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Wales v Iceland LIVE: Nations League updates as Cullen brace gives hosts the lead at half-time

Craig Bellamy’s side need to avoid defeat in their final match to secure a promotion play-off in March

Chris Wilson
Tuesday 19 November 2024 20:52 GMT
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(Getty Images)

Wales host Iceland in Cardiff tonight in the final match of their group campaign in Nations League group B4, with Craig Bellamy’s side needing just one point to stay in with a shout of promotion.

The home side drew 0-0 against Turkey last week to keep themselves second in the group, two points ahead of Iceland, and they are in the hunt for automatic promotion if they win and Turkey slip up against Montenegro.

However, second place is a more realistic hope for Bellamy’s men, and that result would put them into a promotion play-off in March.

But first, they have to get past an Iceland side that they drew 2-2 with in Reykjavik last month, with the visitors hunting three points that would force the Welsh into a relegation play-off come March.

We’ll have all the latest build-up, news and reaction below:

Wales 2-1 Iceland

47 mins

Wales certainly look the more confident of the two sides as the second half begins, though again they’re just lacking that little bit of quality.

They almost work a great free-kick too, but Wilson’s pass is just overhit.

Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:52

KICK-OFF! Wales 2-1 Iceland

The hosts get us underway again in Cardiff.

Iceland have made a change, with Gudmundsson coming off for Þórðarson.

Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:49

HALF-TIME! Wales 2-1 Iceland

Both teams are coming back onto the pitch, so we’ll be back in action soon.

Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:48

HALF-TIME! Wales 2-1 Iceland

It’s been an entertaining half for the neutral, with Iceland dominating at first but Wales fighting back with two great goals from Liam Cullen.

The hosts were in the ascendancy towards the end of the half and they were rewarded with what could be a vital goal, though the question is whether they can maintain their momentum.

Remember, if the scores stay the same, Wales will be promoted and avoid the play-off in March!

Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:46

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:43

HALF-TIME! Wales 2-1 Iceland

47 mins

That’s pretty much the last kick of the half, as the referee brings the first 45 minutes to an end! Wales lead in the capital.

Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:37

GOAL! Wales 2-1 Iceland

47 mins

GOAL!

A great counter-attacking goal for the hosts!

Wilson slides in to intercept near halfway and Wales are away, with a man more too. Harris carries and slides in a great pass to James, whose shot is saved well, but it bounces into the path of Cullen, who simply has to tap into an open net!

(Getty Images)
Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:35

Wales 1-1 Iceland

45 mins

Montenegro have gone 2-1 up against Turkey, so if Wales can get a win here, they could get promoted tonight (if it stays that way in the other game too).

The home side are offering more in attack now, with Johnson beating his man before laying it off to Wilson, who skips past a challenge and drives a shot right at Valdimarsson.

Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:33

Wales 1-1 Iceland

43 mins

Dan James does well to latch onto a loose ball near the byline, but his cross is too high and it’s dealt with easily.

Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:31

Wales 1-1 Iceland

40 mins

It just hasn’t clicked down the left flank for Wales yet, though they’re trying to get Dan James more involved.

Iceland mount another promising attack though, with thorsteinsson clipping in a great cross that’s headed down by Jóhannesson. It’s right into the path of Gudjohnsen, but once again he scuffs his effort wide on the half-volley.

At the other end, Wales break and there’s a four-v-three. It’s laid off to Johnson, who can only direct his effort too close to the ‘keeper.

Chris Wilson19 November 2024 20:29

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