Craig Bellamy says criticism affected his family during Wales winless run

Craig Bellamy says criticism during Wales' winless run affected his family, speaking after Thursday's victory over Norway. According to BBC Sport's account of his post-match news conference, the Wales head coach described a difficult period and appealed for people to show greater consideration in how they address one another.

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Bellamy said he was accustomed to scrutiny from his own playing career, but his wife and children also saw the negativity directed towards him. He did not suggest managers should be exempt from criticism. Instead, he questioned the way supporters sometimes express it and called for more mutual support in a small country.

The former Wales striker was appointed in July 2024. Some fans criticised him after talks about a possible Burnley move in June. Bellamy said he remained committed to the national job and had turned down more lucrative work to continue, while stressing his happiness for the country after the result.

BBC Sport's match report detailed how Wales recovered from an early setback to beat Norway 2-1 at Cardiff City Stadium. Oscar Bobb put the visitors ahead after exchanging passes with Martin Odegaard and finishing past Danny Ward. Wales responded before the interval, with Dan James converting Sorba Thomas' cross after Liam Cullen intercepted a pass from Fredrik Aursnes.

The decisive sequence came immediately after the restart. Norway defender Torbjorn Heggem brought down James near the edge of the penalty area within the first 30 seconds of the second half and was sent off. Neco Williams scored from the resulting free-kick, curling the ball inside goalkeeper Orjan Nyland's right-hand post to put the home side in front.

The comeback ended a run of six internationals without a Wales victory. It was also their first win in the top division of the Nations League, achieved at the ninth attempt, and the first time Bellamy had beaten a team ranked above Wales since taking charge. Norway finished the match with 10 players after Heggem's dismissal.