Wales Vs Montenegro

As Wales prepares for their next UEFA Nations League fixture against Montenegro on Monday, they will be looking to secure maximum points after letting a two-goal lead slip in their previous outing. The Welsh team is still very much in the running for promotion from League B Group 4, but their recent stumble shows they need to be sharper to maintain their campaign momentum. Meanwhile, Montenegro, who sit at the bottom of the table, appear to be headed toward relegation and are yet to earn a single point.

Match Preview: Wales vs. Montenegro

Wales, managed by head coach Craig Bellamy, are eager to bounce back after a frustrating 2-2 draw against Iceland in Reykjavik on Friday. Despite going into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson, Wales saw their advantage evaporate in the second half. Iceland mounted an impressive comeback, with substitute Logi Tomasson playing a pivotal role. He not only scored but also forced an own-goal from Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward, all within three minutes of the second half.

The Dragons could have easily lost the match, as Iceland came close to snatching victory by hitting the woodwork twice in the dying moments. However, Bellamy expressed relief that his side managed to extend their unbeaten run, even though they failed to secure the win. The draw brought Wales’ points tally to five in the group, placing them just two points behind Turkey, who currently lead the group at the halfway stage.

A top finish in the group will guarantee promotion to League A, while a second-place finish would secure a playoff berth for Wales. After stepping into the managerial role in September, replacing Rob Page, Bellamy has had a mixed start to his tenure. His first match in charge was a 0-0 draw against Turkey, followed by a 2-1 victory over Montenegro. If Wales can replicate their success against Montenegro in Monday's rematch at the Cardiff City Stadium, they will be in a strong position heading into November’s decisive fixtures.

Wales’ recent history against Montenegro shows that the matchup won’t be an easy one. Of their four previous encounters, Wales have won two and lost two, meaning their record is evenly balanced. Their most recent victory, however, came just five weeks ago in Podgorica, where Wales took control of the game almost immediately by scoring twice within the first two minutes and 27 seconds. That early surge helped the Dragons secure a crucial win on the road. Now, back on home turf, they will be hoping for a repeat performance to bolster their chances of promotion.

Montenegro’s Struggles: A Team in Crisis

Montenegro, under the leadership of manager Robert Prosinecki, is currently in dire straits. The Brave Falcons have yet to pick up a point in the Nations League and are stuck at the bottom of Group 4. Their most recent outing, a 1-0 loss to Turkey in Samsun, only deepened their woes. Despite Turkey’s overwhelming dominance—taking 29 shots and enjoying nearly two-thirds of the possession—Montenegro managed to keep the scoreline respectable, but they ultimately fell short.

Prosinecki’s side now faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation to League C. They are four points adrift of third-placed Iceland, and with only three games left to play, time is running out. Montenegro will finish their campaign with two home fixtures in mid-November, but by then, it may be too late to salvage their position in the group.

This string of poor results marks Montenegro’s worst run since they became an independent football nation 17 years ago. After starting 2024 with back-to-back wins, they have since lost five consecutive matches, leaving them in their most precarious situation in recent memory. Prosinecki will need to find a solution quickly, or the Brave Falcons could face a swift return to League C.

In the 2022-23 Nations League campaign, Montenegro narrowly avoided relegation thanks to goal difference. However, replicating that escape will be a much tougher task this time around. Their lack of points and momentum has left them in a precarious position, and with confidence waning, Prosinecki's job has become increasingly difficult.

Montenegro’s current ranking—45 places below Wales in FIFA's world standings—reflects their struggles on the international stage. Despite this, they have been known to cause upsets against stronger opponents in the past. Although a victory in Cardiff seems unlikely, the team will be aiming to defy the odds once more and at least salvage some pride in the competition.

Wales’ Recent Form and Bellamy’s Impact

Craig Bellamy’s appointment as Wales manager came at a pivotal time for the national team. After Rob Page’s departure, Bellamy took charge with a clear mission: to guide Wales to promotion from League B. His tenure began with a tough test against Turkey, one of the group's strongest teams. In that match, Wales held their own, battling to a goalless draw that provided a solid foundation for their campaign.

