Despite Wales suffering back-to-back defeats in the Nations League, head coach Craig Bellamy remains confident his team deserves a place competing at the highest level of the competition.

Just three days after losing 1-0 to Portugal in Lisbon, Wales suffered a 2-0 defeat to Denmark, leaving them at the bottom of their group. Including their performances in this tournament, Wales have failed to win in six matches in 2024 and in eight matches in Nations League A.

However, Bellamy, who successfully guided the team to promotion from League B in his first season, insists that Wales have earned the right to consistently compete against Europe's top teams. Next up, they face a Norway squad coached by Ståle Solbakken.

"For us, this is another tough match—high intensity, star players, and a very fast pace," Bellamy said. "That's what League A is about; every group is highly competitive. When the draw was made, we were in the fourth pot, and we thought, 'Where would you want to be?' The opponents are indeed very strong, but we've earned our place here."

Wales' League A Record:

September 2024: Denmark 2-0 Wales

September 2024: Portugal 1-0 Wales

September 2022: Poland 0-1 Wales

September 2022: Belgium 2-1 Wales

June 2022: Netherlands 3-2 Wales

June 2022: Wales 1-1 Belgium

June 2022: Wales 1-2 Netherlands

June 2022: Poland 2-1 Wales

Wales return to action on Thursday for two consecutive home matches, first against World Cup quarterfinalists Norway, then against Denmark. Norway suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Portugal but beat neighboring rivals Denmark 3-2 in their opening match before traveling to Cardiff.

Bellamy believes that thanks to Norway's investment in their national team, the squad managed by Ståle Solbakken will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.

"They reached the World Cup quarterfinals and are currently in excellent form," Bellamy said of Norway. "They've invested heavily in their domestic football for years and now have two clubs in the Champions League. They're genuinely on the rise, and I don't see that momentum fading."

"Their country is very wealthy and has indeed invested heavily in certain areas and sports. I expect them to be a strong team for many years to come."

Since taking over in July 2024, Bellamy has remained unbeaten in his first nine matches, though 65th-ranked North Macedonia remains the highest-ranked opponent he has beaten during his tenure with Wales.

"I still want Craig Bellamy to continue as our manager, but I feel there's a 'new manager effect' when he first took over, and the team played with spirit and freedom," former Wales international Owain Jones said on the Football Feast podcast.

"Sometimes that newness fades, and expectations from opponents and supporters increase, and I feel our performances have stagnated."

Wales now have two remaining matches to avoid their first calendar year without a win since 1989, which will undoubtedly add pressure on Bellamy following rumors linking him with the Burnley job during the international break.

"When Craig first took over, the first match against Turkey, the team played brilliantly," said former Wales striker Nathan Blake.

"I remember the fans cheering, 'Wow, this style of play is beautiful, completely different.' The team was very proactive, pressing high up the pitch."

"Perhaps the issue is we performed too well initially, with aggressive attacking and effective pressing that caught opponents off guard, and now other teams may have figured out our tactics."

Bellamy is not the only manager under scrutiny in his group, and Denmark's victory over Wales took some pressure off head coach Brian Riemer.

Three days after facing Norway at Cardiff City Stadium, Wales will reunite with Denmark. Although Denmark dominated Wales in Copenhagen, Riemer said Bellamy's team should not be discouraged by their Nations League start.

"He's done a very good job," Riemer said of Bellamy. "Like us, he's facing some pressure with injury issues, and I imagine that must be a major concern for him."

"We have great respect for Wales; they were promoted from League B unbeaten and were just unlucky at the World Cup, losing via penalties."

"This team has caused problems for many sides. Losing by just one goal to Portugal is nothing to regret. We expect a very difficult match in Cardiff."

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