Iceland football host Wales football in the Nations League this evening in what is a crucial match in Group B4. Craig Bellamy’s side currently sit second in the table but are only one point ahead of tonight’s opponents as they attempt to qualify for promotion to the league above.
Wales have made a strong to life under Craig Bellamy who has introduced a more attacking-minded style of play with players given freedom to get up the pitch. Bellamy’s first match ended in an impressive draw against Turkey which was then followed by a very good performance in a 2-1 away win against Montenegro.
The former Wales captain succeeded Rob Page as manager in July and securing a route to the top flight of the Nations League would be an immediate success.
However, Iceland are no pushovers. They famously beat England at Wembley earlier this year and challenged Turkey before slipping to a 3-1 loss last time out. Freezing temperatures will greet the Welsh squad in Reykjavik and Iceland will be more used to the drastic conditions.
Follow all the Nations League action with our live blog below:
Iceland vs Wales LIVE
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Iceland host Wales in the Nations League, live on S4C
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Hosts lost 3-1 to Turkey last time out and hope to get back to winning ways
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Craig Bellamy’s team are unbeaten in two matches since new boss took charge
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29’ GOAL! Wilson adds a second for the visitors (ISL 0-2 WAL)
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26’ CLOSE! Wilson shoots and hits the post! (ISL 0-1 WAL)
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11’ GOAL! Johnson continues his hot streak with the opener (ISL 0-1 WAL)
Iceland 0-2 Wales
20:18 , Mike Jones
33 mins: Yellow card!
Brennan Johnson is booked for a shove on Thorsteinsson after being provoked by the Iceland winger. The yellow card means that Johnson will miss Wales’ next match.
Iceland 0-2 Wales
20:17 , Mike Jones
32 mins: Craig Bellamy is beeming on the sidelines. Two goals to the good and very solid at the back…
… nevermind.
Andri Gudjohnsen meets a cutback and shoots. The ball is tracking towards the goal but Neco Williams scrambles back to clear the ball off the line!
GOAL! Iceland 0-2 Wales (Harry Wilson, 29’)
20:15 , Mike Jones
It’s almost a carbon copy of the first goal!
Neco Williams with the pass over the top, Harry Wilson with the run from deep. He gets in behind the fullback, takes the ball into the box then slots it past the goalkeeper.
Iceland 0-1 Wales
20:14 , Mike Jones
29 mins: Wales break through Neco Williams who looks sharp. He drifts into the midfield the gets clattered by Stefan Teitur Thordarson.
He collects a yellow card and will miss the next match for Iceland. Williams is lucky to bounce back from that challenge. It was a cruncher.
Iceland 0-1 Wales
20:11 , Mike Jones
26 mins: As things currently stand Wales are heading to the top of Group B4 as they lead by a goal here in Iceland. To be honest, they’ve looked fairly comfortable though Thorsteinsson is causing issues on the left wing.
Close! Harry Wilson cuts onto his left side and shoots. The effort takes a deflection, beats the goalkeeper and bounces off the post!
Iceland 0-1 Wales
20:07 , Mike Jones
23 mins: Wales win possession in the middle of the pitch and find Harry Wilson. He spins and links up with Brennan Johnson who carries it closer to the box.
Johnson sends it back to Wilson who flicks a cross, with the outside of his boot, over to the far side of the area but Iceland deal with it easily enough.
Iceland 0-1 Wales
20:05 , Mike Jones
20 mins: Wales win a free kick after Kieffer Moore is taken out. Harry Wilson chips the ball to the right side of the pitch where it is poked back towards Moore.
He touches it into the path of Valdimarsson who clings onto the ball.
Iceland 0-1 Wales
20:02 , Mike Jones
17 mins: A nice move on the left wing sees Thorsteinsson and Finnsson combine to work the ball into the penalty area. Finnsson attempts to cut it back to a teammate but his cross is blocked.
A second cross sails over the head of everyone and Danny Ward plucks it out of the air.
Iceland 0-1 Wales
20:00 , Mike Jones
14 mins: Wales will settle down after that. Harry Wilson’s run was incredible and made that goal happen. The midfielder is such a crucial part of how Wales go about things and Craig Bellamy will be over the moon with this start.
GOAL! Iceland 0-1 Wales (Brennan Johnson, 11’)
19:57 , Mike Jones
This is wonderful!
