‘Close to perfect’ – Bellamy revels in Wales masterclass

Some sportspeople can be consumed by the desire for perfection. They are logically aware that the goal is not actually achievable, but the work will eventually lead to new heights.

Craig Bellamy is one of those people. He doubts whether anything can be perfect, but he witnessed his Wales team defeat North Macedonia 7-1 on Tuesday night.

The outcome was one thing: Wales needed to finish second in their group to advance to their play-off semi-final in March.

A dizzying mix of expressive, ultra-attacking football played at a rapid pace, combined with a raw physical intensity off the ball that overpowered their opponents, made up the performance.

Before entering Cardiff City Stadium, North Macedonia had only conceded three goals in its seven qualifying games. Before leaving the Welsh capital humiliated, they doubled that number in 19 first-half minutes.

Bellamy said, “I haven’t come across anyone who is perfect.

“But I might as well take some of that because that performance came as close as I could have expected.” Wow, that was incredible.

The ball’s use and timing were both important. We had three [number] 10s when we didn’t play with a forward. However, they were also connected to it when you dragged someone out and someone ran.

A North Macedonian side who had not conceded a single goal away from home during this campaign and who only needed a draw to maintain second place on the evening was supposed to make Wales sweat.

Instead, Wales’ victory at Cardiff City Stadium created a carnival atmosphere, leaving fans at ease.

Bellamy’s team has been relentlessly pressing out of possession and moving forward with ease with this performance, which was the culmination of all that Bellamy has tried to instill in them since he took over last year.

Bellamy’s vision for Wales was realized in this way.

“North Macedonia will feel this one tonight, but they’ve been fantastic in the group,” Bellamy said.

The Welsh team’s victory on Tuesday will serve as a warning to their potential play-off rivals in addition to crushing North Macedonia.

When the draw is held in Zurich on Thursday, Wales will face one of the top three teams, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, or Republic of Ireland, in their play-final semi-final.

The final, which will take place over one leg like the semi-final, will be decided during the same draw.

Wales have won three of their World Cup and European Championship play-off semi-finals and finals in Cardiff since this format was introduced.

The most significant event of Bellamy’s tenure will be what they anticipate will be two more games in March.

His players showed how ready they are to rise to the occasion against North Macedonia.

It’s very important for us when we play at home. In response to his side’s display, Bellamy declared, “Tonight was as close to perfect as I could have asked for.”

“But you have to be wary of these teams, because we are in a pot two,” he said. The teams in the third round will be similar to what we faced tonight.