaron Ramsey remains a pivotal player for Wales. Although he is now in the latter stages of his career, Ramsey's ability to dictate play and make late runs into the box still makes him a potent attacking threat. His partnership with Joe Morrell in midfield will be vital to controlling the tempo of the game and providing service to the forwards.

Up front, Wales will be looking to Kieffer Moore to provide a focal point in attack. The towering striker has been a consistent performer for the national team and will be hoping to end the team's recent goal drought with a strong performance against Montenegro. Moore's physicality and aerial presence could cause problems for the Montenegro defence, particularly from set-pieces.

The Importance of a Result

Both teams will be aware of the significance of this match in the context of their Nations League campaigns. Montenegro, having already lost their opening game, cannot afford another defeat if they want to remain competitive in Group 4. A positive result would not only boost their confidence but also keep them in the running for a top-two finish in the group.

For Wales, a win would represent a significant step forward in their Nations League campaign and provide a confidence boost after a difficult year. Bellamy will be keen to instil a winning mentality in his squad, and securing three points in Niksic would be the perfect way to do that. Moreover, with the team having failed to score in their last four matches, a victory would help restore faith in their attacking capabilities.

Conclusion

As both Montenegro and Wales prepare for Monday night's crucial UEFA Nations League clash, the stakes are high for both teams. Montenegro is desperate to end their losing streak and get their campaign back on track, while Wales is aiming to build on their solid start under Craig Bellamy. With both teams hungry for a win, the match promises to be a fiercely contested battle, with little to separate the sides.