Neco Williams lifts a superb long ball over the top as Harry Wilson runs through the defence from deep. He collects the ball in space and touches it into the box.
He’s just got the goalkeeper to beat and toes a shot past him. Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson manages to scramble back and flick the ball off the line but Brennan Johnson is on hand to tap it home!
Iceland 0-0 Wales
19:53 , Mike Jones
9 mins: Nice play from Andri Gudjohnsen. He uses his strength and skill to bring down a long ball and squeeze into the penalty area. He looks to square a pass to Oskarsson and release him on goal but the ball is intercepted and poked clear.
Iceland 0-0 Wales
19:52 , Mike Jones
7 mins: Wales have won their last four matches against Iceland so they have good memories against their opponents tonight. Can they translate that into a victory?
Bellamy’s side look to control possession but Sorba Thomas loses it. Iceland burst forward quickly with a pass up to Orri Oskarsson. He releases Thorsteinsson but the break doesn’t last long as Wales get back into their shape sharply.
Iceland 0-0 Wales
19:49 , Mike Jones
6 mins: Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s first involvement sees him collect the ball and sweep down the left side of the pitch. He carries it into the box and looks for a pull back but the ball is deflected out for a corner.
The corner is whipped into the middle but Wales clear the danger easily enough.
Iceland 0-0 Wales
19:47 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Craig Bellamy would become the first Wales manager to go unbeaten in his first three games if the Dragons avoid defeat tonight.
Sorba Thomas is playing higher up the pitch in an attacking role so Wales look to be set up in a 4-3-3.
Kick off! Iceland 0-0 Wales
19:45 , Mike Jones
Iceland get the ball rolling and work it to their defence. It’s then booted over to the right wing but bounces out of play for a Wales throw in.
Iceland vs Wales
19:43 , Mike Jones
Here come the players.
The teams head out onto the pitch and the national anthems are played. Kick off is up next…
No Allen in Wales squad
19:35 , Mike Jones
Joe Allen overturned his own international retirement but will not be involved tonight despite returning to the Wales squad for this camp.
Regardless, Joe Rodon says the veteran Swansea City midfielder has had a big impact on the players.
Craig Bellamy urges Aaron Ramsey not to take coaching role while still playing
19:30 , Mike Jones
Craig Bellamy has warned his Wales captain Aaron Ramsey against taking up a player-coach role at Cardiff.
Ramsey was recently awarded his Uefa A Licence and has been linked with a Cardiff coaching job following the sacking of Erol Bulut and the interim appointment of Omer Riza.
But Wales manager Bellamy believes combining playing and coaching roles do not mix after watching Vincent Kompany undertake both jobs for Anderlecht when he was working at the Belgian club.
Craig Bellamy urges Aaron Ramsey not to take coaching role while still playing
Iceland vs Wales talking points
19:25 , Mike Jones
Familiar face
A familiar face to Welsh fans in Iceland ranks is the former Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.
The 35-year-old, who has scored 27 goals in 82 Iceland appearances, spent three years at Swansea between 2014 and 2017 before joining Everton in a deal worth around £45m.
Sigurdsson, now playing club football at Valur in his homeland, is still going strong in an Iceland squad that also features former Burnley midfielder Johann Berg Gudmundsson and highly-rated Real Sociedad forward Orri Oskarsson.
Iceland vs Wales talking points
19:20 , Mike Jones
Absent Ampadu
The loss of Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu for the rest of the Nations League campaign is a huge blow to Wales.
Ampadu, who is not expected to return until January after sustaining a knee ligament injury, has become a real Wales leader and a key player in the midfield engine room.
The 24-year-old’s composure and passing vision are real assets to how Bellamy wants to play, and filling that central void will be pivotal as Wales tackle their October and November double-headers.
Iceland vs Wales talking points
19:15 , Mike Jones
Allen returns
After 20 months in international retirement, Joe Allen is back and ready to represent Wales once again.
The 74-times capped 34-year-old is among Wales’ greatest-ever midfielders and has played at two European Championships and a World Cup.
Injuries have taken their toll on the Swansea veteran but his experience in the dressing room will be invaluable for Bellamy, who believes Allen still has enough left in the tank to make his mark for Wales.
