00:00Wales manager Craig Bellamy has admitted that his side's hope of automatic qualification
00:06for the 2026 World Cup are likely over following a dramatic 4-2 defeat to Belgium at Cardiff
00:12City Stadium.
00:15The result leaves Wales needing Belgium to drop points in their remaining fixtures against
00:20Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein just to have any chance of topping Group J, a scenario
00:26Bellamy described as slim.
00:28Wales struck early for a Joe Rodham header, giving them hope of taking control, however
00:32Belgium quickly turned the game in their favour.
00:36Kevin De Bruyne converted two penalties and Thomas Munier added a goal, establishing a
00:413-1 lead.
00:43Nathan Broadhead's late strike briefly reignited the Welsh challenge but Leandro Trossard sealed
00:48the win deep into stoppage time, confirming Belgium's dominance.
00:54Despite the defeat, Bellamy defended his high-intensity attacking approach.
00:58Bellamy acknowledged that it left Wales exposed defensively, particularly in transitions,
01:03with Belgium's Jeremy Doku exploiting space on the flanks.
01:07We knew there'd be some difficult transitional moments.
01:10The quality of players they have do not miss the final pass, Bellamy explained.
01:15Bellamy's philosophy remains clear, pressing high and maintaining possession is the best
01:21way to compete against elite opposition.
01:23We came here to win, a draw wasn't going to get us first spot.
01:29We created a lot of chances and we felt that this was the way of beating this team.
01:35Looking ahead, Wales still have two remaining fixtures in Group J and a away match in Lichtenstein
01:41on November 15th and a home clash against North Macedonia three days later.
01:46While automatic qualification now looks unlikely, Bellamy insists there is value in exposing his squad
01:52to high-level competition and continuing to implement his high-pressure attacking style.
01:58With the more direct route closed, Wales appear destined to navigate the play-off route if they
02:04are to secure a spot at next summer's tournament.
02:06Bellamy is determined to see his philosophy tested and redefined against the very best.
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