Bellamy wins it for Wales

By Matthew Jones
October 17 2002

Craig Bellamy scores the winning goal in Wales' SHOCK 2-1 win over Italy last night. The Newcastle striker fired home on the 71st minute after a clever through-ball by John Hartson.

Newcastle's Craig Bellamy was the Talk of the Tyne and the Cardiff Millennium Stadium last night after he grabbed the winning goal in Wales' shock 2-1 win over Italy.

The tenacious striker fired Mark Hughes' side, which also included Gary Speed, to the shock victory in the 71st minute as he raced past Alessandro Nesta to pounce on John Hartson's throughball before rounding Gianluigi Buffon and rolling the ball home.

Tottenham's Simon Davies had given the Welsh the best possible start after just 12 minutes when he lashed home from an acute angle but Alessandro Del Piero equalised for the visitors just after the half-hour mark.

However, Wales were not to be outdone and Bellamy's fine goal sparked scenes of delight in the packed Millennium Stadium.

And a delighted Hughes said: "You will not have seen a performance like that in this stadium before. You have amazing highs and lows as a manager but this is a wonderful feeling."

Elsewhere, Shay Given was in goal for the Republic of Ireland but he could not prevent Mick McCarthy's men slumping to a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland.