Cymru defeat Norway in first League A win

Cymru 2-1 Norway

• Oscar Bobb gave Norway an early lead
• Dan James levelled before half-time
• Norway reduced to ten before Neco Williams fires home resulting free kick
• Cymru earn their first ever victory in Nations League – League A

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.