The Dragons were defeated by The Red Devils 2-4 in their World Cup qualifier on Monday (13.10.25), and Bellamy has now conceded Wales’ chances of securing their place in the tournament next year are fading.
Speaking after the game, the 46-year-old head coach said: “We knew we needed to win, we were here to win.
“The draw wasn't going to get us first place. We knew that. We're aware of our play-off positioning as well.”
Even so, Bellamy insisted he enjoyed playing the top teams, and emphasised he was proud of Wales’ performance.
He said: “But I honestly love playing these top teams. It's so good. Your heart is in your mouth at times, you're really living on the edge.
“I definitely liked a lot of our game. I'm really proud of the players. And I know that's no consolation to the people who are watching on or the players themselves.”
Wales got off to a good start against Belgium, with Joe Rodon, 27, giving The Dragons an early lead after he scored from a corner.
However, a 24th-minute goal from Belguim’s Thomas Meunier, 34, two penalties from Kevin De Bruyne, 34, and a late goal from Leandro Trossard, 30, smothered Wales’ hopes of victory.
An 89th-minute goal from Nathan Broadhead, 27, brought the score up to 2-4, but still sent The Dragons home disappointed.
Reflecting on the match, Bellamy said: “We felt the best way of being able to combat this team was to have the ball.
“And we created a lot of chances, but we felt that was the way of being able to beat this team because we needed to win.
“It was as simple as that, and you could see even towards the end, we opened up more. We lost a bit of control in the game. But I always believe the way you can stop the opposition from scoring is by having the ball.
“But that transition moment, with Jeremy [Doku], it's so fearful every time you have the ball that if it turns over, this kid, he's just that.
“I've experienced it. I had him on my team [at Anderlecht], and I knew how dangerous he was, but going against him ... we knew there were going to be difficult moments in that game.”
Wales will need to beat Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in the final group fixture if The Dragons are to qualify for the World Cup.