Iceland vs Wales talking points
19:10 , Mike Jones
Johnson in form
Every Wales supporter will hope Brennan Johnson can transfer his Tottenham form to the international stage.
Johnson has scored in six successive Spurs games to underline Bellamy’s assertion the winger is worth at least £80m.
The 23-year-old has yet to spark consistently for Wales, scoring three times in 30 appearances, but he has never joined up with the Dragons before in such a rich vein of form.
Iceland vs Wales talking points
19:05 , Mike Jones
Bellamy’s rebuild
Wales boss Craig Bellamy will be determined to build on a promising start that saw the players instantly take on board his ideas.
Bellamy said a lot of information was delivered by him and his coaching staff in a short space of time before September’s opening two Nations League fixtures.
The aim now is that Wales will be even better this month after more time spent on the training pitch and in the meeting room.
Wales players receiving support over Baldock’s death
19:00 , Mike Jones
“It really hit home last night. It was really sad news and your feeling goes to the family first,” Bellamy said at his press conference ahead of Friday’s Group B4 clash in Reykjavik.
“I was speaking to his brother Sam (an academy coach at Brighton) the other day at a game. A lot of our players have played against him and, of course, we have players who have played with him and been close to him for a number of years. We have staff who have been with him for a number of years as well.
“You look at your group of players and we’ve been in communication with them. We have a good support network here with the FAW (Football Association of Wales).
“We’ve been on hand with that and we’ve spoken this morning about it. Their clubs are able to lend a hand as well.
“I love football, but it isn’t the most important. It really isn’t. The players’ well-being is the most important, and that’s where my mind was and it is now.
“I’ll speak to one or two players again. As long as they are OK, that’s the most important thing in such difficult circumstances.”
Craig Bellamy says Wales players receiving support after George Baldock death
18:55 , Mike Jones
Wales manager Craig Bellamy says his players have been affected by the death of George Baldock with some receiving support ahead of their Nations League clash with Iceland.
Former Sheffield United defender Baldock died in Greece – where he was playing for Panathinaikos – on Wednesday at the age of 31.
Two members of Bellamy’s squad, Adam Davies and Rhys Norrington-Davies, had been team-mates of Baldock at Bramall Lane over the past few seasons before his summer departure to Greece.
Craig Bellamy says Wales players receiving support after George Baldock death
Wales make four changes
18:49 , Mike Jones
Craig Bellamy has brought changes for this match with four swaps in personnel.
Danny Ward replaces Karl Darlow in goal while Chris Mepham is taken from defence and gets replaced by Sorba Thomas.
Ethan Ampadu and Lewis Koumas drop out with Jordan James and Brennan Johson replacing them. It’s a balanced line-up and expect the full backs to get forward when Wales have possession.
Bellamy reflects on first camp
18:44 , Mike Jones
“I couldn’t have enjoyed it any more,” Craig Bellamy said of his first camp in charge of Wales. “The players were exceptional. I’m always conscious of the amount of information we give because we don’t want to overload but, when we spoke to the players, they wanted more.
“It’s new to me as well. I was conscious of everyone telling me you only have so many days with them. I’ve never really felt it was that way. Footballers are really intelligent, they can take more than you can give because they’re the ones playing, the ones who have a feel for the game.
“If you can show why – and there has to be a why in everything you do – they start to feel that and see it for themselves then go with it even more. That was the most pleasing aspect of it all.”
Davies excited for Iceland game
18:39 , Mike Jones
Ben Davies echoed Craig Bellamy’s thoughts but added that playing for Wales brings a new level of excitement. He said: “There’s excitement and a bit of added pressure to repeat it [from the last camp]. All we can do is try and play the exciting football that we can and try and win games.
“We have a plan and we have to stick to that. We try to be dominant on the ball and create as many chances as we can. We try to make games exciting and I think we showed that in the first couple of games.”
The defender also addressed being named captian of the national team saying: “It’s always a privilege to captain your country,.
“I love doing it and that will never grow old on me. It’s the best feeling in football to be honest.”
Iceland vs Wales line-ups
18:33 , Mike Jones
Iceland XI: Valdimarsson; Fridriksson, Gretarsson, Ingason, Finnasson; J. Gudmundsson, Thordarson, Willumsson’ A. Gudjohnsen, Oskarsson, Thorsteinsson
Wales XI: Ward; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams, Thomas; Wilson, James, Cooper; Johnson, Moore
Bellamy won’t ‘play down’ expectations
18:32 , Mike Jones
Wales manager Craig Bellamy says he is aware of the expectations on the team and promised to never ‘play them down’ as the national side look to qualify for the top league in the Nations League and reach the next World Cup.
