Wales ended their winless run with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Norway in Cardiff, recovering from Oscar Bobb’s early goal before Neco Williams struck a superb free-kick moments after the restart.
Daniel James equalised in the first half after Martin Odegaard had created Norway’s opener, before Torbjorn Heggem was sent off 17 seconds into the second period for bringing down James as the Leeds winger raced towards goal. Williams punished the visitors from the resulting set-piece to give Craig Bellamy his first victory since November.
The result offered relief for Wales after a difficult run that included their World Cup playoff defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in March and a disappointing performance against Denmark the previous Sunday. Norway, meanwhile, suffered successive defeats for the first time in four years, with Erling Haaland unable to prevent his side from losing despite several late attempts to find an equaliser.
Norway started confidently and took the lead in the 11th minute. Odegaard, returning to the starting line-up after recovering from an ankle injury, played a precise pass behind the Wales defence for Bobb, who beat Ben Davies before finishing past Danny Ward at the near post.
Wales responded with greater urgency than they had shown in their defeat in Copenhagen. Sorba Thomas repeatedly troubled the visitors with his runs and crosses, while Liam Cullen and Lewis Koumas helped drive the hosts forward.
Thomas initially missed an opportunity to shoot inside the penalty area before Wales continued to threaten from wide positions. Cullen failed to connect with one delivery, while another cross forced Kristoffer Ajer to head dangerously towards his own goal.
Norway also had chances to extend their lead. Sander Berge’s effort caused problems after Ben Cabango failed to make clean contact with the ball, but Ward gathered it on his goal-line.
Wales equalised in the 38th minute after Cullen dispossessed Berge and launched a quick counterattack. Koumas released Thomas on the flank, and the Hull City winger delivered a low cross that James converted for his 11th international goal.
The game changed almost immediately after half-time. Norway’s defence was caught out as James accelerated towards goal, forcing Heggem to pull him down just outside the penalty area. The defender was dismissed, leaving Norway to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Williams stepped up to take the free-kick and sent a powerful right-footed effort into the bottom corner. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland initially moved to his left before attempting to recover, but the Wales defender’s strike left him unable to make the save.
Norway struggled to impose themselves with a player fewer, although Haaland had opportunities to bring them level. The Manchester City striker headed over from David Moller Wolfe’s cross before directing another effort straight at Ward later in the match.
His quiet first half had seen him register only 11 touches, and Wales’ supporters made their frustration known with chants comparing him unfavourably with former Wales striker Kieffer Moore.
Wales could have secured a more comfortable finish when substitute Josh Sheehan was released by another Thomas pass, but his effort lacked the power to beat Nyland. Thomas also threatened as the hosts looked to exploit the space left by Norway’s numerical disadvantage.
The visitors continued to search for an equaliser, with Jorgen Strand Larsen sending a late attempt over the crossbar, but Wales held on to claim a significant victory.