Bellamy’s next challenge was a tricky away fixture against Montenegro. Despite the Brave Falcons’ lowly position, they are always a challenging opponent, particularly at home. However, Wales produced a confident display, securing a 2-1 win that showcased the team’s attacking prowess. Early goals in Podgorica set the tone for the match, and although Montenegro threatened to fight back, Wales held on for an important three points.

The recent draw against Iceland was a reminder that Bellamy’s side still has room for improvement. Although Wales dominated the first half, defensive lapses allowed their opponents back into the game. Bellamy acknowledged the need for greater concentration, especially when protecting a lead, but he remained positive about the team’s overall performance.

With five points from three games, Wales are in a strong position as they look to overtake Turkey at the top of the group. Bellamy has emphasized the importance of finishing first, as it guarantees promotion to League A, where Wales would face Europe’s elite teams. Finishing second would still offer a route to the playoffs, but Bellamy is aiming for automatic promotion to continue Wales’ upward trajectory in European football.

Montenegro’s Challenges and Prosinecki’s Struggles

For Montenegro, the current Nations League campaign has been one to forget. After a promising start to 2024, when they won their opening two matches, things have rapidly gone downhill. Prosinecki’s side has now lost five matches in a row, a dismal run that has left them rooted to the bottom of Group 4.

Prosinecki, a former Croatian international who enjoyed a stellar playing career, has been unable to replicate his past successes in management with Montenegro. His tactical approach has come under scrutiny, particularly in recent matches where his side has struggled to create scoring opportunities. The lack of cutting edge up front has been a major issue for Montenegro, and their defensive frailties have also been exposed by stronger opponents.

Friday’s defeat to Turkey was another example of Montenegro’s struggles. Despite managing to limit Turkey to just one goal, the statistics painted a grim picture for the Brave Falcons. They spent much of the match chasing the ball, as Turkey dominated possession and peppered their goal with shots. Montenegro’s inability to retain the ball or mount sustained attacks meant they were always on the back foot.

Prosinecki will be hoping for a change in fortunes against Wales, but the odds are stacked against him. The team’s morale is low, and with relegation looming, it will take a monumental effort to turn things around. Prosinecki has called for his players to show more fight and resilience, but whether they can respond in time remains to be seen.

Key Players and Tactical Battles

For Wales, the key to success will be building on their first-half performances from the previous matches. Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson have both been in excellent form, providing the attacking impetus that Wales needs to break down opposition defenses. Johnson’s pace and creativity, combined with Wilson’s ability to score and assist, make them a formidable duo for Bellamy’s side.

In midfield, Joe Morrell and Aaron Ramsey will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game. Ramsey, in particular, brings a wealth of experience and leadership, qualities that will be essential as Wales looks to secure promotion. Defensively, Wales will need to tighten up, especially after their second-half collapse against Iceland. Danny Ward, despite his unfortunate own-goal, has been a reliable presence in goal, but the defense will need to offer more protection.

For Montenegro, their hopes of causing an upset will likely rest on the shoulders of experienced players like Stefan Savić and Stevan Jovetić. Savić, a stalwart in defense, will need to marshal his backline effectively to prevent Wales from taking an early lead, as they did in Podgorica. Jovetić, Montenegro’s talisman, will be tasked with creating opportunities up front, though he has struggled for form in recent matches.

Prosinecki may opt for a more defensive approach, looking to frustrate Wales and hit them on the counterattack. Montenegro’s best chance of success could come from set-pieces or moments of individual brilliance from Jovetić. However, their recent performances suggest they will need a vast improvement to stand any chance of avoiding another defeat.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Promotion and Relegation

Monday’s match could prove decisive for both teams. For Wales, a victory would put them in prime position to challenge Turkey for the top spot in the group. With a final showdown against Turkey looming in November, Bellamy will be eager to ensure that his team goes into that match with momentum on their side.

For Montenegro, the stakes are equally high. A defeat in Cardiff would leave them staring relegation in the face, with only two home games remaining to save their Nations League status. Prosinecki’s men will need to summon all their determination and resilience if they are to avoid slipping into League C.