Wales v Iceland LIVE: Nations League updates as Wales win automatic promotion
Wales beat Iceland 4-1 in Cardiff on Tuesday night to finish top of Nations League Group B4 and gain automatic promotion.
The hosts started slowly and went behind early on after Andri Gudjohnsen turned in the rebound from Oskarsson’s header.
But Craig Bellamy’s side eventually settled and managed to fight back, with Brennan Johnson’s cross the catalyst as it was turned in by the head of Liam Cullen at the far post.
From there, Wales were in the ascendancy, and despite riding their luck at times, the dominance paid off as a lightning-quick counter was finished off by Cullen, who tapped in after Dan James’ shot was saved.
The second half started positively for the home side, and though both sides created chances, it was Wales who struck again after Johnson finished off another quick counter.
Soon after, news broke that Turkey were 3-1 down to Montenegro, and it only got better from there, with Harry Wilson latching onto a loose ball and rifling a long-range effort in to seal a memorable night in the capital.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, news and reaction below:
Wales v Iceland LIVE
Wales beat Iceland in final Nations League group game to seal automatic promotion
79’ GOAL! Wilson seals the result with a brilliant effort from distance (WAL 4-1 ICE)
65’ GOAL! Johnson finished off Wales counter to extend lead (WAL 3-1 ICE)
47’ GOAL! Cullen scores again with a tap-in after a Wales counter (WAL 2-1 ICE)
32’ GOAL! Cullen levels it with a header from Johnson’s cross (WAL 1-1 ICE)
7’ GOAL! Gudjohnsen opens the scoring after a good save from Ward (WAL 0-1 ICE)
Liam Cullen leads Wales to thrilling victory and Nations League promotion
22:06 , Chris Wilson
Wales won Nations League promotion as Liam Cullen’s first two international goals helped them to a 4-1 victory over Iceland.
Craig Bellamy’s side completed an unbeaten six-game campaign and overhauled Turkey - 3-1 losers in Montenegro - at the top of the group to secure elevation to League A.
That almost certainly handed Wales a World Cup play-off place to fall back on should they not automatically qualify for the 2026 tournament.
Liam Cullen leads Wales to thrilling victory and Nations League promotion
Cullen: “It’s a dream come true"
22:00 , Chris Wilson
Liam Cullen is first to react, speaking to Welsh channel Sgorio, and he says that “it’s a dream come true”.
“Going into this game knowing I was starting, I thought it was about time I got my first international goal. Nicely I got two and an assist for Brennan [Johnson] in there.”
On promotion, he said “it’s something we set out to do”.
“We knew we couldn’t control what was going on in the Turkey game, but we really wanted to put our stamp on this game and win convincingly, so really happy that we’ve done that.”
On Craig Bellamy, he adds: “I think it’s a credit to him and his staff, the amount of work they put in day to day and in between camps, it’s nothing more than they deserve. They make it so enjoyable for us.”
Next up
21:50 , Chris Wilson
That result means Wales do not have to play a play-off match in March, so they will start their World Cup qualification that month instead.
They do not yet know their opponents in that campaign of course – the draw for the qualification campaign is in December.
FULL-TIME! Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:43 , Chris Wilson
WALES SECURE PROMOTION!
The other match in group B4 has finished 3-1 to Montenegro, so Wales have secured automatic promotion to the ‘A’ leagues.
A superb result for Bellamy after just six games in charge.
FULL-TIME! Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:40 , Chris Wilson
We’re still waiting on the final result from Montenegro...
FULL-TIME! Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:38 , Chris Wilson
93 mins
The final whistle goes in Cardiff and Wales have a superb result to end their Nations League group campaign!
Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:38 , Chris Wilson
93 mins
Thomas tries a cheeky curled effort into the far corner and it almost creeps in via deflection, but the home side settle for a corner. that’ll be that.
Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:37 , Chris Wilson
92 mins
Not a lot happening, as you’d expect, though Thomas does try to make a foray forward. Iceland try and attack, but there are no gaps in the hosts’ defence.
Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:36 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
There’ll be three minutes of added time here.
Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:33 , Chris Wilson
88 mins
Thomas is booked for a fiery confrontation, but the game is petering out here.
Wales make two subs, with Johnson and Sheehan coming off for Roberts and James.
Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:32 , Chris Wilson
86 mins
Iceland are all over the place now, with Wales simply knocking it around them with plenty of confidence.
It’s still 3-1 in Niksic!
Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:29 , Chris Wilson
84 mins
Another yellow card for Iceland, this one for Jóhannesson, who drags down Johnson.
The set-piece is swung in by Wilson, and it’s out for a corner.
Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:27 , Chris Wilson
82 mins
The scoreline is still the same in Montenegro, so as it stands Wales will be promoted automatically.
All of the pace has gone from the game as it looks like the result is secure for the home side now.
GOAL! Wales 4-1 Iceland
21:25 , Chris Wilson
79 mins
GOAL! And that will be the victory, at the very least!
Ward goes long with the goal kick and Cullen brings it down brilliantly under pressure from Ingason. The two fall down in the tussle, and the ball breaks free to Wilson, who takes the shot on from distance and rifles a perfect effort into the far corner!
Wales 3-1 Iceland
21:23 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Thomas gets his first run forward and he does well to keep possession from the long ball. The home side work it wide but Williams loses it when dribbling.
The hosts look confident here!
Wales 3-1 Iceland
21:20 , Chris Wilson
75 mins
Montenegro lead Turkey 3-1 in that match, so Wales are heading for promotion at the moment!They just need to close this out now.
Wales 3-1 Iceland
21:17 , Chris Wilson
73 mins
Wales make a change as James comes off for Sorba Thomas.
Iceland bring off Sampsted and Thorsteinsson for Willumsson and Thorhallsson.
Wales 3-1 Iceland
21:17 , Chris Wilson
72 mins
Thorsteinsson was also booked there, presumably for dissent, as was Brennan Johnson.
Wales 3-1 Iceland
21:16 , Chris Wilson
70 mins
Some time after the goal, Valgeir Fridriksson was also booked for complaining.
Jóhannesson swings in a cross but it’s poor, and easily cleared. Wales counter but it’s ended abruptly as Traustason scythes down Wilson very late, and the Iceland midfielder is booked.
Wales 3-1 Iceland
21:14 , Chris Wilson
68 mins
Dan James is the next player in the book after a late challenge.
Johnson wriggles through a couple of challenges and has an opening to shoot, but it’s too tame.
GOAL! Wales 3-1 Iceland
21:11 , Chris Wilson
65 mins
GOAL! Will that seal it for Wales?
It’s another good counter-attack, with Cullen doing well to win it cleanly near halfway. The space has opened up and Johnson is 1-v-1 with the defender; Cullen threads it through the gap and Johnson is clean through, and he drives towards goal before sliding a low finish past the ‘keeper and into the far corner.
Wales 2-1 Iceland
21:09 , Chris Wilson
65 mins
Joe Allen comes on for Wales, replacing Mark Harris.
Wales 2-1 Iceland
21:08 , Chris Wilson
64 mins
Great play from Wales as their press forces the Iceland ‘keeper into booting it long. They win it back in midfield, with Cullen shielding well, before it’s worked wide to Williams, who fizzes a cross to close to Valdimarsson.
Wales 2-1 Iceland
21:06 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
End-to-end now. Wales go clean through first as Wilson finds himself clear from halfway, but he’s not got the pace and he’s forced into shooting from distance, right at the ‘keeper.
Iceland go down the other end and they work it well to Ellertsson, who lays off a great pass into the path of Thorsteinsson (via a deflection) but the winger fires it well over!
Wales 2-1 Iceland
21:05 , Chris Wilson
60 mins
CLOSE! How hasn’t this gone in!?
Iceland come forward and Gudjohnsen takes down the long ball before squeezing in a cross to Thorsteinsson at the near post. He should really score but he doesn’t get clean contact, and it comes off the defender almost on the line.
Iceland want a penalty for handball, but it’s waved away.
Wales 2-1 Iceland
21:01 , Chris Wilson
58 mins
Great work from James to dig out the cross and it almost forces Valdimarsson into spilling it in his area, but the ‘keeper does well to recover.
Wales 2-1 Iceland
21:00 , Chris Wilson
56 mins
Williams does well to read the pass and he can start a counter. They work it to James, who drives a shot at the defender for a corner.
Wales take it short, quickly, and Davies forces the ‘keeper to tip his header over the bar.
Wales 2-1 Iceland
20:58 , Chris Wilson
54 mins
Iceland have fought their way back into it a little over the last few minutes. They’re knocking it around comfortably now.
Wales 2-1 Iceland
20:57 , Chris Wilson
52 mins
Ward makes a good save after Ellertsson’s shot from distance, and Iceland have a corner. The set-piece is fired into Gudjohnsen, who’s unmarked at the near post, but he fluffs his lines and can’t direct it goalwards.
Moments later, Thorsteinsson hits a volley narrowly wide of the far post.
Wales 2-1 Iceland
20:54 , Chris Wilson
49 mins
Johnson is guilty of lacking the quality this time, as he latches onto a great through ball down the right but can’t get his cross away.
Moments later, Dan James cuts inside and fires over from distance.
Wales 2-1 Iceland
20:52 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
Wales certainly look the more confident of the two sides as the second half begins, though again they’re just lacking that little bit of quality.
They almost work a great free-kick too, but Wilson’s pass is just overhit.
KICK-OFF! Wales 2-1 Iceland
20:49 , Chris Wilson
The hosts get us underway again in Cardiff.
Iceland have made a change, with Gudmundsson coming off for Þórðarson.
HALF-TIME! Wales 2-1 Iceland
20:48 , Chris Wilson
Both teams are coming back onto the pitch, so we’ll be back in action soon.
HALF-TIME! Wales 2-1 Iceland
20:46 , Chris Wilson
It’s been an entertaining half for the neutral, with Iceland dominating at first but Wales fighting back with two great goals from Liam Cullen.
The hosts were in the ascendancy towards the end of the half and they were rewarded with what could be a vital goal, though the question is whether they can maintain their momentum.
Remember, if the scores stay the same, Wales will be promoted and avoid the play-off in March!
20:43 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Wales 2-1 Iceland
20:37 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
That’s pretty much the last kick of the half, as the referee brings the first 45 minutes to an end! Wales lead in the capital.
GOAL! Wales 2-1 Iceland
20:35 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
GOAL!
A great counter-attacking goal for the hosts!
Wilson slides in to intercept near halfway and Wales are away, with a man more too. Harris carries and slides in a great pass to James, whose shot is saved well, but it bounces into the path of Cullen, who simply has to tap into an open net!
Wales 1-1 Iceland
20:33 , Chris Wilson
45 mins
Montenegro have gone 2-1 up against Turkey, so if Wales can get a win here, they could get promoted tonight (if it stays that way in the other game too).
The home side are offering more in attack now, with Johnson beating his man before laying it off to Wilson, who skips past a challenge and drives a shot right at Valdimarsson.
Wales 1-1 Iceland
20:31 , Chris Wilson
43 mins
Dan James does well to latch onto a loose ball near the byline, but his cross is too high and it’s dealt with easily.
Wales 1-1 Iceland
20:29 , Chris Wilson
40 mins
It just hasn’t clicked down the left flank for Wales yet, though they’re trying to get Dan James more involved.
Iceland mount another promising attack though, with thorsteinsson clipping in a great cross that’s headed down by Jóhannesson. It’s right into the path of Gudjohnsen, but once again he scuffs his effort wide on the half-volley.
At the other end, Wales break and there’s a four-v-three. It’s laid off to Johnson, who can only direct his effort too close to the ‘keeper.
Wales 1-1 Iceland
20:25 , Chris Wilson
37 mins
CLOSE! It’s Iceland with all the possession now, and they come close to going ahead again as Thorsteinsson’s cross is deflected over Ward. It’s looping in at the far corner, but Cabango is there to clear off the line!
Wales 1-1 Iceland
20:23 , Chris Wilson
35 mins
Not great defending from Wales but they get away with it, as Iceland’s free-kick finds Gudjohnsen unmarked around 12 yards out, but he can’t get clean contact on the strike and drags it wide.
GOAL! Wales 1-1 Iceland
20:21 , Chris Wilson
32 mins
GOAL! The hosts are level!
Simple stuff but plenty of quality from Wales, as Neco Williams and Brennan Johnson combine to get forward. Wiliams lays it back off to the Spurs man, who swings in a great diagonal cross that Cullen heads low past the ‘keeper!
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:17 , Chris Wilson
30 mins
Davies puts in another poor pass and it almost creates a great counter-attack for Iceland, but Rodon steps in brilliantly to win it back.
