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    Cymru vs. Norway | 2027 UEFA Nations League – League phase – GrpA4

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        5. BELLAMY ON FIRST LEAGUE A WIN

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the media after the match to reflect on the first win of this UEFA Nations League campaign.

          “It was a good win against good opposition,” said Bellamy. “A first win in League A is good for confidence as well. It’s my first win against an elite side, we played well, we looked aggressive, driving, pushing, it’s what I would like us to be.

          “We had to keep them out of our box, it’s easier said than done and we had to constantly work at it. The leadership skills of Ben (Davies) were key. He’s been so important for us since I came in, he’s my coach on the pitch, and he’s been a credit for our country for a number of years.

          “I haven’t thought about the rest of the group. We don’t have much time before the next game for recovery, we have a lot of players who aren’t here, but we have to get on with it. It’s nice to get the first win, and the younger ones have seen it now. It’s hard to be in League A, we’re playing top opposition.”

        7. DAVIES ON CYMRU REWARD

          Cymru captain Ben Davies spoke to BBC Sport Wales after the match.

          “It’s a very good Norway side that we played, and the tests don’t get any easier in this group,” said Davies. “I think we owed ourselves and our fans after the last two games, and tonight was exactly that.

          “It was just good for our belief more than anything. We’ve shown in the past that we’re more than capable of competing against these teams. We owed that to ourselves. There are top class teams, but we’re giving it our all, and tonight was our reward.”

        11. MATCH SUMMARY

          Goals from Dan James and Neco Williams sealed a memorable 2-1 victory for Cymru against a strong Norwegian side as Craig Bellamy’s side produced a superb attacking performance in front of a passionate home crowd.

          Cymru made five changes to the side that went down 2-0 against Denmark in Copenhagen last weekend as Ben Cabango, Lewis Koumas, Liam Cullen, Jay Dasilva and Jordan James all came into the starting line-up. It felt like the side had a point to prove after a disappointing performance against the Danes.

          Meanwhile, head coach Ståle Solbakken made just two changes to his starting line-up following their defeat against Portugal on Sunday. Captain Martin Ødegaard was a reported doubt due to an ankle injury but started the match, with striker Erling Haaland leading the front line.

          Bellamy’s side went into the match still searching for their first point and first goal of this UEFA Nations League campaign, but it was Norway who would take an early lead after 11 minutes as a through ball from Ødegaard was converted by Oscar Bobb as he made no mistake with only Danny Ward to beat.

          Cymru responded well to the setback with the pace of Koumas, Sorba Thomas, Dan James causing plenty of concern for the Norwegian defence. On 34 minutes, Cullen forced a close-range save from goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland before Ethan Ampadu fired his effort over the bar.

          However, there was a moment of panic in the Cymru defence a minute later as a cross from the right rebounded off Cabango and into the arms of Ward. It was one of the moments that can turn a game, and it didn’t take long for Cymru to capitalise on their large slice of luck.

          Despite that chance, the home side were clearly growing in confidence with the Red Wall showing their appreciation for the opportunities that were being created at the other end of the field. On 38 minutes, Dan James scored a deserved equaliser as he got himself on the end of another excellent ball into the area from Thomas.

          An incredible start to the 2nd half saw Norway reduced to 10-men within seconds of the restart as Torbjørn Heggem brought down Dan James on the edge of the area and was shown a straight red card. Neco Williams took responsibility for the set-piece and converted to give his side the lead on 48 minutes.

          Norway were clearly rattled as Solbakken made immediate changes, but Cymru defended firmly and blocked multiple efforts from distance to hold onto their lead. On 58 minutes, Haaland had his first real chance on goal, but Davies put him under enough pressure so that he could only direct his header over the bar.

          Cymru were dominant and the combination of Thomas and Dan James almost produced a third goal on 68 minutes, but Nyland made a crucial save for his side. Minutes later, Thomas tried his own luck from the edge of the area, but his effort went narrowly wide of Nyland’s post.

          Cullen and substitute Josh Sheehan both tested the Norwegian goalkeeper as Cymru continued their search for a third goal, but Norway’s desperation to level saw them create a number of chances in the final exchanges, with substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen narrowly missing the target with his curling effort before the final whistle.

