Bellamy questions four-match window after Wales lose to Denmark

Wales manager Craig Bellamy questioned the demands of the new four-match international window after his side lost 1-0 to Denmark in the Nations League on Sunday. According to BBC Sport, Bellamy said injuries and the quick succession of fixtures had stretched his squad, arguing that countries with deeper pools of players were better equipped to handle the format.

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The September and October international breaks have been combined for the first time this year. Previously, national teams played two matches in each of the September, October and November windows. Bellamy said losing players to injury now meant potentially being without them for four matches rather than two, increasing the pressure on the remaining squad and limiting opportunities to rotate without weakening the team.

Wales entered the camp without Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor and Harry Wilson. David Brooks then withdrew after the opening defeat by Portugal. Dan James remained on the bench against Denmark because, Bellamy said, he was not fit enough to play. The manager also acknowledged that Ben Davies, who was substituted late in the match, probably should have been rested.

At Cardiff City Stadium, Wales struggled to threaten Denmark's goal before Hojlund settled the contest with a 75th-minute penalty. Goalkeeper Danny Ward had earlier denied both Hojlund and Gustav Isaksen, but his subsequent error and foul led to the spot-kick. Bellamy recognised the penalty as the decisive moment while stressing that Ward's earlier saves had prevented Denmark from taking the lead sooner.

Bellamy contrasted the performance with Thursday's match against Norway, saying Wales had been unable to reproduce the energy that had allowed them to press forward in that game. He also credited Denmark's physical strength and attacking runs, suggesting the visitors had been building pressure before the breakthrough rather than winning solely because of Ward's mistake.

Despite the defeat, Wales moved into third place in Group A4 after Norway lost 2-1 to Portugal. Wales hold the advantage over Norway on their head-to-head record. Their remaining Nations League fixtures are an away match in Oslo next month, followed three days later by a home meeting with Portugal.