Craig Bellamy, the former Welsh footballer, is set to return to the international stage, but this time as the manager of the Wales national team. As he prepares to take on this new role, it’s worth looking back at some of the key moments from his playing career for Wales.
One of Bellamy’s early breakthrough moments came in October 1998, when he scored his first international goal against Denmark. This goal not only marked his arrival on the big stage but also saved the job of manager Bobby Gould. Bellamy later reflected on this moment in his autobiography, recalling how Dean Saunders told him, “You do realize you’ve just saved this guy’s job?” It was a pivotal moment for Bellamy, who went on to have a successful international career.
Another memorable moment for Bellamy came in October 2002, when Wales defeated Italy 2-1. Bellamy played a crucial role in the victory, scoring a goal he considers one of his best. What made the win even more special was the manner in which Wales played. Bellamy recalls Italy manager Giovanni Trapattoni admitting that his team was lucky to only lose 2-1. It was a moment of pure football and pure joy for Bellamy and the Welsh team.
However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Bellamy during his international career. In October 2006, he was named captain for the first time in a match against Slovakia. Despite his best efforts, Wales suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat. Bellamy faced criticism from the media leading up to the match, but he remained focused on proving himself to his manager, teammates, and family. It was a low point for Bellamy, who hoped it wouldn’t be a return to the bad old days for Welsh football.
One of Bellamy’s most impressive individual performances came in September 2007 against Slovakia. Just days after a health scare involving his daughter, Bellamy played with a newfound freedom and scored two goals in a 5-2 victory. His performance drew praise from manager John Toshack, who described it as scintillating and unbelievable. It was a memorable night for Bellamy and the Welsh team, marking their biggest competitive away victory in over a decade.
In March 2013, Bellamy faced a difficult decision after the death of his friend and former teammate Gary Speed. Many wondered if he would continue playing for Wales, given the impact Speed’s passing had on him. After taking some time off, Bellamy returned under Chris Coleman with the goal of helping a young team reach their potential. Although he wasn’t as sharp or effective as he once was, Bellamy played a significant role in a comeback victory against Scotland, which laid the foundations for future qualification success. Bellamy expressed his pride in the team’s performance and saw a bright future for Welsh football.
Now, as Bellamy transitions from player to manager, his Wales story continues. He will have the opportunity to lead the team to major finals, something that eluded him during his playing career. With his experience and passion for the game, Bellamy has the potential to make a significant impact as the new manager of the Wales national team.