        12. FULL-TIME VERDICT

          Craig Bellamy’s side not only scored their first goal of this UEFA Nations League campaign but also registered a first-ever League A win as goals from Dan James and Neco Williams defeated Norway 2-1 on a memorable night at the Cardiff City Stadium. Cymru needed a positive performance after a disappointing night in Denmark, and despite going behind early though a goal from Oscar Bobb, they more than deserved this victory with an exceptional attacking display against a side that reached the last eight at the World Cup. Erling Haaland struggled to make an impression on the match as Cymru matched their attacking performance with a well-organised and disciplined defence, and they will relish the opportunity to get back here on Sunday for the return match against Denmark.

        13. 90' + 3'

          Yellow card

          AMPADU Ethan

        14. 90' + 3'

          Yellow card

          AMPADU Ethan

        15. 90' + 3'

          Yellow card

          THOMAS Sorba

        16. 90' + 3'

          Yellow card

          THOMAS Sorba

        17. 90' + 3'

          Yellow card

          Martin Ødegaard

        18. 87'

          Substitute Strand Larsen with the curling effort for Norway but he fails to hit the target.

        19. 86'

          Harris comes off the bench and is the latest Cymru player to test Nyland. Cymru must not rue these opportunities.

        20. 85'

          Substitution

          HARRIS Mark replaces KOUMAS Lewis

        21. 84'

          A crowd of 32,076 here at the Cardiff City Stadium. It’s been a match worth watching.

        22. 77'

          Sheehan with almost the perfect introduction but his shot is saved by Nyland, who is having a busy evening in that Norwegian goal.

        23. 77'

          Substitution

          COLWILL Joel replaces CULLEN Liam Jamie

        24. 76'

          Substitution

          SHEEHAN Joshua Luke replaces JAMES Jordan Anthony

        25. 76'

          Substitution

          JOHNSON Brennan replaces JAMES Daniel Owen

        26. C’mon Cymru!

        27. 75'

          Substitution

          Jørgen Strand Larsen replaces Andreas Schjelderup

        28. 75'

          Cullen forces a great save from Nyland as Cymru continue to push for a third goal.

        29. 75'

          Substitution

          Antonio Nusa replaces David Møller Wolfe

        30. 71'

          A great effort from Thomas on the edge of the Norwegian penalty area but his shot goes narrowly wide.

        31. 70'

          As dominant as Cymru are at the moment you do feel a third goal during this period could be crucial.

        32. 68'

          Once again the combination of Thomas and Dan James proves effective by Nyland makes the save from James to deny Cymru a third goal.

        33. Neco Williams celebrates his excellent free-kick

        34. 60'

          There’s a real swagger about Cymru’s attacking play now. Bellamy will be delighted with the way his side have started this 2nd half.

        36. 58'

          A first chance for Haaland but Davies does enough to force the striker to head over the bar.

        37. 57'

          A brilliant run from Dan James on the right gets the crowd on their feet.

        38. 55'

          A great chance for Koumas as Nyland makes the save but Jordan James was flagged offside in the build-up.

        39. Lewis Koumas has impressed again for Cymru this evening

        40. 50'

          Norway going in desperate search of an equaliser now but Cymru are defending firmly. The Red Wall are really up for this now.

        41. 48'

          GOAL! Williams converts the resulting free-kick with a superb strike. What an incredible couple of minutes for Cymru.

        42. 48'

          Substitution

          Leo Østigård replaces Oscar Bobb

        43. 48'

          Goal

          WILLIAMS Neco

        44. 46'

          Straight from the restart Heggem brings down James on the edge of the area and is shown a red card.

        45. 46'

          Red card

          Torbjørn Heggem

        46. 46'

          Substitution

          Thelo Aasgaard replaces Fredrik Aursnes

        47. 46'

          Norway get things back underway having made their second change of the match. Cymru have their first goal of the campaign, now can they get their first point, or three?

        48. HALF-TIME VERDICT

          Norway took the lead through Oscar Bobb after just 11 minutes but did not have everything their own way despite claiming the early advantage. Cymru responded well to the setback and asked several questions of the Norwegian defence with the pace of Sorba Thomas, Lewis Koumas and Dan James proving particularly effective. Cymru did not allow the visitors to create many clear chances as Erling Haaland cut a frustrated figure in attack, and on 38 minutes the home side scored a deserved equaliser as another teasing cross from Thomas on the left was converted by James. An entertaining contest that has had the crowd on their feet, and there should be a lot more to come in the 2nd half.

