Wales v Iceland LIVE: Nations League updates as Wales win automatic promotion
Wales 4-1 Iceland: A superb second-half performance secures promotion for Bellamy’s side
Wales beat Iceland 4-1 in Cardiff on Tuesday night to finish top of Nations League Group B4 and gain automatic promotion.
The hosts started slowly and went behind early on after Andri Gudjohnsen turned in the rebound from Oskarsson’s header.
But Craig Bellamy’s side eventually settled and managed to fight back, with Brennan Johnson’s cross the catalyst as it was turned in by the head of Liam Cullen at the far post.
From there, Wales were in the ascendancy, and despite riding their luck at times, the dominance paid off as a lightning-quick counter was finished off by Cullen, who tapped in after Dan James’ shot was saved.
The second half started positively for the home side, and though both sides created chances, it was Wales who struck again after Johnson finished off another quick counter.
Soon after, news broke that Turkey were 3-1 down to Montenegro, and it only got better from there, with Harry Wilson latching onto a loose ball and rifling a long-range effort in to seal a memorable night in the capital.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, news and reaction below:
GOAL! Wales 0-1 Iceland
7 mins
GOAL! The visitors are ahead!
It comes from a nice bit of attacking play too, as Gudmundsson swings in a great ball and Oskarsson powers a header too close to Ward, who saves well. From the rebound, it bounces out to Gudjohnsen, who hits a lot shot on the swivel that goes through Ward’s legs!
Wales 0-0 Iceland
6 mins
Half a chance as Oskarsson brings down the long ball well and squares it off to Johannesson, whose high shot is tipped over by Ward. Wales manage to clear the corner, but Iceland stay in possession.
It’s a good press from Wales though, forcing the visitors all the way back to the ‘keeper before winning it back from the long ball.
Wales 0-0 Iceland
4 mins
It’ll be Iceland with the first chance to swing in a free-kick after Williams fouls Þorsteinsson. Guðmundsson delivers, but Rodon does well to head away and Wilson wins a free-kick.
Wales 0-0 Iceland
2 mins
All Wales in the opening stages, which is no surprise.
Iceland’s first brief spell of possession does bring a couple of nice one-touch combinations, though nothing comes of it.
KICK-OFF! Wales 0-0 Iceland
The away side get us underway in Cardiff!
Wales v Iceland LIVE
The two sides have emerged from the tunnel at the Cardiff City Stadium, so the anthems will be underway soon.
We’re five minutes from kick-off in the Welsh capital!
Form guide
As mentioned previously, Wales are yet to lose a match under Craig Bellamy, winning two and drawing three since he took over ahead of the Nations League resuming.
Both wins came against Montenegro, with Wales drawing both matches against Turkey and giving up a two-goal lead to Iceland in the reverse fixture in Reykjavik.
Iceland have won two, drawn one and lost two across their last five matches. As well as that draw against Wales, they beat Montenegro twice but were soundly beaten home and away by Turkey – 4-2 at home and 3-1 in Izmir.
Match facts
Iceland won 2-0 against Montenegro last time out and will be looking to win back-to-back competitive away matches for the first time since September 2015.
Orri Oskarsson has scored three goals in four starts for Iceland in the Nations League. He could become the first player to score in three consecutive appearances for Iceland in the Nations League.
Is Wales v Iceland on TV?
With around 20 minutes to go until kick-off, here’s a reminder of how you can watch tonight’s match.
When is Wales vs Iceland?
The match takes place on Tuesday 19 November with kick-off set for 7.45pm GMT at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Where can I watch the match?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on S4C, with coverage starting at 7.20pm. The match can also be streamed online via BBC iPlayer.
Match facts
Wales are unbeaten in their five matches under Craig Bellamy, and this is the longest unbeaten run to begin a managerial stint of any Wales boss.
The Welsh have gone 314 minutes without conceding a goal at home, and they could keep four consecutive clean sheets in competitive home fixtures for the first time since September 2016, when they kept four.
Neco Williams is one of only three players to have played every minute for Wales under Craig Bellamy so far (450), along with Joe Rodon and Ben Davies.
Williams has assisted two goals in his past four international appearances (as many as in his first 39 games for Wales combined), while Harry Wilson has been directly involved in more goals than any other Wales player in the Nations League (seven), as well as being their top scorer in the competition (five goals, two assists).
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