\n<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the long run this will be beneficial for us. Obviously to be 2-0 up and draw is disappointing, but it was a pleasing performance.<\/p>\n
“It was me learning about the players and them learning from us. It’s never good to concede, I don’t like it, we’ll look at it again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt momentum played a big part. It’s about us understanding when to take the sting out the game, which will come. Overall, I’m pleased with the performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
The draw in Iceland means Bellamy is the first Wales manager to remain unbeaten after his first three competitive matches.<\/p>\n
His opening draw with Turkey and 2-1 win in Montenegro last month had rejuvenated Wales, with a progressive new approach exciting fans, players and pundits alike after the disappointment of missing out on Euro 2024.<\/p>\n
Wales looked to be heading for a second successive victory and top spot in Group B4 after an impressive first half in Reykjavik, but they collapsed after the break.<\/p>\n
Iceland wasted several chances before scoring their two goals and had further opportunities to take all three points.<\/p>\n
Wales, by contrast, were non-existent as an attacking force in the second half and will hope to rediscover their first-half verve when they face Montenegro in Cardiff on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a big fan of Iceland so I knew it was going to be a difficult game,\u201d said Bellamy. “Of course we were 2-0 up by half-time but my words were, \u2018this is going to be a long half\u2019. <\/p>\n
“A very good manager [Iceland boss \u00c5ge Hareide], we knew being 2-0 down they were going to throw more men at the press because they had to.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow were we going to find the solutions? Because the solutions were there but it\u2019s being able to find them at the time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot to benefit us, especially the second half. It allows us to coach more, it builds a library in the players\u2019 heads: \u2018Remember this situation, remember when we found this period difficult.\u2019 They can memorise it. This is our third game together.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the long run, I\u2019m really happy. And this is not me trying to sugar-coat drawing after being 2-0 up, it really isn\u2019t. What I\u2019m telling you now I told the players. This was really good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wales will be without Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson and Rennes midfielder Jordan James against Montenegro due to suspension after they picked up their second bookings of the campaign against Iceland.<\/p>\n
Johnson, who has scored seven goals in seven games for club and country, was taken off at half-time after taking a knock during the first half.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a precaution. He took a kick,\u201d said Bellamy.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe did feel something from impact so we\u2019ll get him checked out.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n