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Wales boss Craig Bellamy wanted to prove "I'm not a lunatic"
Wales' players believe they will get better and better under Craig Bellamy as they eye taking Nations League momentum towards the World Cup.
A 4-1 win over Iceland in Cardiff – coupled with Turkey's defeat in Montenegro – sealed Wales' promotion to League A as group winners.
It also gives Wales a chance of a 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off, regardless of how they fare in next year's campaign.
But with the victory making it six unbeaten under Bellamy since he replaced Rob Page in July, the Wales dressing room is mirroring the mindset of their manager by aiming beyond second chances.
"That's the dream, we all want to make the World Cup," said Swansea City striker Liam Cullen, who scored Wales' opening two in Cardiff, his first for his country.
"I don't think there was a better way than this to start off the manager's reign and hopefully we can take it into the qualifiers. We can go into that campaign full of confidence."
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Wales will be seeded second for the qualifying draw that will take place on 13 December, with their status as group winners – and avoiding Nations League play-offs – meaning they are likely to be in a five-team group that kicks-off the road to North America in March.
"It is going to be a long wait, but we'll be ready," said defender Ben Cabango, also of Swansea.
"We have shown by going to places like Turkey where it was hostile [where Wales drew 0-0] that we have the togetherness to get through tough spells.
"And then you have nights like this one where the performance is brilliant and it makes you feel like you're progressing all the time.
"It's not just going unbeaten, it's the way we've played and we feel we're getting better with each game. As long as he's here and we keep working hard, we'll keep improving."
Liam Cullen's opening goal against Iceland was his first for Wales
The return to fitness of players such as captain Aaron Ramsey and forwards Kieffer Moore and midfielder Ethan Ampadu could further such aims, with several others having missed games through injury.
Bellamy, though, has used 25 players over his opening games to ensure his wider squad are feeling part of what already seems like a new era for the side that missed out on Euro 2024 qualification.
In this latest example, Wales came from behind for the first time – and also scored after the interval to ease concerns of a high-tempo instruction tailing off in games.
"This was probably the most complete performance so far," said forward Mark Harris.
"You don't want to go one down, but he [Bellamy] just said in the dressing room that reacting like that, still playing our way, playing our stuff, keeping the ball – and even without the ball – I thought we were fantastic."
Cabango added: "He just wants us to play with courage on and off the ball and we're buying into it.
"It's being willing to take the ball at any time, but also with the high line, pressing from the front, wanting to win it back – he gives you freedom so if you do give it away you have the backing of him."
The players are now keen to showcase such belief on a bigger stage, with automatic World Cup qualification on offer for 12 group winners by this time next year, the 12 group runners-up, plus four Nations League group winners, heading into the play-offs for the final four spots.
"I think in the first six games it shows the ideas and the way he wants us to play is working for us – and hopefully we can take that into the World Cup qualifiers," added Cullen.
"Topping the group tops off the perfect start for the manager and his staff."
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