        50. 45'

          That equaliser has rattled the Norwegians and Cymru look good value for their goal. A much better performance from Bellamy’s side this evening.

        51. Sorba Thomas has caused problems for Norway on the left

        52. 38'

          GOAL! A great move from Cymru as Koumas supplies Thomas and another teasing cross is converted by James.

        53. 38'

          Goal

          JAMES Daniel Owen

        54. 37'

          Yellow card

          JAMES Jordan Anthony

        55. 35'

          Norway almost double their lead as a cross from right deflects off Cabango and into the grateful arms of Ward.

        56. 34'

          Two decent efforts on goal for Cymru as Cullen’s shot saved is saved by Nyland before Ampadu shoots over the bar.

        57. 32'

          Cymru do look dangerous going forward as both Koumas and Thomas deliver testing crosses from either side of the field.

        58. The pace of Dan James has asked a few questions of the Norwegian defence

        59. 29'

          Davies getting in on the attacking action but is header is comfortably saved by Nyland following a cross from Williams.

        60. 28'

          A good opportunity for Cymru as Thomas’s shot from wide is deflected over for a corner.

        61. 27'

          Haaland is cutting something of a frustrated figure for Norway so far this evening. He hasn’t seen much of the ball, in credit to the Cymru defence.

        62. Liam Cullen earns his 16th Cymru cap this evening

        63. 19'

          It’s been a pretty decent reaction from Cymru after conceding that early goal. Bellamy’s starting line-up has the pace to cause the visitors some concern.

        64. 17'

          An early change for Norway as Ryerson, on his 50th international cap, is replaced by Pedersen.

        65. 17'

          Substitution

          Marcus Pedersen replaces Julian Ryerson

        66. 15'

          Bellamy uses this break in play to call Cullen and Williams over to the touchline.

        67. 13'

          Chance for Cymru but Thomas fails to finish from close range. That was a positive response to going a goal behind.

        68. Cymru captain Ben Davies on the ball

        69. 11'

          Norway open the scoring as a ball through the Cymru defence by Ødegaard is finished by Bobb.

        70. 11'

          Goal

          Oscar Bobb

        71. 10'

          Møller Wolfe forces Ward to make the first save of the game.

        72. 8'

          Cymru deal with Norway’s first corner without any concern, it’s been a solid start from the home side after that disappointing defeat to Denmark last weekend.

        73. 4'

          Both sets of fans creating a great atmosphere here in Cardiff tonight. There’s a large contingent from Norway in the far corner.

        74. 2'

          A positive start from Bellamy’s side as they force Norway back with an early corner.

        75. 1'

          Cymru kick things off here in the capital.

        76. Another spine-tingling rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau from the Red Wall. It’s time for kick-off.

        77. Lewis Koumas scored his only senior goal for Cymru the last time Craig Bellamy’s side played here at the Cardiff City Stadium. Koumas scored the equaliser in a 1-1 friendly draw against Ghana back in June and he starts for his country this evening.

        78. The two teams are going through their pre-match preparations as the fans start to make their way into the stadium. Cymru will need the home crowd behind them this evening.

        81. The two head coaches in discussion

        82. Cymru have arrived at the Cardiff City Stadium

        83. TEAM NEWS

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has made five changes to his starting line-up from the side that were defeated 2-0 by Denmark in Copenhagen on Sunday.

          Ben Cabango, Lewis Koumas, Liam Cullen, Jay Dasilva and Jordan James all come into the first XI while Ben Davies captains the side on his 103rd senior international appearance.

          Meanwhile, Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has made two changes from the side that lost to Portugal on Sunday as David Møller Wolfe and Oscar Bobb both start.

          Erling Haaland, the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Nations League, leads the front line for Norway.

        85. Keep checking back here throughout the night for team news, live match updates and all the post-match reaction

        87. Gêm 734

        92. MATCHDAY

          Cymru take on Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium this evening with Craig Bellamy’s side looking to get off the mark in this new UEFA Nations League campaign in front of the Red Wall.

          Following away defeats to Portugal and Denmark, Cymru are now back in the capital with the aim of registering their first points in League A4. Keep checking back here for live updates before, during and after the match.

        95. AMPADU ON CYMRU BELIEF

          Cymru midfielder Ethan Ampadu also spoke to the media on Wednesday and reflected on the defeats against Portugal and Denmark in the opening two games of this international window.