Wales are enjoying far more possession than the visitors now, but they still can’t find the gaps in the Iceland defence, as Sampsted is the first player to be booked after dragging down Dan James.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:15 , Chris Wilson
28 mins
Good play from Johnson as he opts to just and Fridriksson. He beats him and puts in a cross, but it’s deflected away from danger. Wales need more of that.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:13 , Chris Wilson
26 mins
Thorsteinsson does well to beat Williams a couple of times with a dummy before delivering a low cross, but it’s cleared and Iceland blasts over a shot from about 25 yards.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:12 , Chris Wilson
25 mins
There’s a break in play as it seems Oskarsson is injured. He’s forced off, and Ellertsson comes on in his place. A boost for Wales, for sure.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:10 , Chris Wilson
23 mins
Johnson is the latest to try and run at the Iceland defence, and he squares a layoff to Cullen, but the Swansea man can only drive a shot from distance straight at Valdimarsson.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:09 , Chris Wilson
21 mins
Wales are certainly keeping the ball better now, but too much of their play has been pedestrian so far. Sheehan tries to inject some pace into it with a great through ball that finds James, but the latter’s cross is put behind for a corner.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:07 , Chris Wilson
19 mins
Wilson’s free-kick is headed behind for a corner, and that set-piece comes to nothing after Davies loses the ball on the wing.
Not clicking for the home side at the moment.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:05 , Chris Wilson
17 mins
Sheehan and Oskarsson are involved in a scuffle so play it stopped for a minute or so as they both get a talking to.
Groans around the stadium as Davies turns back rather than playing it forward, though Wales do eventually win a free-kick near the edge of the box after a foul from Gudmundsson.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:03 , Chris Wilson
15 mins
Wales are slowly starting to look a bit more comfortable here, though there haven’t been any chances for the home side.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
20:01 , Chris Wilson
13 mins
It briefly looks as though Oskarsson is clean through again, though Rodon does well to recover and the Icelandic striker was offside anyway.
Moments later, Johnson finds himself 1-v-1 but he scuffs his effort and the ‘keeper saves, though the Spurs man was also offside.
Wales 0-1 Iceland
19:57 , Chris Wilson
10 mins
Iceland come forward again, led by Thorsteinsson, but Wales recover in time before wasting a counter-attacking chance of their own.
GOAL! Wales 0-1 Iceland
19:56 , Chris Wilson
7 mins
GOAL! The visitors are ahead!
It comes from a nice bit of attacking play too, as Gudmundsson swings in a great ball and Oskarsson powers a header too close to Ward, who saves well. From the rebound, it bounces out to Gudjohnsen, who hits a lot shot on the swivel that goes through Ward’s legs!
Wales 0-0 Iceland
19:53 , Chris Wilson
6 mins
Half a chance as Oskarsson brings down the long ball well and squares it off to Johannesson, whose high shot is tipped over by Ward. Wales manage to clear the corner, but Iceland stay in possession.
It’s a good press from Wales though, forcing the visitors all the way back to the ‘keeper before winning it back from the long ball.
Wales 0-0 Iceland
19:51 , Chris Wilson
4 mins
It’ll be Iceland with the first chance to swing in a free-kick after Williams fouls Þorsteinsson. Guðmundsson delivers, but Rodon does well to head away and Wilson wins a free-kick.
Wales 0-0 Iceland
19:49 , Chris Wilson
2 mins
All Wales in the opening stages, which is no surprise.
Iceland’s first brief spell of possession does bring a couple of nice one-touch combinations, though nothing comes of it.
KICK-OFF! Wales 0-0 Iceland
19:46 , Chris Wilson
The away side get us underway in Cardiff!
Wales v Iceland LIVE
19:40 , Chris Wilson
The two sides have emerged from the tunnel at the Cardiff City Stadium, so the anthems will be underway soon.
We’re five minutes from kick-off in the Welsh capital!
Form guide
19:35 , Chris Wilson
As mentioned previously, Wales are yet to lose a match under Craig Bellamy, winning two and drawing three since he took over ahead of the Nations League resuming.
Both wins came against Montenegro, with Wales drawing both matches against Turkey and giving up a two-goal lead to Iceland in the reverse fixture in Reykjavik.
