It’s been a baptism of fire so far for Wales as they dine at the top table in the Nations League.
Craig Bellamy’s men have suffered back-to-back defeats to Portugal and Denmark and are yet to score in what is their first taste of life in League A. Another stern test awaits them on Thursday night as they welcome World Cup quarter-finalists Norway to the Cardiff City Stadium.
Undoubtedly, lots of attention will be on Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland. The Manchester City man already has three goals in his first two games and will be out for more against Wales.
Bellamy, speaking in the build-up to the game, knows his side will have to be at their very best to nullify the centre-forward.
“The guy’s a machine. Have you seen his record at international level?” said Bellamy.
“He just wants to score. If you love football, you have to appreciate him. He’s world-class. It’s very rare you have a player who’s this size and has this mobility. You know when you see certain moments in sporting careers or certain sports.
“You remember the Jonah Lomu factor? We’re coming through the Haaland factor at this present moment. Now we will adapt. The game will adapt. It’s how we’re able to combat that’s going to be another challenge as well, but an exciting challenge.”
Of course, Norway have more to their game than simply having one of the world’s best strikers at their disposal. That was evident in the summer as Stale Solbakken’s side came narrowly close to shocking England in the last-eight of the World Cup.
“For us, this [Norway game] is another one, the intensity, top players, real speed,” Bellamy adds.
“It’s what group A is, up and down all the group As. When we were in the pot, we were in pot four and we thought, ‘where do you want to be?’ They’re all brilliant, but we’ve earned the right to be here.”
“They get to the quarter-finals in the World Cup and you’re really on a surge at the present moment. This is a real surge now and I don’t think it’s going away.”
David Brooks is set to miss out for Wales, who welcome Denmark to Cardiff on Sunday in their final game of this extended international break.
