Dream come true for Cullen as Wales power to Nations League promotion
Wales pulled off an improbable return to the Nations League’s top tier as they came from behind to beat Iceland convincingly in the Welsh capital. On a night where Montenegro unexpectedly triumphed over Turkey in the other group encounter, promotion was secured for Craig Bellamy’s side.
Turkey had started the night at the summit of Group B4, with Wales two points behind in second place and Iceland a further two points back in third.
Needing to win at Cardiff City Stadium while also hoping for a favour from Montenegro, Welsh hopes took an early hit as Andri Gudjohnsen fired Iceland ahead in the seventh minute, following up sharply after Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward had made a brilliant save from Orri Oskarsson’s header.
But 25-year-old Cullen’s first two international goals – one from Brennan Johnson’s inviting cross, the second helping Daniel James’ half-saved shot over the line – put Wales in front at the interval.
The Welsh ‘Messi from Kilgetty’ set up Johnson to score Wales’ third with a cool finish after the break, before Harry Wilson struck his fourth goal in five international appearances with a sumptuous dipping effort from 20 yards.
“It is a dream come true for me,” said Cullen after the win.
“Going into this game, once I knew I was starting, I was thinking it was about time I got my first international goal.
“It went nicely and I got two and then I got an assist for Bren [Brennan Johnson], so a perfect night for me really.
“Its something we set out to do. We knew we couldn’t control what was going on in the game, but we really wanted to put our stamp on this game and put on a performance like that and win convincingly.
“I think it is credit to him [Craig Bellamy] and the staff and the amount of work they put in day-to-day in between camps.
“It’s nothing more than they deserve and it makes it so much more enjoyable for us. We want to go out there for the fans and the staff and put on a performance they can be proud of.
“I don’t think there was a better way than this to start off the manager’s reign and hopefully we can take it into the qualifiers. We can go into that campaign full of confidence.”
[Lead image: Football Association of Wales]