“I’d be worried if there wasn’t expectations,” said Bellamy. “I certainly don’t believe in ever trying to play them down. I don’t think that would be fair to people who come to watch.
“We have a level of patience but also understanding within the group, we have to be sensible as well, but for anyone whether it’s the public or whatever, if they’re excited that’s exactly where we want them to be.
“I certainly wouldn’t play that down. I’ve got to be honest, I’m excited.”
George Baldock’s fiancee pays tribute after footballer dies in Greek swimming pool
18:26 , Mike Jones
George Baldock’s fiancee paid tribute to “the perfect dad” after the footballer was found dead in a swimming pool in Greece.
Baldock drowned in the pool of his new home in Athens, having signed for Greek giants Panathinaikos in the summer. Greek police said there was no evidence that criminal activity caused the death of the former Sheffield United defender.
Annabel Dignam, with whom Baldock had son Brody, posted a message on Instagram and revealed he had been due to fly home this week to celebrate his son’s first birthday.
George Baldock’s fiancee pays tribute after footballer dies in Greek swimming pool
Iceland vs Wales prediction
18:20 , Mike Jones
With Wales travelling away from home and still getting used to life under Craig Bellamy expect a performance that feels incomplete at times.
They’ll have to weather some pressure especially early on but there’s enough quality in the forward line to score at least one goal which may just be enough to nick a win.
Iceland will be confident though and it’s easy to see how this match plays out in a draw.
Iceland 1-1 Wales.
Predicted line-ups
18:14 , Mike Jones
Here’s how we see the two teams lining up against one another this evening. We’re predicting a return to the team for Wales’ Joe Allen and a strong outing for Craig Bellamy’s men.
Iceland XI: Valdimarsson; Palsson, Hermannsson, Gretarsson, Finnsson; Anderson, Gudmundsson, Thordarson, Thorsteinsson; Sigurdsson; Gudjohnsen.
Wales XI: Darlow; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Allen, Cooper; Johnson, Wilson, Koumas; Moore.
As for the latest odds, Iceland are the slight favourites and home advantage plays into their hands but Wales are being well back which goes to show that this isn’t an easy match to call.
Iceland win 19/10
Draw 9/4
Wales win 13/8
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Wales early team news
18:08 , Mike Jones
Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu missed out on the Wales squad due to injury, though the former has linked up with the group to continue to rehabilitate his hamstring issue. Joe Allen reversed his international retirement to accept a call-up, and may make his return.
Iceland early team news
18:02 , Mike Jones
Centre back Brynjar Ingi Bjarnason again misses out for Iceland having injured himself ahead of their September international fixtures.
How can I watch it?
17:57 , Mike Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on S4C, with Welsh language coverage from 7.20pm BST. A live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer.
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When is Iceland vs Wales?
17:51 , Mike Jones
Iceland vs Wales is due to kick off at 7.45pm on Friday 11 October at Laugardalsvollur in Reykjavik.
Iceland vs Wales
17:45 , Mike Jones
Wales will be hoping to continue an encouraging start to life under Craig Bellamy as they take on Iceland in the Nations League.
An impressive performance in a draw against Turkey was followed up by a good away win in Montenegro in the first two fixtures under former Wales captain Bellamy, who succeeded Rob Page at the helm in July.
It leaves the visitors a point ahead of their opponents in Group B4, though this will be a demanding trip.
Freezing temperatures will greet the Welsh squad in Reykjavik, while Iceland showed their quality in beating England at Wembley earlier this year.
Welcome!
14:32 , Mike Jones
Good evening. Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Nations League action as Wales take on Iceland in what promises to be a cracking game.
Life under Craig Bellamy has begun brilliantly for the Dragons who are unbeaten in their opening two matches. They earned a well deserved draw against Turkey in Bellamy’s first game (which easily could have finished in a win) before defeating Montenegro last time out.
Iceland will be strong opponents though so Wales will need to on top of their game to get through tonight’s clash. We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and more throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 7.45pm.