Iceland have won two, drawn one and lost two across their last five matches. As well as that draw against Wales, they beat Montenegro twice but were soundly beaten home and away by Turkey – 4-2 at home and 3-1 in Izmir.
Match facts
19:30 , Chris Wilson
Iceland won 2-0 against Montenegro last time out and will be looking to win back-to-back competitive away matches for the first time since September 2015.
Orri Oskarsson has scored three goals in four starts for Iceland in the Nations League. He could become the first player to score in three consecutive appearances for Iceland in the Nations League.
Is Wales v Iceland on TV?
19:25 , Chris Wilson
With around 20 minutes to go until kick-off, here’s a reminder of how you can watch tonight’s match.
When is Wales vs Iceland?
The match takes place on Tuesday 19 November with kick-off set for 7.45pm GMT at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Where can I watch the match?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on S4C, with coverage starting at 7.20pm. The match can also be streamed online via BBC iPlayer.
Match facts
19:20 , Chris Wilson
Wales are unbeaten in their five matches under Craig Bellamy, and this is the longest unbeaten run to begin a managerial stint of any Wales boss.
The Welsh have gone 314 minutes without conceding a goal at home, and they could keep four consecutive clean sheets in competitive home fixtures for the first time since September 2016, when they kept four.
Neco Williams is one of only three players to have played every minute for Wales under Craig Bellamy so far (450), along with Joe Rodon and Ben Davies.
Williams has assisted two goals in his past four international appearances (as many as in his first 39 games for Wales combined), while Harry Wilson has been directly involved in more goals than any other Wales player in the Nations League (seven), as well as being their top scorer in the competition (five goals, two assists).
Hareide: “The pressure is on Wales"
19:15 , Chris Wilson
Veteran Iceland boss Åge Hareide says that his side have “possibilities” ahead of tonight’s game.
“The pressure is on Wales. They have their home crowd behind them and they’ll expect Wales to beat us.
“But the possibilities are there for us. We have played there before and we are confident we can do it.
“Craig Bellamy has tried to bring a certain style of play to Wales since he has started and he has done a good job. They have had good results, two draws against Turkey, and have conceded very few goals.
“They are hard to break down, but we will have a go to try and do that.
“It will be like a final. Everyone wants to play in a final, so we are pleased we are in a position to fight for it (second place).”
Match stats
19:10 , Chris Wilson
Wales have lost just one of their eight meetings with Iceland in all competitions (five wins, two draws), going down 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier in September 1984.
Iceland have lost their past three away games against Wales. This is their first such visit since a 3-1 loss in March 2014.
Bellamy: “All I care about is winning this game"
19:05 , Chris Wilson
Speaking ahead of the match, Wales manager Craig Bellamy said that he doesn’t even “know about the group” or the permutations.
“All I care about is winning this game. That’s the honest truth,” Bellamy dded.
“What will be will be. Just win the games, no matter who it is. That’s surely football.
“How can you set up to give you the best opportunity of winning? Home, away, whatever.
“Whatever happens elsewhere happens. If we draw we deal with that, if we lose we deal with that. T
here’s only three outcomes. How can we put ourselves in the best position to win the game? And that is it.”
Head-to-head
19:00 , Chris Wilson
Tonight will see the ninth meeting between these two sides, with the first taking place in 1980. Overall, Wales have won five, two have been draws and only one has ended in an Iceland win.
The last match between the two saw a 2-2 draw in Reykjavik, with Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson getting the goals for Wales.
What could happen to Wales tonight?
18:50 , Chris Wilson
There are three different potential outcomes for Wales heading into tonight’s fixture.
Bellamy’s side will win automatic promotion to League A if they beat Iceland and Turkey slip up against Montenegro. However, Montenegro have lost all five of their group matches so far and are already relegated, so this is unlikely to happen.
The more likely scenario is that Wales end up with a promotion play-off against a third-placed team from League A in March. This will happen if they finish second – in other words, if they win or draw tonight.
A loss to Iceland would put them back into third spot, in which case they would then face a relegation play-off with a League C runner-up in March.
Team news
18:47 , Chris Wilson
Iceland have made just three changes to the side that beat Montenegro last time out.
In defence, Aron Gunnarsson and Logi Tómasson come out for Victor Pálsson and Alfons Sampsted, while in midfield, Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson replaces Stefán Teitur Þórðarson.
