On Tuesday evening, the final day of the November international break, there was UEFA nations league action for Ben Davies, Brennan Johnson, and their Wales side – as they hosted Iceland in Cardiff. Heading into the game, Wales needed to either win their game and Turkey lose, or win by multiple goals and Turkey draw – in order to win their group and secure promotion.
For this game, both Davies and Johnson were again named in the starting XI by manager Craig Bellamy. Having played as a left sided centre back in a back four in the hard fought draw against Turkey in Istanbul on Saturday evening, Davies started as a left-back for this one. As for Johnson, he was in his usual right wing position.
Perfect night for Spurs duo as they secure their promotion
It would be the nightmare start, as Iceland took the lead after just seven minutes of the game, ensuring there would be no back to back clean sheets for Davies. Not only did this mean that Wales would not win the group – but as it stood, they would be set for a relegation play-off game against a second placed team from league C.
After 32 minutes, Johnson's Kulusevski esque, left footed, inswinging cross, found Liam Cullen to equalise for Bellamy's side, though typically - Turkey would equalise in their game just five minutes later. Nevertheless, as it stood, Wales would be avoiding the relegation play-off. Just before half-time, Turkey would go behind again, giving Wales a big opportunity.
Another twist would soon come - as Cullen scored his second of the game on the stroke of half-time to give Wales a 2-1 lead, which they took into the break. With 45 minutes left, they were heading for promotion.
Twenty minutes into the second half, Johnson would make it 3-1. Cullen would return the favour by playing a superb through ball to the Spurs man, who raced in on goal, before keeping his composure to fire the ball into the bottom corner.
🏴 Brennan Johnson gets in on the act against Iceland!
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) November 19, 2024
It's the Spurs man's 9th goal in all competitions for club and country this season. 💪#WALISL | #COYS pic.twitter.com/C5iQHRdMPk
Not long after, Montenegro would go 3-1 up against Turkey, and Wales were heading through to league A as group winners. With eleven minutes left, Harry Wilson made it 4-1 and Bellamy's side were on the brink.
With a minute left, Johnson was replaced by Connor Roberts - and that would be how both games ended, with Wales securing promotion back to league A, finishing ahead of Turkey by one point, with 12 points from six games, as they remain unbeaten to start the Bellamy era.
It was an absolutely brilliant performance from Johnson, who as well as his goal and assist, recorded; one big chance created, 2/2 successful dribble attempts, 8/9 ground duels won, three fouls drawn, three clearances, and three tackles.
Whilst he will be disappointed with no clean sheet, it was another workmanlike performance from Davies, who whilst wearing the armband, completed seven clearances and had 99 touches of the ball, as he closes in on a century of appearances for the national team.
Both players are going to be needed against Manchester City, so it's great to see them have a productive international break. They will now return to Hotspur Way in preparation for that game.