          “When you go through difficult games and difficult spells it might be natural for a loss of confidence to happen,” said Amapdu. “One thing we’ve been really good at, even through those hard games, is the resilience and sticking together.

          “League A is the league we want to be in. We want to play in these games all the time. It’s a difficult task, but one that we have full confidence in.”

        97. BELLAMY ON LEAGUE A CHALLENGE

          Craig Bellamy addressed a number of different questions when he spoke to the media on Wednesday, and emphasised the challenge of competing in League A of the UEFA Nations League.

          “Another tough game, but that’s League A,” Bellamy explained. “The Nations League is a brilliant format: no matter what group you are drawn in, you’re usually playing a top, top team – the best of the best.

          “Norway are an outstanding team. Going back to front, they’re brilliant. Building up, brilliant. Pressing, finding triggers, their habits as a team – all outstanding.

          “There’s a lot from the last game (against Denmark) we need to improve on. We looked in between, we didn’t look clear in what we were doing, and that comes from myself. We have to be compact, we have to work together.

          “The distance between front and back was way too big. Against good teams, you’ll end up running more, and it’s not the right kind of running.”

        99. BELLAMY ON HAALAND

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the media on Wednesday afternoon and paid tribute to striker Erling Haaland as he prepares his side to take on Norway.

          “The guy’s a machine,” said Bellamy. “Have you seen his record at international level? He just wants to score. That ain’t stopping him.

          “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.”

        102. FINAL PREP & SQUAD UPDATE

          The Cymru squad completed their final training session this morning ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match against Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium.

          However, David Brooks did not train with the squad and has left the camp due to injury, ruling him out of the two remaining fixtures against Norway and Denmark.

        104. OPPONENTS IN PROFILE – NORWAY

          It has already been a memorable year for the Norwegian national team following an impressive performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup that saw the side reach the quarter-final stage.

          Norway began their World Cup journey with a 4-1 win over Iraq before defeating Senegal 3-2. Although they suffered a 4-1 reverse against France in their final group match, their place in the Round of 32 had already been confirmed.

          A 2-1 win over Ivory Coast followed before they produced one of the shocks of the tournament in the Round of 16 by defeating Brazil by the same score. However, their story would end with a 2-1 extra-time defeat against England in Miami.

          Under the guidance of former Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Ståle Solbakken since his appointment in 2020, Norway boast one of the greatest players of his generation in striker Erling Haaland (below), and he has been in incredible form heading into this UEFA Nations League campaign.

          With 65 goals from just 57 senior international appearances, Haaland is already Norway’s all-time leading goalscorer at the age of just 26. Seven of those goals were scored at the World Cup finals this summer, while in this Nations League campaign he already has a further three goals from the opening two games.

          But while Haaland is very much the finisher in this Norwegian side, the creativity comes from Arsenal star Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield. However, his fitness for the match against Cymru in Cardiff tomorrow remains in doubt due to an ankle injury sustained against Portugal on Sunday.

        105. VOTE NOW – CYMRU ALL-TIME XI

          The FAW is celebrating its 150th anniversary throughout 2026 and supporters can now vote for their Cymru All-Time XI (1876–2026).

          Since 1876, more than 700 players have had the honour of representing Cymru. Now it’s your chance to decide which legends deserve a place in the ultimate Cymru XI.

          Working alongside leading Welsh football historians, the FAW has created a shortlist of iconic players whose contributions have helped define generations of Welsh football.

          Click here to see the shortlist and to cast your vote now

          A graphic which is centred around Cymru All-Time XI. This includes shield like cards which includes photos of Neville Southall, John Charles, Gareth Bale, Ian Rush, and Ashley Williams

        107. GET YOUR OFFICIAL CYMRU KIT AND MERCH AT CARDIFF CITY STADIUM

          When you visit Cardiff City Stadium for Cymru’s home fixtures on Thursday, 1 and Sunday, 4 October here’s where you can pick up official Wales merchandise, including the latest kits, on matchday.

          Siop Cymru – Ninian Stand Store, Gate 8
          The official pop-up store is open from 4pm to 8pm on both matchdays. You’ll find the full range here, including the Home, Away and Goalkeeper kits, training wear and accessories.

          Booths
          Pick up official accessories at the booths near retail park foot entrance and the Ninian gates.