Team news
18:41 , Chris Wilson
Wales have made four changes to the side that drew in Turkey. In goal, Danny Ward replaces Karl Darlow, while in defence they move to a three-at-the-back, with Ben Cabango coming in for Connor Roberts.
In midfield, Jordan James and Sorba Thomas drop out in favour of Dan James and Liam Cullen, with the latter moving into the three upfront.
Line-ups
18:37 , Chris Wilson
Wales XI: Ward; Cabango, Rodon, Davies; James, Wilson, Sheehan, Williams; Harris, Cullen, Johnson.
Subs: Darlow, King, Mepham, Norrington-Davies, Allen, Koumas, Colwill, Roberts, James, Thomas, Da Silva.
CYMRU XI 🏴🇮🇸
Gwlad y Ddraig. Ymlaen! 🐉
💻 https://t.co/vBGrpFJImG#UNL | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/rbDsXQyij2— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) November 19, 2024
Iceland XI: Valdimarsson; Fridriksson, Paisson, Ingason, Sampsted; Johannesson, Traustason, Þorsteinsson; Gudmundsson, Oskarsson, Gudjohnsen.
Subs: Olafsson, Petersson, Sigurgeirsson, Willumsson, Thorhalsson, Willumsson, Thordarson, Magnusson, Magnusson, Baldursson, Ellertsson.
👀 Byrjunarliðið gegn Wales.
📺 Bein útsending, í opinni dagskrá, á Stöð 2 Sport!
This is how we start our UEFA Nations League game against Wales.#viðerumísland pic.twitter.com/eePhuO6RoZ— Knattspyrnusambandið (@footballiceland) November 19, 2024
Team news
18:25 , Chris Wilson
We’re expecting the line-ups to be released at around 6.30pm, so here’s a quick reminder of the team news...
Craig Bellamy has no new injury concerns after the draw against Turkey, so all that remains to be seen is whether he opts for a tactical change of personnel against Iceland.
The back four will likely remain the same, with Joe Rodon and Ben Davies trusted at centre-back alongside Neco Williams and Connor Roberts. In midfield, Jordan James and Josh Sheehan could anchor again in the absence of Ethan Ampadu.
Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson’s recent performances have likely cemented their places in the side, though Dan James could replace Sorba Thomas on the left wing.
Mark Harris started at centre-forward in the draw last week, though Lewis Koumas and David Brooks will both hope they did enough to playthemselves into contention for a starting place.
Joe Rodon ready for landmark Wales cap after starring in bruising Turkey clash
18:20 , Chris Wilson
Joe Rodon will win his 50th Wales cap on Tuesday after being battered, bruised and cut during the Nations League draw with Turkey.
Rodon produced a player-of-the-match performance to shut out the Euro 2024 quarter-finalists in a bruising 0-0 stalemate in Kayseri.
The Leeds defender was left to nurse a couple of cuts above his eyes after colliding with team-mate Mark Harris, playing on with a headband after requiring treatment for several minutes.
Joe Rodon ready for landmark Wales cap after starring in bruising Turkey clash
Wales v Iceland talking points
18:10 , Chris Wilson
Iceland no pushover
Iceland might have struggled to hit the same heights since beating England to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
But Age Hareide’s side are certainly no lightweights and shook England again by beating them 1-0 in a Wembley friendly in June.
Iceland defeated Montenegro twice in this Nations League campaign and were unfortunate not to beat Wales in Reykjavik after recovering from a 2-0 interval deficit and draw with a stirring second-half performance.
Wales v Iceland talking points
18:00 , Chris Wilson
Allen to start?
Joe Allen came out of international retirement in October to help close out a 1-0 win over Montenegro with a valuable contribution from the bench.
Allen did not feature at all in Turkey with Bellamy having the Iceland game possibly in mind for the midfield veteran.
The 34-year-old has struggled for fitness this season, but has started twice for Swansea in the Sky Bet Championship since that Montenegro victory.
Wales v Iceland talking points
17:50 , Chris Wilson
Fresh legs needed
Wales boss Bellamy has not been afraid to make changes for the second game of a Nations League double-header with such a quick turnaround between matches.
Bellamy made five alterations after September’s opener against Turkey, another seven following October’s trip to Iceland for the return game with Montenegro.
