Craig Bellamy: Wales coach criticizes Belgium’s loss ‘with heart in mouth’.

The Welsh players were shocked at the final whistle, with bright looks in their eyes when they realized that a great opportunity had slipped away from them.

Belgium’s goalless draw with North Macedonia on Friday opened the door for Wales, which needed to win its remaining three matches to finish top of Group J and qualify directly for the World Cup.

But they fell at the first hurdle, having been edged out by Belgium in another chaotic penalty shootout after losing 4-3 in Brussels in June.

Once again, Wales’ aggressive style – pressing and attacking at every opportunity – left them exposed defensively, and once again they were punished mercilessly by Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne and the rest.

Upon reflection, did Bellamy feel that his side was a bit open?

He replied: “We felt that the best way to beat this team was to possess the ball.” “We created a lot of chances, but we felt this was the way we could beat this team because we needed to win.

“It was that simple, and you can see even at the end, we opened up more. We lost some control in the game. But I always believe that the way you can prevent the opponent from scoring is by having possession of the ball.”

“But that moment in transition, with Jeremy, it’s so scary every time you have the ball, that if it turns over, this kid, that’s it.

“I experienced it. I got him on my team [at Anderlecht]“I knew how dangerous he was, but facing him… we knew there would be difficult moments in that match.”

This was a painful period for Bellamy, whose decision to face England in a friendly match at Wembley Stadium last Thursday was met with a mixture of doubts, astonishment and outright criticism.

The result, a brutal 3-0 defeat, added to the fans’ dissatisfaction, although they were prepared to keep an open mind if it helped Wales beat Belgium.

Fans will be less forgiving now that Wales have lost – leaving them conceding 12 goals in five matches – and have seen their hopes of qualification automatically dashed.

But nothing will deter Bellamy, who is unwavering in his beliefs.

“I saw a lot today that made me feel like we can get close. We can get close to them. We need to keep getting better,” he said.

“But I told you at the beginning when I was going to do it. I’m going to push and I’m not going to back down. I know that goes against some people, but that’s just the way I am.”

“And today, I saw a team with flaws because I have them. A team that wants to do something, because I want to. I’m grateful for that.”