          Hospitality Levels 3 & 4
          Hospitality guests can buy the Home shirt and accessories on the Level 3 and Level 4 landings.

          Canton & Ninian Express Bars – Get 2 Free Drinks
          In the main concourse, the Canton and Ninian Express Bars will be selling the Adult Home Shirt for £70. Buy a shirt at either bar and get 2 free drinks. While stocks last.

          Exchanges & Returns
          Any exchanges or returns for items bought in the stadium must be processed through the Official Wales Football Store. Just email support.faw@levymerch.com and the team will help.

        108. MEET THE REF

          The experienced Alejandro Hernández of Spain (below) will take charge of the match between Cymru and Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday night.

          The 43-year-old has been a FIFA Referee since 2014 and officiated at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals. His most recent appointed was on the opening round of UEFA Nations League fixtures as he took charge of the Netherlands against Germany.

          José Naranjo and Diego Sánchez Rojo are the Assistant Referees while Victor Garcia Verdura will be the Fourth Official. All of the on-field officials are from Spain.

          Dennis Higler will be the VAR and he will be assisted by Richard Martens. Both VAR are from the Netherlands.

        109. BACK IN CARDIFF

          Following to away games against Portugal and Denmark in the UEFA Nations League, the Cymru squad trained back in Cardiff earlier today as Craig Bellamy’s side prepare to host Norway on Thursday night.

        111. BELLAMY ON NORWAY PROGRESS

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellay recently spoke about the progression of Norwegian football as he prepares for the UEFA Nations League match between the two teams on Thursday night in Cardiff.

          “They get to the quarter-finals in the World Cup and you’re really on a surge at the present moment,” said Bellamy to BBC Sport Wales. “You’ve built it in your nation for a number of years, you have two clubs in the Champions League.

          “This is a real surge now and I don’t think it’s going away. How rich your country is, it’s really spending the money in certain areas and in sport, I expect you to be a force for a number of years.”

        115. PREVIOUS MEETINGS

          There have been 11 previous fixtures between Cymru and Norway all taking place between 1982 and 2011. Cymru have claimed just three victories against their opponents, including the last two meetings between them.

          Ian Rush (below) scored the only goal of the game when the two nations met for the first time in September 1982 in a EURO qualifier at the Vetch Field, Swansea. The return match took place a year later and finished 0-0 in Oslo.

          The next four matches between Cymru and Norway took place between 1984 and 1994 and were all friendly internationals. Cymru’s best result in this period was a 1-1 draw in February 1985 with Rush again on target at the Racecourse in Wrexham.

          The friendly in March 1994 at Ninian Park is remembered as John Toshack’s one and only match during his first spell in charge of the national team after replacing Terry Yorath. Norway won the match 3-1 with future Cymru boss Chris Coleman scoring a late consolation goal.

          The teams were drawn together in qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Nathan Blake earned Cymru a point in a 1-1 draw in Cardiff but Norway won the return match 3-2 in Oslo. Robbie Savage and current head coach Craig Bellamy scoring the two Cymru goals.

          That would be the last competitive match between the two nations, with three more friendlies in 2004, 2008 and 2011 completing the list of fixtures. A 0-0 draw in Oslo in 2004 was followed by an impressive 3-0 for Cymru four years later, with Jason Koumas scoring twice at Wrexham.

          The most recent fixture between Cymru and Norway took place at the Cardiff City Stadium in November 2011. Cymru put in an excellent performance to win 4-1 through goals from Gareth Bale, Bellamy and a double from Sam Vokes. Tragically, it would be Gary Speed’s last match in charge of the national team.

        116. AS IT STANDS

          Cymru take on Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday night with Craig Bellamy’s side still searching for their first points of this new UEFA Nations League campaign.

          Defeats to Portugal and Denmark mean that Cymru sit bottom of Group A4 ahead of two home games, while Norway currently sit second in the group having defeated Denmark 3-2 in their opening match,

          Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored twice in the match after Oscar Bobb had opened the scoring, but it was a different story on Sunday night as the side suffered a 2-1 defeat against Portugal.

          The action continues on Thursday as Cymru host Norway and Denmark face Portugal in Copenhagen. Both games kick-off at 7.45pm.

        118. There is no live report available for this match

        Lineups

        Starting

          Substitutes

            Starting

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                Table

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                Match Info

                Stadium

                Date & Time

                Referee

                Fourth Official

                Assistant Referees