Wales used up considerable energy holding Turkey to a goalless draw in Kayseri on Saturday – and freshening up the side may almost be as much out of necessity as choice.
Karl Darlow proud of how Wales dealt with hostile Turkish atmosphere
17:40 , Chris Wilson
Karl Darlow dodged lighters thrown towards him and “white noise” at the ear-splitting Kadir Has Stadium to help Wales secure a battling Nations League draw in Turkey.
Wales spent large periods of the clash under the cosh, but Darlow’s steady handling and shot-saving ability ensured the tie finished 0-0.
Turkey did have the chance to seal matters – and promotion to League A into the bargain – from the penalty spot in the 89th-minute, but Kerem Akturkoglu’s effort struck the outside of the post and went wide.
“As soon as we walked out you could hear the whistle and the boos,” Leeds goalkeeper Darlow said of the volatile atmosphere generated by Turkey supporters.
“Lighters were being thrown into the six-yard box and to come out with a 0-0 and a point from that game is something we can all be proud of.”
Karl Darlow proud of how Wales dealt with hostile Turkish atmosphere
Wales earn point in Turkey to continue unbeaten start under Craig Bellamy
17:30 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the match report from last time out...
Wales maintained their unbeaten record under Craig Bellamy in a 0-0 Nations League draw with Turkey after Kerem Akturkoglu sent his 89th-minute penalty against a post.
Turkey were given the chance to sew up Group B4 when Neco Williamsstretched out a leg and Yunus Akgun went to ground.
But Akturkoglu tamely rolled his effort on to the base of a post and wide as Karl Darlow dived the other way.
Prediction
17:20 , Chris Wilson
Both teams recorded impressive results last time out, though a revived Wales side should have too much for the visitors despite their draw last month.
Wales 2-1 Iceland.
Predicted line-ups
17:10 , Chris Wilson
Wales XI: Darlow; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Sheehan, James; Johnson, Wilson, James, Harris.
Iceland XI: Valdimarsson; Fridriksson, Ingason, Gunnarsson, Tomasson; Gudmundsson, Þórðarson, Traustason, Þorsteinsson; Oskarsson, Gudjohnsen.
Team news
17:00 , Chris Wilson
Craig Bellamy has no new injury concerns after the draw against Turkey, so all that remains to be seen is whether he opts for a tactical change of personnel against Iceland.
The back four will likely remain the same, with Joe Rodon and Ben Davies trusted at centre-back alongside Neco Williams and Connor Roberts. In midfield, Jordan James and Josh Sheehan could anchor again in the absence of Ethan Ampadu.
Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson’s recent performances have likely cemented their places in the side, though Dan James could replace Sorba Thomas on the left wing.
Mark Harris started at centre-forward in the draw last week, though Lewis Koumas and David Brooks will both hope they did enough to playthemselves into contention for a starting place.
Is Wales v Iceland on TV?
16:50 , Chris Wilson
When is Wales vs Iceland?
The match takes place on Tuesday 19 November with kick-off set for 7.45pm GMT at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Where can I watch the match?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on S4C, with coverage starting at 7.20pm. The match can also be streamed online via BBC iPlayer.
Wales v Iceland LIVE
16:40 , Chris Wilson
Wales host Iceland in Cardiff in the final match of their Nations League group campaign on Monday night, knowing that they need just one point to reach the next stage of the competition.
Craig Bellamy’s side battled to a 0-0 draw against Turkey last week and that result keeps them second in the group, two points ahead of tonight’s opponents and two behind Turkey.
It’s still possible for Wales to get automatic promotion, but with Turkey unlikely to lose to a Montenegro side with five losses from five, perhaps their best hope is second and a place in the competition’s play-offs in March.
These two sides played out a closely fought 2-2 draw last month, though Iceland will be hunting a win to leapfrog the hosts in Cardiff.
Wales v Iceland LIVE
16:30 , Chris Wilson
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Nations League match between Wales and Iceland.
Craig Bellamy’s side are undefeated in the group stage so far, and they need a draw or a win to secure a place in the promotions play-offs in March.
Meanwhile, a loss would condemn them to a relegation play-off, while they still harbour slim hopes of automatic promotion if Montenegro can shock Turkey.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, news and updates here.