Wales 0-1 Canada: Wales succumb to second defeat under Bellamy | OneFootball

After a win against Kazakhstan on Thursday, Wales fell to defeat in a friendly against Canada, with a first half goal from Derek Cornelius enough to give the visitors the victory in Swansea.

The result marks only the second defeat for Wales under Craig Bellamy since his appointment in July 2024.

As it happened

Wales came into the match with a string of changes after their match against Kazakhstan last week. Wales manager Craig Bellamy kept just three players in the starting line-up for the match against Canada.

As co-hosts, Canada already have their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup secured. Their squad boasted Juventus striker Jonathan David in their line-up, but they had only won once against Wales before this meeting.

Immediately both teams looked strong, though Canada had a better competitive edge. Playing at home certainly had its advantages for this Wales squad. They looked confident and were able to keep up with an aggressive Canadian attack. Canada also showed confidence, their attacking line-up wasted no time in challenging Welsh goalkeeper Adam Davies.

Canada’s greater experience was evident in how they played. They were able to attack quickly and efficiently, Ismaël Koné almost put Canada ahead just 10 minutes into the match, hitting the edge of the goalpost.

Despite starting strong, Wales looked muddled. They lacked cohesion and there was a lack of communication between players which disrupted their chances of success. An early chance from Dan James was struck away by Canada’s goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. James’ strike towards the goal was a valiant effort but displayed a lack of confidence in the squad as a whole. Wales need to grow in confidence against more successful teams in order to disrupt qualifying next month.

An aggressive style of play was the centre of the first half for both teams. Wales gained three yellow cards and Canada gained three also, one for manager Jesse Marsch who was appealing for a review against Wales’ defensive tactics.

A spectacular free-kick from Canada’s Cornelius put them ahead in the 41st minute. The Marseille man struck the ball over the Welsh wall into the top corner, leaving Wales disgruntled at the end of the first half.

The start of the second half was strong again for Canada. Wales’ frustration at being one goal down was evident in their performance. Canada was able to weave through their defense multiple times, but failed to grow their lead.

Wales reappeared frustrated at the beginning of the second half  but were able to capitalize on Canada’s mistakes, achieving a close shot at a goal but Canada’s Luc de Fougerolles blocked it, compounding Wales’ misery.

Throughout the match, Wales dominated possession earning 55%. However, their ability to turn possession into goals was their downfall. Canada’s defence was strong and they were able to respond quickly to any Welsh chances.

Wales reawakened in the final third of the match, making more chances to score but ultimately failing to transfer these opportunities into goals. Ultimately, Wales needed to gain composure. Each chance they had near the goal was fumbled due to a lack of communication and they looked panicked when they had goal opportunities, something Bellamy needs to address quickly ahead of their remaining qualifying matches next month.

The lineups

WAL: A. Davies; Kpakio, Cubango, B. Davies, Williams, Sheehan, J. James, Crew, D. James, Wilson, Brooks; Harris.

CAN: St Clair; Sigur, de Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea, Buchanon, Kone, Saliba, Ahmed, David; Oluwasaya.