Wales are unbeaten in nine matches under head coach Craig Bellamy World Cup qualifier:Belgium v Wales Venue:King Baudouin Stadium, BrusselsDate:Monday, 9 JuneKick off:19:45 BST Coverage:Live on BBC One, S4C, iPlayer, BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, the BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary. Wales have a new mentality under Craig Bellamy, according to a player who watched him help do the same at club level. Connor Roberts was part of the Burnley team that stormed the Championship as Bellamy assisted manager Vincent Kompany on their way to the title. Now the full-back is part of a Wales side enjoying an unbeaten start to Bellamy's first senior role as manager and its renewed ambition to reach the 2026 World Cup. Bellamy's team saw off group minnows Liechtenstein 3-0 in Cardiff on Friday, teeing up Monday's trip to qualification favourites Belgium. The 45-year-old has already stated Wales willtake the gameto the top seeds, while midfielder David Brooks says the team will be heading to Brusselsto go for the win. Asked whether it showed a mindset shift from past Wales sides, 62-cap Roberts said: "Yes is the straightforward answer. "The manager has come in â and obviously I know him from his time at Burnley â and we will go toe-to-toe with any team. "I'm not saying we'll win every single game but one thing is for sure, we will give everything and try and do the right things and try and win every game we play." Wales eased to a win over Liechtenstein with goals from Joe Rodon, Kieffer Moore and Harry Wilson, and Roberts added: "Of course it's big switch to go from playing Liechtenstein to Belgium, but we have to keep being ourselves and not change, keep the good habits that we've been learning and trying to integrate over the last nine months, do what we need to do to win the game. "And why can't we go [to Belgium] and dominate and put in a really good performance? That is the aim, that is the plan and hopefully we can achieve that." This video can not be played Wales secure first competitive win against Belgium in 1990 Bellamy has publicly spoken about not wanting to be seen as underdogs, a message clearly heard by players as they gear up for a key game in the campaign. Wales lead Group J after two wins and a draw from their opening three games. And their comfortable night in Cardiff against Liechtenstein was made even more enjoyable with news of Belgium conceding late to draw in North Macedonia in their opening fixture. It saw Belgium manager Rudi Garcia tell reporters his side "have to win" against Wales. But Bournemouth's Brooks says Wales haven't changed their thoughts because of the result in Skopje. "We fancied ourselves from minute one," Brooks said. "It's not as though we felt Belgium needed to slip up for us to have a chance, we were going to go there and try and win anyway. "We both dropped points [in North Macedonia] but they're not a pushover team. We will be going to Belgium to try and get three points."
Wales have new mindset under Bellamy
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Wales Under Craig Bellamy Aims for Success in World Cup Qualifier Against Belgium"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Wales has demonstrated a significant transformation under the leadership of head coach Craig Bellamy, remaining unbeaten in their last nine matches. This positive trend is evident as the team prepares to face Belgium in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Connor Roberts, a player who previously worked with Bellamy at Burnley, highlighted the new mentality instilled in the team by their coach. The full-back emphasized that the squad is eager to adopt a competitive approach, stating that they are ready to challenge any opponent head-on. Wales recently secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Liechtenstein, with goals from Joe Rodon, Kieffer Moore, and Harry Wilson, showcasing their offensive capabilities. The team is currently leading Group J with two wins and a draw from their initial three matches, reflecting a promising start to their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
As Wales gears up for their match against Belgium, the players remain focused and determined, with midfielder David Brooks asserting their intention to secure a win. Bellamy's emphasis on not being perceived as underdogs has resonated with the squad, and they are committed to maintaining the positive habits they have developed over the past nine months. Roberts acknowledged the challenge of transitioning from facing a team like Liechtenstein to competing against a top-tier side like Belgium but expressed confidence in their ability to perform well. The team aims to carry their momentum into the upcoming match, despite the pressure that comes with it. With a newfound ambition and a strong mindset, Wales is looking to put forth a dominant performance against Belgium, hoping to achieve a significant result in their World Cup qualifying journey.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article outlines the positive changes in the mindset and performance of the Wales national football team under the newly appointed head coach Craig Bellamy. With an unbeaten record in recent matches, the narrative emphasizes a shift towards ambition and competitiveness, particularly ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Belgium.
Team Spirit and Mindset Shift
The focus on a "new mentality" reflects a significant cultural transformation within the team. The comments from player Connor Roberts, who has experienced Bellamy's coaching at Burnley, highlight the belief that the team is now prepared to face stronger opponents head-on. This shift suggests that the players are developing confidence and resilience, which can be crucial for their performance in high-stakes matches.
Anticipation for Upcoming Matches
The article builds anticipation for the upcoming match against Belgium, framing it as a test of their newfound resolve. The expectation set by both the coach and the players indicates a strategic approach to not just compete, but to aim for victory, contrasting with previous performances where a more defensive mentality may have prevailed. This narrative is likely intended to rally support from fans and boost team morale.
Concealing Underlying Challenges
While the article is predominantly positive, there may be an underlying intention to downplay potential challenges the team could face against a stronger opponent like Belgium. The emphasis on confidence and ambition could serve to mask any weaknesses or areas of concern in the squad, such as tactical limitations or player fitness issues.
Manipulative Elements
The language used in the article is designed to evoke a sense of hope and enthusiasm among fans and stakeholders. Phrases like "go toe-to-toe" and "dominate" are assertive and motivational, aiming to foster a communal belief in the team's capabilities. This could be seen as a form of manipulation, as it encourages supporters to adopt an overly optimistic view that might not align with the team's actual performance capabilities.
Trustworthiness of the Information
Overall, the article appears credible, presenting opinions from players and the coach, which typically provide insights into team dynamics. However, the selective focus on positive aspects could lead to a skewed perception of the team's reality.
The aim of this article seems to be to generate excitement and support for the Wales national team as they prepare for a significant match, while potentially glossing over the challenges they may face.