Wales picked up their first win of the 2026/27 Nations League on Thursday, beating Norway 2-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The hosts needed a positive result after losing 1-0 and 2-0 to Portugal and Denmark respectively, but looked to be in for a long evening when Oscar Bobb ghosted through to give Norway an early lead.
While heads could have easily dropped, Wales were the better side following the goal with Sorba Thomas and Dan James threatening down the wings.
The home side's pressure told as James tapped home Thomas's squared ball to go into the break level.
No sooner than the second half had got underway were the visitors reduced to 10 men when James got in behind only to be pulled down by Torbjorn Heggem. With a free-kick from just outside the area, Neco Williams wrong-footed Orjan Nyland in the Norway goal to give the hosts the lead.
With Norway chasing a goal, Craig Bellamy's men sat deeper but withstood the pressure to pick up a vital three points.
Wales Player Ratings
Danny Ward - 6
Might have done better with the goal but had surprisingly little to do throughout the evening.
Neco Williams - 7
Impressive at the back and whipped in a terrific free-kick for the winner.
Ben Cabango - 7
Deserves lots of credit for his handling of Erling Haaland and dealing with the late bombardment.
Ben Davies - 6
Caught out by Oscar Bobb's run in behind for Norway's opener, but kept the visitors' biggest threat quiet.
Jay Dasilva - 6
Composed at the back; will have expected to be tested more than he was.
Ethan Ampadu - 8
Another superb performance in midfield for Wales having been given a tough assignment. Immaculate in possession.
Jordan James - 6
Outshone by his midfield partner; quiet evening for the 22-year-old.
Dan James - 8
Pace was a constant threat down the left wing; showed a poacher's instinct for the leveller and won the free-kick that saw Norway reduced to 10.
Liam Cullen - 7
Quietened a lot of doubters on Thursday with excellent pressing from the front and won the ball back in a dangerous area for Wales's equaliser.
Sorba Thomas - 8
Ought to have squared to Dan James when 1-0 down but was a constant menace with his deliveries from the left and made amends with an assist for the equaliser. Should have had a second assist when sending Josh Sheehan clean through.
Lewis Koumas - 7
Really impressive performance from the youngster, showing constant running, clever movement and proving a headache for the Norway defenders. The best centre forward on the pitch.
Wales v Norway match stats
Wales | Norway | |
50% | Possession | 50% |
12 | Shots | 13 |
6 | Shots on Target | 4 |
3 | Goalkeeper Saves | 4 |
11 | Fouls Committed | 7 |
3 | Corners | 3 |
520 | Total Passes | 519 |
90% | Pass Accuracy | 89% |
10 | Tackles | 8 |
21 | Clearances | 19 |
3 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
0 | Red Cards | 0 |
Wales v Norway Timeline
11' - Goal for Norway. Scored by Oscar Bobb, assisted by Martin Odegaard
37' - Yellow card for Jordan James
38' - Goal for Wales. Scored by Dan James, assisted by Sorba Thomas
46' - Red card for Torbjorn Heggem
48' - Goal for Wales. Scored by Neco Williams
